The maharajah is in a tight place.

You will readily understand that the present difficulties in Kabul cause him endless anxiety, considering the position of his dominions.

The unexpected turn of events, following now so rapidly on each other since the English wantonly sacrificed Cavagnari and his friends to a vainglorious love of bravado, has shaken the confidence of the native princes in the stability of English rule.

They are frightened out of their senses, having the fear of the tribes before them if the English should be worsted; and they dread, on the other hand, lest the English, finding themselves in great straits, should levy heavy contributions on them--the native princes--for the consolidation of what they term the 'Empire.' They have not much sense, these poor old kings and boy princes, or they would see that the English do not dare to try any of those old-fashioned Clive tactics now.

But old Baithopoor has heard all about the King of Oude, and thinks he may share the same fate." "I think he may make his mind easy on that score.