whose mother was of royal blood, and considered that her son had the best right to succeed in virtue thereof.

According to the loose usage of the country, something might be said in favour of the first, and still more of the youngest; but as the principal persons in the State then supported the cause of the second, and for other reasons in favour of his claim, needless to detail, he was acknowledged by the British Government as successor to the throne. He was a lad of about thirteen, very handsome, with engaging manners, intelligent beyond his years, and well worthy of the preference accorded him.1 Though generally acknowledged by the people, the two disappointed mothers refused allegiance. So long as they remained quiet it was unnecessary for Government to interfere; but they secretly began to plot, surrounding themselves with armed mercenaries, and rendering it imperative on the administration of the country to take steps to preserve peace. The eldest queen first.

It is to be regretted that our Government did not take advantage of so good an opening for educating men to their responsibilities as was here afforded them, and pressed on their attention.

began this opposition, the younger apparently waiting the disposal of her case, perhaps secretly. joining her; but as there was at this time no overt act on her part, she will not be alluded to again in this chapter.

Remonstrances and warnings producing no effect, I proceeded to Joonagur with a force sufficient to quell opposition should diplomacy fail. We encamped within the city walls, and after fruitless discussion with her agents I demanded an interview with the Ranee herself. Captain Hutt, who commanded the troops, accompanied me, both to add weight to my injunctions and to survey the premises, which might possibly have to be attacked. We found them well suited for musketry defence, with many twists and turns where invaders might be taken in front and rear. Carefully observing everything that could be of use to us, we reached at last an inner room, where the Ranee's presence was announced behind a curtain that hid her from our view.

1 Ranee is the Hindoo term for queen. The Mohammedans style her Begum when of the higher class of sovereigns, otherwise Baee, another Hindoo word, is the most appropriate title for both communities.

After the usual interchange of compliments, I fully explained the reasons for the rejection of her son's claim, and why the reigning prince had established his title. The lady heard me, and when I paused for her reply it came in no wavering tone; with great ingenuity she supported her son's claim, and resolutely refused to give it up or to disband her followers. Argument failing, I was obliged to tell her that this state of things could not be permitted, that I had force enough with me to compel obedience, and that after giving over the affair to the military I could not be answerable for the consequences that might follow the storming of the place. All was in vain; no persuasion could avail to shake the mother's determination. I care,' she said, 'for nothing but my son's rights, and for these I am ready to run all risks or sacrifice my life. Nothing shall induce me to give up his claim.'

The conference had lasted long, and further parley appearing hopeless, I drew out my watch, and solemnly warned the Ranee that I should wait only five minutes longer, after which I must make

over the whole business to the officer at my side. The five minutes passed, and her resolution remained unchanged. Then we rose slowly to go, inspecting very minutely every step of the way, for it was important to see what positions it would be necessary for the soldiers to take up after entrance was effected. The way out was mostly lined with matchlock men, their matches lighted for instant service. This had rather an ugly look, as had also their commander, whom I accosted. He and his men, numbering about a hundred, were Arabs. He had but one eye, the many deep scars on his face showing how the other had been lost; and small-pox had also left its traces on this charming visage. He was armed to the teeth with pistols, crease, dagger, and sword, all kept from jostling one another by a huge shawl bound round his waist. The following dialogue ensued between us :

'My friend,' I said, 'the Ranee has refused to attend to the injunctions of Government, though handsome terms of maintenance suited to her dignity have been offered to her; she has therefore placed herself in the position of a rebel against

both her Government and mine, and those who aid her in this course will incur the penalty of rebellion. You must be aware that, however you may be able to oppose your own sovereign, it is utterly impossible for you to prevail against the British Government, and opposition to the forces of either will inevitably entail on you death in action or a traitor's doom. I therefore conjure you to disband your men. If you do so at once no harm or loss shall accrue to you, for you shall be enlisted in the service of the State, and all arrears of pay made up.'

The Jemadar1 replied, 'All that you say may be very true, Sahib, but we Arabs look on the one who pays us as our Dhuné,2 and we pride ourselves on being faithful to our salt. When the Ranee gives me an order I shall obey it. I can't attend to you.'

To this I replied that the lady's honour was safe

1 Title of the commander of any small body, and may correspond to Captain in the forces of Native States, though in our regular Native Infantry rather to Ensign.

2 The English language cannot give the full meaning. Dhuné implies owner, master, and lord paramount.