such a promise; but he felt that government would far rather have the king
a captive in their hands than that he should excite a feeling of regret
and admiration among the people by dying by his own hand in preference to
falling into those of the British.

"I agree," he said after a pause. "I promise that the king's life shall be
spared."

In a minute the gate was thrown back, and an aged man came out, followed
by several women. The age of the king was nearly eighty-five, and he was
from first to last a mere puppet in the hands of others. In no case would
he have been executed by the government, since the old man was clearly
beyond any active participation in what had taken place.

The litter in which the king and his wives had been conveyed from Delhi
was again brought into requisition, and the party were soon _en route_ for
Delhi. The royal palace had been but a few hours in our hands before the
ex-king was brought in, a prisoner where he had so lately reigned. He was
lodged with his women in a small building in the palace, under a strong
guard, until it should be decided what to do with him.

"I shall go out to-morrow to try and catch some of the sons of the old
man. They are the real culprits in the matter. If you like to go out
again, and can get off duty, well and good," Captain Hodgson said.

The boys, who were very pleased at having been present at so historical an
event as the capture of the king of Delhi, warmly thanked Captain Hodgson;
and, having again obtained leave, started with him on the following
morning at daybreak. Some of the princes a spy had reported to Captain
Hodgson as being at Humayoon's tomb, a large building near the Kotub