I have been turning the matter over, since you spoke to me last night, and the best plan I can think of is, that you should go as a travelling merchant, with Surajah as your assistant.

You would want a good assortment of goods; fine muslins and silks, and a good selection of silver jewellery, from different parts of India.

All these I could purchase for you here.

If, by good luck, you could obtain a sight of the commander of one of these forts, you might possibly obtain permission from him to go up, and show your wares to the ladies of his establishment, and to those of other officers.

The present of a handsome waist sash, or a silver-mounted dagger, might incline him favourably to your petition." "I think that the idea is an excellent one," Dick said warmly.