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 in the pay-office to meet bank loans, leaves them but a scanty sum on which to exist. The banks are always open to the contract of loans on the security of two other officers. A B and C are hard up for money, and agree to give mutual security. A borrows 1,000 rupees from the Simlah Bank, giving B and C as his securities; B borrows 1,000 from the North Western Bank, giving A and C as his securities; C borrows 1,000 from the Agra Bank, giving A and B as his securities, all binding themselves to pay ten per cent, interest till the loan is paid off. Soon after, perhaps, A dies, and B is killed in battle, and their estates being insolvent, C is made liable for their debts when struggling to get rid of his own. Nothing is more injurious to an officer's character than to be constantly summoned before a Court of Requests; and taking the benefit of the insolvent act disqualifies for further service.

Borrowing money from soldiers or native subordinates in public offices is a crime, liable to be tried by court martial.

12. WILLS AND ESTATES.—When an officer dies in India, a committee of adjustment, composed of three officers, is immediately assembled to search for a will, to make an inventory of the property, sell off the live stock, and pay all regimental debts. Should the deceased have made a will, and the estate be solvent, the executors carry out the wishes