Rujub, the Juggler

their light down upon the paths, which were marked out by lines of little lamps suspended on wires a foot abo

walls lit up below by the soft light, while the outline of the upper part could scarce be made out. Eastern as the scene was, the actors were for the most part English. Although the cro

s began to arrive, and for their amusement there had been a native nautch upon a grand scale, followed by a fine display of fireworks, and then by supper, at which the Rajah had made a speech expressive of his deep admiration and affection for the British. This he had followed up by proposing the health of the ladies in flowery terms. Never was there a better fellow than the Rajah. He had English tastes, and often dined at one or other of the officers' messes. He was a good shot, and could fairly hold his own at billiards. He had first rate English horses in his stables, and his turnout was perfect in all respects. He kept a few horses for the race

to give his aid and assistance to every gathering. His private band played frequently on the promenade, and handsome presents of shawls

that swept the board on the Bombay side; I have set my heart on winning the cup, and so secur

against it yet, and we must wait to see what the betting is, but I doubt whether we have a

; "I have always been unlucky,

Rajah," General Wheeler said; "yet there is no doub

g thing, I think. The Government has treated me so badly I m

ter this splendid entertainment you have given us th

le pleasures-I do not know that I could wish

alls, and, pushing aside a curtain, entered a small room. The walls and the columns were of white marble, inlaid with arabesque work of colored stones. Four golden lamps hung from the ceiling, the floor was

heal and Im

ux commanded the Rajah's troops, while K

t their good friend Nana Sahib is preparing for them. What a poor spirited creature they think me to kiss the hand that robbed me, to be friends with th

ning, my lord; would you see t

r bare shoulders out of my mind. Send the men in one by one. I have no further occasion for y

ative, in the rags of a mendicant, entered, and bowed till his forehead touched the carpet. Then he remained

ou been?" the

questioned. Then, in another disguise, I have gone through the bazaar, and said in talk with many that the Sepoys were unclean and outcast, for that they had bitten cartridges anointed with pig's fat, and that the

n and further orders; but see that you keep silence; a single word, and thoug

the last, all had a similar tale to tell; they had been visiting the various cantonments of the native army, everywhere distributing chupaties and whispering tales

s it, Mu

and few would take the road again, but scarce one but has trained up his son or grandson to the work; not to practice it,-the hand of the whites was too heavy before, and the gains are not large enough to tempt men to run the risk-but they teach them for the love of the art. To a wor

selves and victims for Kali; for, assuredly, no native prince would dare to meddle with us. Therefore, upon every man who was once a Thug, and upon his sons and grandsons, you may depend. I do not say that they would be useful for fighting, for we have never been fighters, but the stranglers will be of use. You can trust them with missions, and send them where you choose. From their fathers' lips they have learnt all about places and roads; they can decoy Fering

e Rajah said suddenly, looking close

the land like fallen leaves; then will the glory of Kali return, then again will the brotherhood take to the road and gather in victims. I can promise that every one of those whose fathers or

ave a rich harvest of victims, and the sacred cord need nev

brain was busy with the schemes which he had long been

hand; they shall trust me to the last, and then I will crush them. Not one shall escape me! Would I were as certain of all the other stations in India as I am of this. Oude, I know, will rise as one man; the Princes of Delhi I have sounded; they will be the leaders, though the old King will be t

d a few hours before so sumptuously entertained the military and civilians of Cawnpore, and the ma

m was slowing brewing; and yet to all men it seemed that India w