Mr.Swartz comforted him, and asked him if he had any one to teach him.

The Rajah's minister replied that he had a master, but was too idle to learn; but Serfojee looked up and said, "I have none to teach me, therefore I do not know a single letter." The Rajah was only offended at remonstrance, and at last Government sent orders that could not be resisted, and a Sepoy guard to take charge of the lad.

Then, as a great favour, the Rajah entreated that the guard would not enter his palace, but that for the night before Serfojee could be removed, the Padre would remain with him to satisfy them that he was safe.

To this Swartz consented, and the guard disappeared, whereupon the Rajah told him "he might go home." "What! and be guilty of a breach of faith ?" was his resolute answer.
"Even my father should not be permitted to make me such a proposal!" They were ashamed, and left him to remain that night with Serfojee, whom he probably thus saved from foul play, since the jealous and vindictive passions of Ameer Singh had been thoroughly excited.

The captivity must have been very wretched, for he observed that the poor boy walked lame, and found that the cause was this:--"I have not been able to sleep," said poor Serfojee, "from the number of insects in my room, but have had to sit clasping my knees about with my arms.