was distinguished by two ruling passions, a fondness for strong drink and a love of hunting. Before coming to the throne, these propensities of his had been conspicuous; when he had actually become king, he gave himself up to them completely. Shere drank himself drunken, and, when he got sober, hunted that he might have the more zest for drinking again. Dhyan let him do as he liked, and governed the kingdom in his name.

For nearly two years did Shere enjoy his terrestrial elysium of hunting and drinking, whilst Dhyan ruled. But for only two years— nay, not quite for two years. Associated with him in all his excesses, there were two boon companions, whom the dissolute Shere loved amazingly. Their names were Lena and Ajeet. With their master the three formed a worthy trio, worthy of each other and of their company. But even the best of fellows will quarrel in their cups, and as Shere became more and more reckless, and more and more accustomed to do éxactly as he pleased, on two or three occasions he threatened the lives of his dear friends, from whom, says one account, he was never separated, neither by night nor by

day. The drunken threats of a man who has the power of doing what he pleases, are, however, not to be despised, and Lena and Ajeet, at length thoroughly aroused, resolved to get rid of the tyrant before he got rid of them. Mark the finesse with which they wrought to this end.

To put Shere to death without Dhyan's consent would have been death to them, they knew. In order to gain this consent they dealt craftily. So one day, when Shere was in his cups, they got him to sign an order for Dhyan's execution. With this order, and the king's signature on it, in their hands, they came to Dhyan. First talking to him of all that he had done for Shere, of how he had put that unworthy debauchee on the throne and had kept him there, they raised a high idea in his mind of the gratitude which Shere owed him. To all this Dhyan assented, wondering, doubtless, what this strange preface was intended to introduce. They then hinted that the king was not grateful, that he hated Dhyan.

Impossible!" exclaimed the premier; "why should he hate me ?"

How could they tell; but the fact was indisputable.

Dhyan was still incredulous-he would not believe it. It is some shallow trick, doubtless thought he. The fatal order was produced. Dhyan examined it amazed.

Yes, it was the king's signature, there could be no doubt of that; but he evidently does not mean to act on it, said he, or the seal would be affixed as well.

"It is his intention to affix the seal," they urged.

In that case I must be prepared for the worst, thought Dhyan.

An agreement was at once made between Dhyan on one side and the two friends on the other, that if the seal were affixed he should have timely notice, and Lena and Ajeet should be his friends forthwith, all three combining, of course, against the drinking and hunting king

Delighted with the success of their stratagem so far, Lena and Ajeet returned to the king, apparently his dear friends, really resolved on his destruction. A promise was obtained from him that he should inspect

VOL. II.

E

Ajeet's troops on the morrow. The usual feasting was commenced, to be succeeded by the usual drinking. The dancing girls were introduced as usual-all was mirth and gaiety; the king in great vein, his two dear friends. the most cordial of boon companions. At length drunkenness supervened as usual, also, but not upon Lena and Ajeet; they had wisely refrained and continued sober, whilst Shere drank his senses into oblivion.

The propitious moment had arrived. "You forgot, most excellent king, to affix the great seal to this warrant," said Lena to the drunken monarch.

"O don't trouble me with business," exclaimed Shere; "let me have more music and dancing. This brandy is-hic-hic-is fit for the houris."

The cups were replenished, the music and dancing resumed, Shere was fast relapsing into insensibility.

"But the seal, my gracious sovereign," suggested Lena, humbly.

the seal."

"Your slave awaits

Lena, you're a plague-you'll lose your

head some day if you teaze me this way," ex

claimed Shere. "What's the name of that loose-bodiced wench with the fine arms? Hoonda-hic-hic-Hoondawarra, to be sure.

I'll forget my own name, next."

So saying, the drunken king, leering upon the dancer, took his ring from his finger.

The execution warrant was legalized. The death of Dhyan commanded. Signature and seal, we have them both now, thought the conspirators, as the drunken king looked at them vacantly.

"What was-hic, hic-what was that warrant ?" asked Shere.

"Only to order the execution of the slave that killed one of the hounds the other day. Don't you remember ?" said Ajeet.

"I do-hic-hic-I do. And, hark ye, Ajeet. Let him be-hic, hic-let him be flayed-hic, hic-and I'll see it, I'll see it."

So saying, the king turned once more towards the fascinating Hoondawarra, who was exhibiting her utmost grace and her solid charms to the hazy gaze of the drunken monarch. In a few minutes he was in a lethargic slumber, breathing heavily. He was consigned for the night to the dancers' care