be able to render them; and his almost certain intention was, when
the rising should materialize, to offer his small forces to the British
as an inexpensive means of quelling the disturbance, thus restoring
his own lost credit and double-crossing all concerned. A subtle motive,
subtly suspected.

It was no new thing in the annals of Indian state affairs, nor anything
to get afraid about; but what the State Department desired to know
was, why Sir Roland Samson, K. C. S. I., was not keeping a closer
eye on Gungadhura, what did he propose as the least troublesome
and quietest solution, and would he kindly answer by return.

All that was bad enough, because a "beau ideal commissioner" rather
naturally feels distressed when information of that sort goes over his
head or under his feet to official superiors. But he could have got
around it. It should not have been very difficult to write a report that
would clear himself and give him time to turn around.

But that very evening no less an individual than the high priest of Jinendra
had sent word by Sita Ram that he craved the favor of an interview.

"And," had added Sita Ram with malicious delight, "it is about the treasure
of Sialpore and certain claims to it that I think he wants to see you."

"Why should he come by night?" demanded Samson.

"Because his errand is a secret one," announced the babu, with a hand
on his stomach as if he had swallowed something exquisite.

So Samson was in a quandary, going over secret records getting ready