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189 EUSSIA S RELATIONS WITH BOKHARA. 189 power. He accordingly invited liim to his Court, and Colonel Stoddart in a weak moment aided in the plot by innocently advising Conolly to come. Despite the warnings of the Khan of Khokand, and notwithstanding the advice repeatedly given by his old friend the Khan of Khiva never to trust himself into the hands of NasruUah, Conolly went to Bokhara. The bait had been taken, and the birds were caged. For a brief season the tact and diplomatic ability of Conolly staved off the danger. But it was not for long. Before the month of November, 1841, closed, both officers were imprisoned. For more than six months they were kept in close confinement, and at last, having undergone torments indescribable, the most brutal treatment, and the most writhing contumely, the end came on the 24th of June, 1842. " Stoddart was put to death like a sheep, in some ruins at the back of his prison, and in the presence of a few passers-by, who had been attracted to the spot by his cries and his invectives." Conolly was offered his life on the condition of his turning Mussulman ; but, with that moral fortitude which is the highest courage, he refused. ' Stoddart and Yusuf (Conolly's Greek servant) turned Mahomedans, and you put them to death," he said. "Your proposal is a snare, for you will not spare me any more than you did them. I have no confidence in your promises ; I will be no renegade. I die firm in my faith. Finish your work ! " So died Arthur Conolly, as every Englishman should die, true to his country and himself, vindicating the real superiority of his race to the last by the calm resolution