He reported that he had found the _fatal mark_ upon the necks of no less than eight of the King's wives, Nishat-mahal, Koorshed-mahal, Sooleeman-mahal, Huzrut-mahal, Dara Begum, Buree Begum, Chotee Begum, and Huzrut Begum.

The chief priest was summoned, and the divorce, from the whole eight, pronounced forthwith; and the ladies were ordered to depart with all that they had saved while in the palace.

Some of their friends suggested to his Majesty, that Mahommedans were but unskilful judges in such matters, and that a Court of Brahmins should be assembled, as they had whole volumes devoted exclusively to this science.

The most learned were accordingly collected, and they declared that though there were marks resembling in some degree the _sampun_, it was of no importance; and the evil it threatened might be averted by singeing the head of the snake with a hot iron.

The ladies were very indignant, and six of them insisted upon leaving the palace, in virtue of the divorce.