English. I tell you
fairly, I am uneasy to find myself so much in their power as I am, and
if I could I would gladly make my peace with my fellow-countrymen, and
enter the service of the Company."

This confession sounded to me sufficiently probable to be believed. I
could now see plainly enough what was Rupert's object in thus seeking
to be reconciled with me. It was because I was the only witness
against him in the English camp, able to denounce the crimes and
treasons which he had committed, to the governor and his council. It
was evidently necessary for him to have some person to answer for him,
in case he should seek service with the Company, and for this reason,
I concluded, he had decided that it would be of more profit to him to
have my friendship than to get rid of me altogether.

With these thoughts I suffered myself to entertain his proposals. But
there was another question of more importance to me than Rupert
Gurney's friendship or enmity.

"What of Marian?" I demanded. "Were you not the person who came for
her this morning, and led her out of the fort?"

"No!" he cried, much disturbed. "Do you know what has happened to her?
I have inquired everywhere, and been unable to gather the smallest
information. It is this which has convinced me that I no longer
possess the confidence of those about the Nabob. And I fear----"

He stopped, biting his lips, and looked at me, as if he would know
what I suspected. I returned his look with interest.

"And I, too, fear," I answered solemnly. "And pray heaven that my fear
is unfounded, for if it should turn out otherwise, after your
persuading her to trust in your protection, I tell you plainly, Rupert
Gurney, that I will never rest till I see you dead at my feet."

Though I thus threatened him, nevertheless I believed that he was
really at a loss and anxious to find out what had become of Marian. He
presently said to me--

"I will go now and make a further search, and if I hear any news, will
let you know. And do you, on your part, trust me. If in the meantime
I can do anything to effect your release, I will."

With that he went off. About the same time an order arrived for our
removal, and we were carried away to another part of the fort.

Whether in consequence of my cousin's representations or of Meer
Jaffier's, as is more probable, Surajah Dowlah suddenly decided to
release all his English prisoners, except three or four of the
principal ones, including Mr