Long before, when Shere Ali was first brought into his room, on his first day at Eton, Linforth had seen his opportunity, and seized it.

Shere Ali's father retained his kingdom with an English Resident at his elbow.

Shere Ali would in due time succeed.
Linforth had quietly put forth his powers to make Shere Ali his friend, to force him to see with his eyes, and to believe what he believed.

And Shere Ali had been easily persuaded.

He had become one of the white men, he proudly told himself.