lers reached the Dutch factory, and beyond this the English
settlement and fort.

Leaving the Babu to arrange quarters for the peons in the native part of
the town, Desmond hastened on past the stables and the hospital to the
factory. It was a rough oblong in shape, defended at each corner by a
bastion mounted with ten guns, the bastions being connected by massive
curtains. In the south curtain, windowed for the greater part of its
length, was the gateway. Desmond was admitted by a native servant, and in
a few minutes found himself in the presence of the chief, Mr. William
Watts.

Mr. Watts was a tall man of near forty years--of striking presence, with
firm chin, pleasant mouth, and eyes of peculiar depth and brilliance. He
was clad in a long purple-laced coat, with ruffles at the wrists and a
high stock, and wore the short curled wig of the period. He welcomed
Desmond with great cordiality, and, glancing over Mr. Merriman's letter,
said:

"My friend Mr. Merriman needlessly disturbs himself, I think. I apprehend
no immediate difficulty with the new Subah, although 'tis true there have
been little vexations. As to the goods, they are in Coja Solomon's
godown; they were delivered some time ago and paid for; what the reason
of the delay is I cannot tell. One thing I may mention--it appears that
Mr. Merriman is ignorant of it: Coja Solomon has lately become the agent
of Omichand, whose peons have been seen to visit him, then passing on to
Murshidabad. I happen to know also that he has communicated with Coja
Wajid: do you know anything of him?"

"No, sir; I have never heard his name."

"He's a rich Armenian trader in Hugli, and acts as agent between the
Nawab and the French and Dutch. We suspect him of encouraging
Sirajuddaula against us; but of course we can't prove anything. My advice
to you is, be wary and be quick; don't trust any of these fellows further
than you can see them. But you can't do anything tonight. You will allow
me to give you a bed: in the morning you can make a call on Coja Solomon.
What has become of your peons?"

"A Babu I brought with me is looking after them. But I have an English
seaman also: can you tell me what to do with him?"

"Sure he can lodge with Sergeant Bowler close by--near the southeast
bastion. The sergeant will be glad of the company of a fellow countryman;
your man will be a change after the Dutchmen and topasses he has to do
with."

Early next morning Desmond, accomp