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the "smashing up" of Jacob, as a political character in Hyderabad, and Abid. Jacob had easy access to the Nizam, and was getting to be more and more influential with him, and it was thought, with good reason no doubt, that he would in course of time rise to be powerful enough to endanger those in authority; and Abid was a political eel and could not be relied upon. In these circumstances it was but natural that the powerful party should seek to nullify Jacob's influence as well as Abid's. The first step by way of accomplishing the object, was easy enough to take, since there was only His Highness to deal with. But as the actual accomplishment of the object depends upon a trial in a British Court, the powers-that-be are low-spirited, but would seem to be prepared to meet any contingency. Even if the object be not realized and there is many a slip between the cup add the lip, you know-and in spite of the blow that will cause to the reputation and diguity of His Highness the Nizam, it seems to be almost certain that they will hold their " position" secure as the following conversation between one of the most influential of those in power and a friend shows
"What will you do if the case go against His Highness? Asked the friend.
"Wo have a plan cut and dried, which will provide against any harm to us in that case," answered the official.
"What is it?"
"It is this. We shall tell His Highness that the prosecution was set on foot not so much to get Jacob punished as to put it beyond a shadow of doubt, that His Highness has nothing whatever to do with the Russians. And His Highness, with the confidence he has in us, will surely believe us."
"Whoever thought that His Highness had anything to do wit the Russians? And how could this prosecution establish he had nothing to do?
