Strange as it may seem, the hero of the tale is a natural born
coward, who cannot stand the noise of gunfire. He realizes his
shortcomings, and they are frequently brought home to him through
the taunts of his fellow soldiers. A doctor proves that the dread
of noise is hereditary, but this only adds to the young soldier's
misery. To make himself brave he rushes to the front in a most
desperate fight, and engages in scout work which means almost certain
death. In the end he masters his fear, and gives a practical lesson
of what stern and unbending will power can accomplish.

In many respects "Rujub, the Juggler," will be found one of the
strongest of Mr. Henty's works, and this is saying much when one
considers all of the many stories this well known author has already
penned for the entertainment of young and old. As a picture of life
in the English Army in India it is unexcelled.



CHAPTER I.


It would be difficult to find a fairer scene. Throughout the gardens
lanterns of many shapes and devices threw their light down upon
the paths, which were marked out by lines of little lamps suspended
on wires a foot above the ground. In a treble row they encircled
a large tank or pond and studded a little island in its center.
Along the terraces were festoons and arches of innumerable lamps,
while behind was the Palace or Castle, for it was called either;
the Oriental doors and windows and the tracery of its walls lit up