Rujub, the Juggler | Page 2

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 below by the soft light, while
the outline of the upper part could scarce be made out. Eastern as the
scene was, the actors were for the most part English. Although the
crowd that promenaded the terrace was composed principally of men,
of whom the majority were in uniform of one sort or another, the rest in
evening dress, there were many ladies among them.
At the end of one of the terraces a band of the 103d Bengal Infantry
was playing, and when they ceased a band of native musicians, at the
opposite end of the terrace, took up the strains. Within, the palace was
brilliantly lighted, and at the tables in one of the large apartments a few
couples were still seated at supper. Among his guests moved the Rajah,
chatting in fluent English, laughing with the men, paying compliments
to the ladies, a thoroughly good fellow all round, as his guests agreed.
The affair had been a great success. There had first been a banquet to
the officers and civilians at the neighboring station. When this was over,
the ladies began to arrive, and for their amusement there had been a
native nautch upon a grand scale, followed by a fine display of
fireworks, and then by supper, at which the Rajah had made a speech
expressive of his deep admiration and affection for the British. This he
had followed up by proposing the health of the ladies in flowery terms.
Never was there a better fellow than the Rajah. He had English tastes,
and often dined at one or other of the officers' messes. He was a good
shot, and could fairly hold his own at billiards. He had first rate English
horses in his stables, and his turnout was perfect in all respects. He kept
a few horses for the races, and was present at every ball and
entertainment. At Bithoor he kept almost open house. There was a
billiard room and racquet courts, and once or twice a week there were

luncheon parties, at which from twelve to twenty officers were
generally present. In all India there was no Rajah with more
pronounced English tastes or greater affection for English people. The
one regret of his life, he often declared, was that his color and his
religion prevented his entertaining the hope of obtaining an English
wife. All this, as everyone said, was the more remarkable and
praiseworthy, inasmuch as he had good grounds of complaint against
the British Government.
With the ladies he was an especial favorite; he was always ready to
show them courtesy. His carriages were at their service. He was ready
to give his aid and assistance to every gathering. His private band
played frequently on the promenade, and handsome presents of shawls
and jewelry were often made to those whom he held in highest favor.
At present he was talking to General Wheeler and some other officers.
"I warn you that I mean to win the cup at the races," he said; "I have
just bought the horse that swept the board on the Bombay side; I have
set my heart on winning the cup, and so secured this horse. I am ready
to back it if any of you gentlemen are disposed to wager against it."
"All in good time, Rajah," one of the officers laughed; "we don't know
what will be entered against it yet, and we must wait to see what the
betting is, but