tory that have occurred within these few years back. There are thousands still alive who have known the men, and who remember the circumstances. Verily truth is strangestranger than fiction, unquestionably.

It is a useful thing for society and individuals to see how the work of centuries may be destroyed in a few months of folly; to see how speedily the kingdom that has been consolidated and strengthened by the labours of genius, and the efforts of successive generations, may be overturned by anarchy and misrule.

Let us pursue this history, therefore, for a year or two more-there is much to be learned from it every way.

CHAPTER IV.

A LEAF FROM HISTORY-THE FALL OF THE SEIKHS.

THE infant Dhuleep, who had been mentioned by Dhyan, was the son of one of the wives of Runjit, and was born a few months before his reputed father's death. His mother vehemently protested, of course, that he was Runjit's son. The Sirdars who heard her smiled, and declared they were certain of it. Lena and Ajeet knew that even an adopted son of Runjit would be maintained upon the throne by the Seikh army; much more, therefore, were they bound to place upon it the son of Runjit's wife, whom all the world protested to be an infant very like his father.

Dhuleep was now four years of age-a fine thriving boy. His mother was from the hills, and had once been a dancing girl. In that

capacity she had so attracted Runjit's attention in his old age, that, greatly to the scandal of the faithful, he had married her, and, as she had the good fortune to give birth to a son just before his death, she was now the Ranee, or Queen Dowager, and her son was the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh. Both are still alive, though British cannon and British bayonets have driven both from the high stations to which Runjit's senile wantonness had raised them.

Lena and Ajeet began by placing Dhuleep upon the throne, and securing the favour of the Ranee. Ajeet aspired to succeed Dhyan as virtual ruler-doubtless the honour and the power were to be shared with his companion in intrigue. But there was a formidable obstacle in their way, which they endeavoured in vain to remove. Dhyan's son, Heera, was a favourite with the army, and with the European officers in that army especially. He was sent for craftily, but not until Rumour, with his hundred tongues, had busily proclaimed in Lahore that Shere Singh was dead, that Dhuleep was king, and that Dhyan was not at the head of affairs, as was his wont. Heera, therefore, refused to come, but, aware of the

character of the men he had to deal with, he hastened off for protection to General Avatibili's house.

Generals Avatibili and Ventura were the two principal European officers in Runjit's army. They doubtless knew well which side was likely to be victorious, and when they espoused Heera's cause, it must already have appeared promising. Whilst a portion of the army was marching upon the capital, with the European officers and Heera at its head, Ajeet had the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh proclaimed in Lahore as King of the Punjab, and himself as Wuzeer or Prime Minister.

With drums beating and colours flying, the army marched by the Delhi gate into Lahore, whilst Lena and Ajeet prepared to defend the fort. But troops and ammunition were both wanting. Lena was wounded in the first encounter. Ajeet saw that effectual resistance was hopeless, and endeavoured to escape. A Muhammadan soldier in Ventura's division saw him, recognized him, and pursued. Ajeet was not very swift of foot, but the soldier was nimble, and gained upon him. Perceiving that his legs could not carry him from the danger,

Ajeet tried his gold-taking off some rich ornaments which he had concealed about his person, he threw them to the Mussulman, begging him to spare his life.

The prudent warrior picked up the ornaments, and cut off Ajeet's head afterwards, taking it to Heera as a proof that his rival was out of the way. Rude fellows those Seikhs were—they were sure a man was dead only when they saw his bleeding head produced, not otherwise. But Heera ordered the body also to be brought, and after having it dragged, in Homeric fashion, through the streets, it was quartered the pieces being hung up upon the different gateways.

A vigorous attack was now made upon the fort, and it was taken. Lena, still alive, was captured and disembowelled-all the male relatives and followers of the two conspirators were murdered--the women having their noses ent off, that they might no more captivate men, that the conquerors might be the last whom they should please! It is but right that these atrocities should be known. Let it be remembered that these things happened amongst one of the most highly civilized people in India,