ALLIED CAPITAL CORP
EX-10.44
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.44
<SEQUENCE>5
<FILENAME>w73497exv10w44.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-10.44
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<DIV align="right" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 12pt"><u><B>Exhibit
10.44</B></u>
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<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
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<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
</DIV>


<DIV align="center">
<DIV style="font-size: 3pt; margin-top: 16pt; width: 26%; border-top: 1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</DIV>
</DIV>




<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">dated as of April&nbsp;3, 2009<BR>
by and between
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt">Allied Capital Corporation<BR>
(&#147;Company&#148;)<BR>
and<BR>
U.S. Bank National Association<BR>
(&#147;Custodian&#148;)
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

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<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U>
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="90%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR style="font-size: 8pt" valign="bottom">
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><U>Page</U></TD>
</TR>

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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>1.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>DEFINITIONS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>1</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>2.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND DESIGNATION OF ACCOUNTS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>3</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>3.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>4</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>4.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>REPORTING</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>10</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>5.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>&#091;INTENTIONALLY OMITTED&#093;</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>11</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>6.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>11</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>7.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>11</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>8.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>DEPOSIT IN U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEMS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>11</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>9.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>&#091;INTENTIONALLY OMITTED&#093;</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>12</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>10.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>12</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>11.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>SECURITY CODES</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>16</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>12.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>TAX LAW</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>16</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>13.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>16</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>14.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>17</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>15.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>PARTIES IN INTEREST; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFIT</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>18</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>16.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>NOTICES</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>18</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>17.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>CHOICE OF LAW AND JURISDICTION</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>18</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>18.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND COUNTERPARTS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>19</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>19.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>AMENDMENT; WAIVER</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>19</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>20.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>19</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>21.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>SEVERABILITY</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>19</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>22.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>INSTRUMENT UNDER SEAL; HEADINGS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>20</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>23.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>REQUEST FOR INSTRUCTIONS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>20</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>24.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>OTHER BUSINESS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>20</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>25.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>20</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px"><B>26.</B>
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><B>SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS</B>
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD nowrap align="right" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="right" valign="top"><B>20</B></TD>
    <TD nowrap valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
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<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THIS CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT (this &#147;Agreement&#148;) is dated as of April&nbsp;3, 2009 and is by and between
Allied Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of Maryland (the &#147;Company&#148;), having a
business address at 1919 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite&nbsp;300, Washington, DC 20006 and U.S. Bank
National Association (the &#147;Custodian&#148;) a national banking association having a place of business at
One Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS, the Company desires to engage the Custodian to act as custodian for the Company to
provide the custodial and administrative services set forth in this Agreement, upon and subject to
the terms of this Agreement; and
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WHEREAS, the Custodian is willing to act in such capacity as custodian under and subject to
the terms of this Agreement;
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">1.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>DEFINITIONS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">1.1.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The following words have these meanings as used in this Agreement:</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Accounts&#148; shall mean, collectively, the Cash Account, the Securities Account and any other
Account established by the Custodian pursuant to Section&nbsp;2.2 of this Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Authorized Person&#148; shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section&nbsp;3.10 of this
Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Business Day&#148; means a day on which the Custodian or the relevant sub-custodian is open for
business in the market or country in which a transaction is to take place.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Cash Amount(s)&#148; means the initial deposit in the amount of $50,000,000.00 made on April&nbsp;3,
2009 by the Company to U.S. Bank National Association and any other cash amounts received by
