I am ready to back it if any of you gentlemen are disposed to wager against it." "All in good time, Rajah," one of the officers laughed; "we don't know what will be entered against it yet, and we must wait to see what the betting is, but I doubt whether we have anything that will beat the Bombay crack on this side; I fancy you will have to lay odds on." "We shall see," the Rajah said; "I have always been unlucky, but I mean to win this time." "I don't think you take your losses much to heart, Rajah," General Wheeler said; "yet there is no doubt that your bets are generally somewhat rash ones." "I mean to make a coup this time.

That is your word for a big thing, I think.

The Government has treated me so badly I must try to take something out of the pockets of its officers." "You do pretty well still," the General laughed; "after this splendid entertainment you have given us this evening you can hardly call yourself a poor man." "I know I am rich.

I have enough for my little pleasures--I do not know that I could wish for more--still no one is ever quite content." By this time the party was breaking up, and for the next half hour the Rajah was occupied in bidding goodby to his guests.

When the last had gone he turned and entered the palace, passed through the great halls, and, pushing aside a curtain, entered a small room.