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 Gurgan Khan had come there with the Nawab's permission, but he did not take his seat with the other officials—he managed to keep himself a little aloof from them. The princely hosts were often coming and conversing with him in the very same way as they were doing with their other guests; but their conversation with Gurgan Khan was carried on in an inaudible voice. It was something like this:—

Gurgan Khan. I intend to start a factory jointly with you. Are you ready to be my partners?

Mahatabchand. With what end in view?

Gurgan Khan. To bring the big factory at Monghyr to a dead-lock.

Mahatab. Yes, I am quite willing to be your partner—unless we start a business like that we can, by no means, hope to avert our ruin.

Gurgan Khan. If you agree to my proposal you shall have to supply the necessary capital, and I shall combine with it my labour to carry on the business.

At this moment the dancing girl, Mania Bai, sang, "Oh thou knowest tricks well . . ." This brought a smile into Mahatabchand's lips, and he carelessly enquired, "Whom does she mean?