the Custodian from the Company from time to time.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Cash Account&#148; shall have the meaning set forth in Section&nbsp;2.2(b).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Confidential Information&#148; means any databases, computer programs, screen formats, screen
designs, report formats, interactive design techniques, and other similar or related
information furnished to the Company by the Custodian, for the purposes of this Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Delivery Date&#148; means such date or dates on which Securities or Cash Amounts may be
delivered to the Custodian from time to time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (it
being hereby expressly acknowledged that there will be more than one Delivery Date).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Federal Reserve Bank Book-Entry System&#148; means a depository and securities transfer system
operated by the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States on which are eligible to be held
all United States Government direct obligation bills, notes and bonds.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->&nbsp;<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Person&#148; means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint
venture, association, joint stock company, trust (including any beneficiary thereof)
unincorporated organization, or any government or agency or political subdivision thereof.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Proceeds&#148; means, collectively, (i)&nbsp;all distributions, earnings, dividends and other
payments paid on the Securities or Other Securities by or on behalf of the issuer or obligor
thereof, or applicable paying agent, and received by the Custodian during the term hereof,
and (ii)&nbsp;the net proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the Securities pursuant to the
terms of this Agreement and received by the Custodian during the term hereof (and any
Reinvestment Earnings from investment of the foregoing, as defined in Section&nbsp;3.5(b)
hereof).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Proper Instructions&#148; means instructions received by the Custodian, in form acceptable to
it, from the Company, or any Person duly authorized by the Company in any of the following
forms acceptable to the Custodian:</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in writing signed by the Authorized Person; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in tested communication; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in a communication utilizing access codes effected between electro mechanical
or electronic devices; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>such other means as may be agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian and
the party giving such instructions, including without limitation oral instructions.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Securities&#148; means, collectively, the (i)&nbsp;investment securities delivered to the Custodian
by the Company from time to time during the term of, and pursuant to the terms of, this
Agreement, and (ii)&nbsp;all dividends in kind (e.g., non-cash dividends) from the securities
described in clause (i).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Securities Account&#148; shall have the meaning set forth in Section&nbsp;2.2(a).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Securities System&#148; means the Federal Reserve Book Entry System, a clearing agency which
acts as a securities depository, or another book entry system for the central handling of
securities.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Street Delivery Custom&#148; means a custom of the United States securities market to deliver
securities which are being sold to the buying broker for examination to determine that the
securities are in proper form.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#147;Street Name&#148; means the form of registration in which the securities are held by a broker
who is delivering the securities to another broker for the purposes of sale, it being an
accepted custom in the United States securities industry that a security in Street Name is
in proper form for delivery to a buyer and that a security may be re-registered by a buyer
in the ordinary course.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-2-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">In this Agreement unless the contrary intention appears:
</div>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>a reference to this Agreement or another instrument refers to such agreement or
instrument as the same may be amended, modified or otherwise rewritten from time to
time;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>a reference to a statute, ordinance, code or other law includes regulations and
other instruments under it and consolidations, amendments, re-enactments or
replacements of any of them;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the singular includes the plural and vice versa;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the word &#147;Person&#148; includes any individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust (including
any beneficiary thereof), unincorporated organization, or any government or agency,
authority or political subdivision of any government.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(e)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>a reference to a Person includes a reference to the Person&#146;s executors,
administrators, successors and permitted assigns;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(f)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>an agreement, representation or warranty in favor of two or more Persons is for
the benefit of them jointly and severally;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(g)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>To the extent required in order to avoid accelerated taxation and/or tax penalties under
Section&nbsp;409A, you shall not be considered to have terminated employment with the Company for
purposes of the Agreement until you would be considered to have incurred a &#147;separation from
service&#148; from the Company within the meaning of Section&nbsp;409A and, for the purposes of determining
the timing of payment, termination of employment shall not be considered to occur until you have
incurred such a &#147;separation from service.&#148;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(h)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>an agreement, representation or warranty on the part of two or more Persons
binds them jointly and severally; and a reference to any accounting term is to be interpreted in accordance with
generally accepted principles and practices in the United States, consistently applied.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">1.2.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Headings are inserted for convenience and do not affect the interpretation of this Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">2.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN AND DESIGNATION OF ACCOUNTS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">2.1.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Employment of Custodian</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company hereby appoints the Custodian as the custodian of the Securities,
Cash Amounts and Proceeds pursuant to this Agreement, and in such capacity appoints the
Custodian to act as custodial agent on behalf of the Company with respect thereto. All
Securities, Cash Amounts and Proceeds delivered to the Custodian, its agents or its
sub-custodians shall be held and dealt with in accordance with this Agreement. The
Custodian shall not be responsible for any property held or received by the Company or
any other Person and not delivered to the Custodian (its agents or its sub-custodians)
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. At the time of each delivery of Securities to
the Custodian by or on behalf of the Company, the Company agrees that it shall
