I think that, if you could pay sufficient to enable Scindia to satisfy his soldiers, he might be induced to release you." "How much do you think he would want ?" "Of that I can have no idea, sir.

Of course, he would at first ask a great deal more than he would afterwards accept." "Yes, I should be ready to pay," Nana said, after considering for a minute.

"As a prisoner here, my money is of no use to me, nor ever would be; but I could pay a large sum, and still be wealthy." "That is what I wanted to know, sir." "But why do you run this risk ?" Nana asked.
"For several reasons, sir.

In the first place, because you have honoured me with your friendship; in the second, because I would fain save the people of Poona from the horrible barbarity with which they are now treated; and lastly, because the Government of Bombay would, I am sure, be glad to hear of your reinstatement, as the only means of restoring peace and tranquillity to the Deccan." "How will you open this matter to Scindia ?" "I have not fully thought that out, sir; but I have no doubt that I shall, in some way, be able to manage it, and intend to act upon his fears as well as upon his avarice." "But you say that Ghatgay is all powerful, and he would never permit an interview to take place between a stranger and Scindia." "From what I hear, sir, Scindia is becoming jealous of Ghatgay's power, and disgusted both by his imperious manner and by his atrocities in Poona--against which he has several times protested, but in vain.

If I am to obtain an audience with Scindia, it must be a secret one." "But there will surely be great danger in such a step ?" "Doubtless it will not be without danger," Harry said, "but that I must risk.