return his grasp. He gazed
at the old man's countenance, unable to persuade himself that he was
really dead; but he became aware of the fact by the loud cries of the
women, who, with fans in their hands, had been in readiness to cool his
fevered brow as he lay on the couch.

"Oh, I wish that the English doctor had arrived before," thought
Reginald. "He might have saved his life."

At that moment he was aroused by the voice of Burnett, who, approaching,
exclaimed, "I trust the rajah is not worse. Dr Graham has ridden hard
to come to him."

"I have arrived too late," said the doctor, as he took the old man's
hand, and looked into his countenance. "But not too late to form an
opinion of the disease which has carried him off. He has been poisoned;
and a further examination will confirm what I say."

Reginald was horrified; but the doctor asserted that he was right.

"Let me advise your highness to be careful of what food you partake and
what beverages you drink. The same hand which mixed the potion for your
grandfather may be ready to administer a similar one to you," added the
doctor.

CHAPTER NINE.

REGINALD RAJAH OF ALLAHAPOOR--ARRIVAL OF CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD--VISIT TO
BUXSOO'S FAMILY--THE CAPTAIN TAKEN BY SURPRISE--A BANQUET--REGINALD
ESCORTS NUNA TO THE RESIDENCY--MEETING OF NUNA AND VIOLET.

The late rajah had been carried to the tomb of his ancestors in state,
and Reginald had been duly installed as his successor amid the
acclamations of the people. But remembering the warning he had
received, he was very far from enjoying his new position. Willingly
would he have left the country, and the Oriental magnificence in which
he lived, had he not felt that it was his duty to remain and endeavour
to ameliorate the condition of his subjects.

Nuna had been much grieved at the loss of her grandfather, and had
hitherto been unwilling to appear in public; though she could not help
looking forward with satisfaction to the greater liberty she would be
able to enjoy. Reginald had had a long conversation with her about his
friend Burnett; and she had confessed that she would rather become his
wife than that of the most wealthy and powerful prince in the country.
So Reginald, knowing his friend's sentiments, considered the matter
settled.

He took an early opportunity of telling Burnett, who thanked him
heartily for having undertaken his cause with the ranee.

"You will ever find me, I trust, my dear Regina