Hast  thou  spoken  to  the  Feringhee  since  ? '

'  No :  Dilawur  Ali  seemed  to  think  I  had  done  wrong  even
in  addressing  him  at  all ;  but  I  should  like  much  to  speak  with
him ;  they  say  he  is  a  Sirdar  of  rank.'

'I  hear  he  has  accepted  the  Sultaun's  offer  of  pardon,  and

.  that  he  will  serve  in  the  army ;  so  at  least  the  Governor  of  the

fort  hoped ;  but  we  shall  see.     I  doubt  it,  for  the  Feringhees  are

very  obstinate,  and  Tippoo  has  gained  over  none  as  yet  by  fair

means.'

'  Then  there  are  some  in  the  army  ? '

'  A  few  only  who  have  been  honoured  with  the  rite  of  Islam ;
but  they  are  of  the  lowest  grade,  and  he  does  not  trust  them.
Go  you  then,  when  we  have  pitched  the  camp,  and  ask  this
Feringhee  whether  he  will  serve  with  us  under  the  banner  of
the  lion  of  the  Faith.'


CHAPTER     XV.
Kasim  hardly  need  be  desired  to  do  this;  he  longed  to  have
some  amicable  conversation  with  one  who  had  already  excited
such  interest  in  his  heart,  and,  as  soon  as  possible  after  his  few
duties  were  discharged,  he  went  to  the  tents  which  had  been
pitched  for  the  English,  and  sought  out  his  acquaintance.  They
met  with  pleasure ;  on  Kasim's  part,  with  the  result  of  the  interest
he  had  felt, — on  the  other's  with  joy  that  among  so  many  enemies
there  was  one  from  whom  he  had  received  kindness,  and  who
now  again  sought  him.
'  I  little  thought  to  have  seen  you  again,'  said  the  officer  (for
so  in  truth  he  was),  '  and  this  visit  is  a  proof  to  me  that  we  are
not  enemies,'


ii8  TJPPOO  SULTAUN.
