There
appeared one of those dearths not unusual in Hindostan; the
population of the famished province cried out for rice; the
stores of which, diminished by nature, had for months
mysteriously disappeared. A provident administration it seems
had invested the public revenue in its benevolent purchase;
the misery was so excessive that even pestilence was
anticipated, when the great forestallers came to the rescue of
the people over whose destinies they presided; and at the same
time fed and pocketed millions.
This was the great stroke of the financial genius of Warren.
He was satisfied. He longed once more to see St James's
Street, and to become a member of the club, where he had once
been a waiter. But he was the spoiled child of fortune, who
would not so easily spare him. The governor died, and had
appointed his secretary his sole executor. Not that his
excellency particularly trusted his agent, but he dared not
confide the knowledge of his affairs to any other individual.
The estate was so complicated, that Warren offered the heirs a
good round sum for his quittance, and to take the settlement
upon himself. India so distant, and Chancery so near--the
heirs accepted the proposition.
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