For several years I myself lived within a stone’s throw of the scene of the tragedy of the Black Hole; and though at that time I had no intention of writing a story for boys, I hope that the impressions of Indian life, character, and scenery then gained have helped to create an atmosphere and to give reality to my picture. History is more than a mere record of events; I shall be satisfied if the reader gets from these pages an idea, however imperfect, of the conditions of life in which our empire-builders laboured in India a hundred and fifty years ago. HERBERT STRANG. Contents CHAPTER THE FIRST In which the Court Leet of Market Drayton entertains Colonel Robert Clive; and our hero makes an acquaintance CHAPTER THE SECOND In which our hero overhears a conversation; and, meeting with the expected, is none the less surprised and offended CHAPTER THE THIRD In which Mr. Marmaduke Diggle talks of the Golden East; and our hero interrupts an interview, and dreams dreams CHAPTER THE FOURTH In which blows are exchanged; and our hero, setting forth upon his travels, scents an adventure CHAPTER THE FIFTH In which Job Grinsell explains; and three visitors come by night to the _Four Alls_ CHAPTER THE SIXTH In which the reader becomes acquainted with William Bulger and other sailor men; and our hero as a Squire of dames acquits himself with credit CHAPTER THE SEVENTH In which Colonel Clive suffers a defeat hitherto unrecorded; and our hero finds food for reflection CHAPTER THE EIGHTH In which several weeks are supposed to elapse; and our hero is discovered in the doldrums CHAPTER THE NINTH In which the _Good Intent_ makes a running fight; and Mr. Toley makes a suggestion CHAPTER THE TENTH In which our hero arrives in the Golden East; and Mr. Diggle presents him to a native prince CHAPTER THE ELEVENTH In which the Babu tells the story of King Vikramâditya; and the discerning reader may find more than appears on the surface CHAPTER THE TWELFTH In which our hero is offered freedom at the price of honour; and Mr. Diggle finds that he has no monopoly of quotations CHAPTER THE THIRTEENTH In which Mr. Diggle illustrates his argument; and there are strange doings in Gheria Harbour CHAPTER THE FOURTEENTH In which seven bold men light a big bonfire; and the Pirate finds our hero a bad bargain CHAPTER THE FIFTEENTH In which our hero weathers a storm; and prepares for squalls CHAPTER THE SIXTEENTH