fe goes on, the
world sees our actions, our outward triumphs and losses, and knows of
nothing else. There was not a soul in Calcutta who ever knew what had
passed between Marian and me on this occasion, and yet those few words
were a worse grief to me than all the other sufferings I had to
endure; and in that single hour I was changed from a boy into a man.

After this I dared not press her again on the subject of leaving
Calcutta. With a heavy heart I watched the last ship go down the
Hooghley on the way to England, and the very day after it had gone I
received a message in writing from Mr. Holwell, in these words--

"Haste to the Council meeting, and ask for me. We are in receipt
of threatening letters from Moorshedabad, and need your
services."

Not a little agitated, I thrust the letter into my pocket, and
hastened round to Mr. Drake's, the Governor's house, where the Council
was assembled, he being confined indoors by an illness. I sent in my
name to Mr. Holwell, who immediately came out and fetched me into the
room where they were met.

Mr. Drake lay on a couch against one of the windows, while the other
gentlemen were seated around in a circle, facing him. He was a stout
man with a red face, who had spent many years in the East Indies, and
by dint of an important manner and never having been placed in any
situation of real difficulty, had passed down to this time for a very
prudent and capable person. On my entrance he spoke to me rather
peremptorily--

"You are Mr. Ford, are you not?"

I nodded.

"I am told that you speak the Indostanee language. Is that so?"

"Yes, sir," I said. "Mr. Holwell and Mr. Byng are aware of it."

"Very good." He nodded his head once or twice. "Those gentlemen have
recommended you to the Council as a discreet, intelligent young man,
which I do not doubt you are. There is an employment which I have to
propose to you, one which calls for those qualities, and also for
courage. The question is, young man"--he fixed his eyes on me very
sternly--"do you think you possess courage?"

"I don't know," I answered bluntly, not much liking his manner of
questioning me.

"Ha!" He gave a sort of sniff, and looked about him scornfully.

"But I have fought one duel, and am ready to fight another with any
one who doubts me," I said, speaking in a modest voice. And some of
the gentlemen laughed and clapped their hands.

The Governor frowned severely.

"I believe, Mr. Ford,