But the real ruler of Lalpuri State was the _Dewan_ or Prime Minister, a
clever, ambitious, and unscrupulous Bengali Brahmin, endowed with all the
talent for intrigue and chicanery of his race and caste as well as with
their hatred of the British. He had persuaded himself that the English
dominion in India was coming to an end and was ready to do all in his power
to hasten the event. For he secretly nourished the design of deposing the
Rajah and making himself the nominal as well as the virtual ruler of the
State, and he knew that the British would not permit this. His was the
brain that had conceived the project of uniting the disloyal elements of
Bengal with the foreign foes of the Government of India, and he was the
leader of the disaffected and the chief of the conspirators.
When Chunerbutty arrived in Lalpuri he rode with difficulty through the
crowded, narrow streets. His sun-helmet and European dress earned him
hostile glances and open insults, and more than one foul gibe was hurled at
him as he went along by some who imagined him from his dark face and
English clothes to be a half-caste. For the native, however humble, hates
and despises the man of mixed breed.
When he reached the Palace he made his way through the throng of beggars,
touts, and hangers-on in the outer courtyard, and, passing the sentries,
all of whom recognised him, entered the building.
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