We might accidentally open the door of the rajah's zenana, and then I doubt if even his desire to hold me as a hostage would suffice to save our lives." The attendant understood enough of Mahratti to make out their request, and offered at once to accompany them.

They ascended numerous staircases until, at last, they reached the flat roof of the palace; above which rose three round towers, surmounted by domes.

The highest of these had a gallery running round it, a few feet below the dome.
The attendant led the way to this and, on reaching the gallery, they found that it commanded a very wide view over the flat country.

The town itself covered a considerable space, the walls being eight miles in circumference.

At the eastern end the fort, a square and solid edifice, was built on ground somewhat higher than the town.