him.  Captain Bird replied, that he had no complaint to make against the minister; that his object in coming was, to claim the fulfilment of the promise which his Majesty had so solemnly made to him, to dismiss Gholam Ruza and his sister, and Kotub Allee, and send them across the Ganges; that he was induced to demand this audience by the minister’s visit of the preceding evening, to ask him to excuse his Majesty’s fulfilling the promise which he had made; and by the written report given to him that morning by the news-writer, stating, that his Majesty had changed his mind, and pardoned the parties.”

The King declared that he had never given Captain Bird any such promise.  Captain Bird then repeated to his Majesty the conversation which had taken place on that occasion.  The King seemed to be staggered; but the minister came to his aid, and said—­“that his Majesty had ascertained from Sadik Allee himself, that Gholam Ruza was not an accomplice in that affair.”  Captain Bird replied—­“that the King had told him, that the deception had been so fully proved, that they were speechless; and that his Majesty had spit in their faces.”  The King said “not in Gholam Ruza’s.  His sister and Kotub Allee are alone guilty.”  Captain Bird urged, that all were alike guilty, and he besought the King to fulfil his promise, saying,—­“that his, Captain Bird’s, name was at stake; that if the parties were not removed, the whole city would say, that the King had bribed him, and bought off his promise.”  The King replied, “This is all nonsense; do you wish me to swear that Gholam Ruza is innocent, and that I never gave the promise you mention?” and, calling the minister, he placed his right hand on his head, and said,—­“I swear, as if this was my son’s head, and by God, that I believe Gholam Ruza to be entirely innocent; and that I never promised to turn him out, or to send him across the Ganges.”  Captain Bird then heard a movement of feet in the next room behind the closed doors.  He was horrified; but returning to the charge, said, “Your Majesty has, at any rate, acknowledged the guilt of Gholam Ruza’s sister, and that of Khotub Allee; pray fulfil your promise on the guilty.”  The King said—­“When absent from my sight, they are as far off as across one hundred rivers.  I know they are intriguers, and shall keep my eyes upon them.”  Captain Bird said —­“I have reported the circumstances of the case thus far to the Resident.  Your Majesty has made me a participator in the breaking of your word.  I have told Colonel Sleeman you would turn these men out.”  The King said—­“This case has reference only to my house—­it has no connection with the Government; but if you wish to use force, take me also by the beard, and pull me from my throne!” Captain Bird said—­“I pray your Majesty to recollect how often, when force might have been used, under your own sign-manual and seal, on these fiddlers interfering in State affairs, the Resident has hesitated to put your written permission