"Exactly so," said I; "and feeling ourselves to be strong, we are determined to try the road to Jubbulpoor by Baitool, which, though unsafe for small bodies, presents no obstacle to our numerous party." "Certainly not," he replied; "and the road will save you a long distance which you would have had to travel had you gone round by Nagpoor; and since you are bent on trying the jungle road, perhaps you would not have any objection to an increase to your party? and I think I could get you one." "Certainly not," said I, "if the travellers are respectable." "Highly so," said the Moola; "the person of whom I speak is a man of rank, no less than a Nuwab, who is returning to his nephew, who rules over Bhopal." "Ah, I have heard of him, I think," said I; "you do not mean the Nuwab Subzee Khan, as he is called?" "The very person, and a fine old soldier he is. It is a pity he is so addicted to the subzee or bhang, from which, however, he has gained a name which it is well known has struck terror into his enemies on the battle-field, and has fairly superseded any other he may have had." "It is a pity," I said; "for report speaks well of the noble Khan, and his deeds of arms are known to all who have sojourned in Hindostan: I shall be right glad to accompany him, for 'tis said also that he is a rare companion." "You have heard rightly," said the Moola. "The Nuwab will be here before sunset, as he always comes to converse with us and drink his bhang; if you will step over from your encampment when I send to you, I will introduce you to him." "Thanks, worthy Moola," said I; "you only need to summon me, and I will attend your call with pleasure." I left him soon after. Here was the commencement of an adventure which promised fairly to eclipse all our former ones; the rank of the Nuwab, the number of followers he would necessarily have with him, and the noise there would be made about him when he was missed,--all contributed to render this as pretty an adventure as a Thug seeking plunder and fame could desire. I did not mention a word of my hopes to any one; I was determined to have this matter all to myself, both in plan and execution. If I succeeded my fame and character were established for ever, and I could not fail with so many to back me. A momentary thought flashed across me--that the Nuwab was a man of war, that he would be armed to the teeth; and who was I, that I could oppose him? but I dismissed it in an instant as unworthy. My confidence in my own prowess, both as a Thug and with every weapon, whether on foot or on horseback, was unbounded; it had never as yet been checked, and I feared nothing living, I believe, in the form of man. "Yes, Ameer Ali," said I, "you and all your tribe have ever feared us Englishmen. You have never yet attacked one of us, nor dared you."