The next day we returned the visit, and were introduced to all the family.

The late Rajah had had three wives, and in all there were fifteen children. Among these, one lively child, of about ten years old, became our prime favourite, and she engaged me in a game of romps, pelting me with roses, and laughing merrily. There was not the slightest attempt on the part of any of them to hide their faces, nor was there any of the stiffness usual among native families.

I soon perceived that it would be necessary to lose no time in placing the young Rajah on his guddee or throne, that he might be publicly acknowledged. My reason was this. For some years after her marriage, the Ranee had had no male child, nor had any of the other wives. In fact, the late Rajah had formed two other marriages, in hopes of having an heir.

If there were no male heir born to him, his brother Pid Naik naturally succeeded; but Pid Naik declined succession for himself, and put forward his eldest son for adoption, who had been generally acknowledged, although no ceremony of actual adoption took place.

However, when hope was nearly at an end, the Ranee had a son, and Pid Naik's son was thrown out. It came to my ears that Pid Naik, encouraged by his boon companions at his drinking-bouts, had said that "now he could do as he pleased, and had the ball at his feet, and he would show them all so after I had been withdrawn." In any case, whether this were true or not, he was very cool about the ceremony of placing the young Rajah on his guddee. He made many excuses. It would cost a great deal of money; the Beydur clans must be brought together, and he was by no means sure of them; an

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auspicious day must be selected, and was far distant, and the like; and if anything went wrong, he would get the blame. However, I simply told him I had received orders from the Supreme Government to proceed with the ceremony on the earliest possible date, and according to the rules and customs of the family on such occasions, and that it must be done forthwith.

And so it was. Arrangements were made of all kinds. There proved to be enough money in the treasury to pay the expenses of the ceremony. Invitations were sent to the neighbouring families and people of rank, and the State observed its usual profuse hospitality to all, and its charitable doles to beggars, dancers, jugglers, acrobats, &c.; and for three days previous to the ceremony, the feasting was perpetual. Finally, when all the Hindoo rites had been concluded, I took the little Rajah, who had been sitting close to me, as his mother had implored me not to allow him out of my sight, and leading him to his guddee, or cushion of embroidered velvet, placed him upon it in the name of the Government of India and the Nizam.

"Whoever," I said to the crowds about us, "is the friend of your Rajah Enketappa Naik" (and I added his titles), "is the friend of both Governments; and whoever is his enemy is our enemy, and will be dealt with as he deserves. The British Government will protect your Rajah and his interests till he reaches his majority, after which his possessions will be made over to him. It is, you see, a long journey to travel: some will faint and fall by the way-some will fail; but in the end, if ye are all of my mind, ye will joyfully repeat this ceremony."

Then followed great clapping of hands, and again the

old cry, "Jey Mahadeo Baba!" and afterwards the distribution of pan and atr, with handsome shawls and dresses of honour, according to degree. The ceremony being ended, the little prince rose, and thanked all present in, for his age, a very dignified manner; and I took him back to his mother, who embraced him passionately. Whatever the Ranee may have been, there was no question that her love for him then was devoted, and that she was very grateful to me.

"This would never have taken place but for you," she said to me, as she embraced my wife, who had been with her all the afternoon. "What can I give you?— how can I thank you both? My child is in truth yours, and you must guard him henceforth as a son."

We submitted, as a matter of form, to be enveloped in rich shawls, and soon afterwards took our leave. Pid Naik had accompanied us to the entrance of the inner court, but it was not etiquette for him to proceed further, and he waited for us and went with us to our tents amidst firing of guns and noisy music.

So far, I hoped I had done my duty, but I felt uncertain as to the future, for no definite position had been assigned to me as yet.

CHAPTER VIII.

1843-44.

ACTING on instructions eventually received, I endeavoured to put forward Pid Naik as much as possible as head of the State, and to make arrangements for giving the young Rajah such a sound practical education as would best fit him for the future management of his country. Pid Naik was, however, helpless and incompetent, and seemed both unwilling and unable to assist. He gave himself up to fits of intoxication, from which no one could arouse him; and although, when sober, he promised amendment, the vicious habit increased.

During a visit to Hyderabad, I discussed the affairs of Shorapoor with the Resident, who desired me to prepare the draft of a letter in English and Persian, embodying the wishes of the Governor-General. I did so, and in it my position was declared to be supreme, and that of Pid Naik executive, and much sound advice was given him as to the conduct of his affairs.

As soon as I returned to Shorapoor, Pid Naik paid me a visit. Everything had gone on smoothly during my absence, and I complimented him upon all he had done. I then delivered to him the Resident's letter, and he sent away his crowd of attendants and followers in order

that we might discuss the subject unrestrainedly between us. It had been left optional to him to accept the orders of the Governor-General or not, as he chose; and I was ready to transmit his wishes, whatever they might be, whether of entire and bonâ fide acquiescence in the orders issued, or his objections to them, as he pleased. If he acquiesced, it would be my duty and care to make the execution of these orders as light and pleasant to him as possible; but if he objected, I could only transmit any letter or paper that he might give me.

He said his honour and reputation were in my hands, and he would think over the letter from the Resident, and give me an answer as soon as possible. This he did; and the reply, when it came, was quite satisfactory, and expressed his desire to work faithfully with me for the good of the State. Between us we made out a budget of the State revenues for the year, and I found that we might have 240,000 rupees, out of which the local charges would be 100,000, leaving 140,000 for payment of tribute and interest, with a balance to go on with.

A few days after this interview there happened a disagreeable affair in Shorapoor. One of my chuprassies, or messengers, was buying some grass in the market-place from a Beydur woman, and was badly wounded by an armed Beydur standing near. Whether my chuprassie had insulted the woman or the man, or whether they quarrelled over the price, I never knew; but he was never accused of having done so. I had just set out from my house to ride up to my new works on the hill, and had turned into the market-place, when I saw the Beydur run off, brandishing his bloody sword; and after procuring what assistance I could for my wounded chuprassie, I went after the Beydur who had cut him