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 partisans have filled your head with wild ideas and may give trouble to our Agent if you are among them. I would not like to assign a place of residence for you, but if you wish to follow us to Rajmahal I have Rajput officers under me who knew your brave grandfather, and who would willingly train you in the profession of arms befitting his descendant. When restored to your estate you will be a worthy and gallant servant of the great Emperor whose dominion is based on the affection of his subjects."

Noren's face, still haggard and lean, glowed with animation and gratitude when the Raja spoke these kind words, and his eyes shone with tears.

"Mighty Raja!" exclaimed the liberated prisoner, "your mercy overwhelms me. I have been rash and undutiful and deserved punishment, you have pardoned me and rewarded me. Generous Ruler! I will try henceforth to deserve your kindness and be worthy of my House, and the great Emperor shall find a faithful servant in me wherever it be my fortune to serve."

Raja Man Singh's eyes sparkled with joy at these words. Nothing pleased him more than to secure the zealous loyalty of old territorial houses in the cause of Akbar's great Empire.

That night Birnager resounded with the beat of drum and the sound of conch shell, and the whole town was illuminated. Loyalty to a Ruler is a trait of the Indian character as it is a part of the Indian religion, and the generosity of Raja Man Singh towards the young Lord of Birnagar had touched the hearts of the people. Streets and houses flamed with rows of light, and the poorest widow contributed