he had become; but no sooner was he cast amid the dungeon’s gloom, than the strong bias of his nature prevailed, and he became irresolute, querulous, and despairing. Every day he felt the rigours of confinement more and more irksome, and at length thought that he had been imprudent in so resolutely opposing the king’s will. He began to persuade himself that a dutiful daughter should make any sacrifice for the advantage of her parent, and under this impression proceeded to argue that she ought, if called upon, to sacrifice her honour to his comfort. Besides, to be the object of a sovereign’s affection was not a thing to be regarded lightly. The political influence of Alla-ood-Deen might, by such an alliance with him as that monarch proposed, place the petty Rajah of Chittore at the head of the princes of his country. Such an alliance might be the stepping-stone to distinctions that should raise his family to the highest elevation of temporal distinction. After indulging in similar reasonings at different times, he finally made up his mind that he had been too rash in so peremptorily rejecting the proposal of the Mahomedan sovereign, and determined to let him know, at the earliest opportunity, the change which had passed over his thoughts like a pestilential exhalation, and that he was disposed to concur in the king’s wishes. Having come to this determination, he lay down upon his rug and slept. CHAPTER IV. Jeipal reached Delhi not long after Alla-ood-Deen’s proposal to the father of the beautiful Jaya, and his first object was to see the captive Rajah; but this was a matter of no little difficulty, as Jeipal was obliged to assume the disguise of a Jew, in order to disarm suspicion. He soon ascertained that Ray Ruttun Sein had been removed to a less commodious prison, in consequence of having given offence to the sovereign; but what that offence was did not appear to be known. Having formed his plans, he obtained an interview with the keeper of the Rajah’s prison, and represented to him that he was anxious to be introduced to Ray Ruttun Sein, who had some jewels which he was anxious to dispose of, and which the fictitious Jew declared himself ready to purchase. In order to induce the keeper of the prison to accede to his proposal, the counterfeit Israelite offered to give him ten per cent, upon the value of the purchase, which he said would probably exceed a lac of rupees. The rapacious functionary agreed to admit the pretended dealer to the Rajah’s prison, provided the door were not closed during the transaction. This was finally acceded to; it was therefore arranged between the prison official and Jeipal, that the former should remain in sight, though not within hearing, while the latter agreed upon the terms of sale with the captive prince.