14 
THE ORIENTAL ANNUAL. 
a certain hill-fort, the capital of Raja Sirkeh, car- 
ried it by storm, and took Sirkeh prisoner. Having 
pillaged the fort, the conqueror promised to spare 
the life of the unfortunate Raja, if he would em- 
brace the Moslem faith ; but he, being a devout 
Hindoo, took some pains to consider how he might 
avoid apostacy, and yet preserve his head. Being 
gifted with a subtle wit, a smooth tongue, and much 
duplicity of manner, he speedily contrived and exe- 
cuted a plan, which not only restored him to liberty, 
but enabled him to enjoy a savage revenge upon his 
enemy. Consummate coolness and address were 
necessary for the success of the Raja’s plot ; but 
being master of the three valuable qualities above- 
mentioned, he was not likely to lack confidence. 
After inducing Mallek-ul-Tija to believe that the 
force of his arguments rather than the fear of death, 
— for Sirkeh was known to be a brave man, — had 
well nigh made him a convert to Mohummedism, 
the Raja persuaded his tyrannical captor that he 
had now but one difficulty remaining in his mind ; 
and that, from the natural pride of his heart, he 
feared this one obstacle to his conversion would be 
insuperable ; so he pretended that he should prefer 
to resign his life at once, rather than, in a manner 
unbecoming the decision of character for which he 
was so greatly admired, continue in doubt and sus- 
pense. “ Most potent Mallek,” said he, “ about 
forty miles distant from hence, in an almost impreg- 