expressly identify the same to the Custodian as Securities being delivered under this
Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-3-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian accepts its appointment as custodian hereunder, and agrees to
receive and hold, as custodian for the Company pursuant to the terms of this Agreement,
the Cash Amounts and Securities delivered and identified to it by the Company on each
Delivery Date and any Proceeds received from time to time therefrom.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">2.2.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Establishment of Accounts</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>There shall be established at the Custodian a securities account to which it
shall deposit and hold the Securities received by it (and any Proceeds received by it
from time to time in the form of dividends in kind) pursuant to this Agreement, which
account shall be designated the &#147;Allied Capital Corporation Custody Account&#148; (the
&#147;Securities Account&#148;).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>There shall be established at the Custodian an account or accounts to which the
Custodian shall deposit and hold any Cash Amounts and cash Proceeds received by it from
time to time from or with respect to the Securities, which accounts shall be designated
the &#147;Allied Capital Corporation Interest Collection Account&#148; to which the Custodian
shall deposit Cash Amounts, interest Proceeds received on the Securities and the
&#147;Allied Capital Corporation Principal Collection Account&#148; into which the Custodian
shall deposit Cash Amounts and principal Proceeds received on the Securities
(collectively, the &#147;Cash Account&#148;).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Securities held in the Securities Account may be withdrawn by the Company from
time to time pursuant to Section&nbsp;3.2 below. Amounts held in the Cash Account from time
to time may be withdrawn by the Company upon receipt of Proper Instructions therefor,
and may be invested upon and pursuant to specific direction of the Company in the form
of Proper Instruction, pursuant to Section&nbsp;3.5 below.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.1.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Holding Securities</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall hold and segregate, or direct its agents to hold and
segregate for the account of the Company all Securities received by it pursuant to this
Agreement other than Securities which are held in a Securities System, or which are
maintained in one or more omnibus accounts at the Custodian, its agents or
sub-custodians, and shall properly account for all Securities held in a Securities
System or maintained through one or more omnibus accounts and identify the same on its
books and records as held for the account of the Company.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Any Account may contain any number of sub-accounts for the convenience of the
Custodian or as required by the Company for convenience in administering such
accounts.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall have no power or authority to assign, hypothecate, pledge,
or otherwise dispose of any Securities except pursuant to Proper Instructions and as
described in this Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-4-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.2.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Delivery of Securities</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Delivery of Securities to the Custodian shall be in Street Name or other good
delivery form.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall release and deliver, or direct its agents or sub-custodians
to release and deliver, as the case may be, Securities of the Company held by the
Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians from time to time only upon receipt of
Proper Instructions (which shall, among other things specify the Securities to be
released, with such delivery and other information as may be necessary to enable the
Custodian to perform), which may be standing instructions (in form acceptable to the
Custodian) in the following cases:</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>upon sale of such Securities by or on behalf of the Company
and, unless otherwise directed by Proper Instructions:</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="12%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(A)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in accordance with the customary or established
practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market where the
transactions occur, including, without limitation, delivery to the
purchaser thereof or to a dealer therefor (or an agent of such
purchaser or dealer) against expectation of receiving later payment; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="12%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(B)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in the case of a sale effected through a
Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the
operations of the securities System;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(iii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to the depositary agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for securities;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(iv)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable. Unless otherwise
directed by Proper Instructions, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(v)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to an issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the name
of the Custodian or of any nominee of the Custodian or into the name of any of
its agents or sub-custodians or their nominees or for exchange for a different
number of bonds, certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate
face amount or number of units.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(vi)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>to brokers clearing banks or other clearing agents for
examination in accordance with the Street Delivery Custom;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(vii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>for exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
securities of the</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-5-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt"><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #textcolor#; background: #bgcolor#">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>issuer of such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement. Unless
otherwise directed by Property Instructions, the new securities and cash, if
any, are to be delivered to the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(viii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the surrender thereof
in the exercise of such warrants, rights or similar securities or the surrender
of interim receipts or temporary securities for definitive securities. Unless
otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, the new securities and cash, if any,
are to be delivered to the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians; and/or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ix)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>for any other purpose, but only upon receipt of Proper
Instructions specifying the Securities to be delivered and naming the Person or
Persons to whom delivery of such Securities shall be made.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.3.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Registration of Securities</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Securities held by the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians (other than bearer securities or
securities held in a Securities System) shall be registered in the name of the Company or if
directed by the Company by Proper Instruction, may be maintained in Street Name. The Custodian,
its agents and its sub-custodians shall not be obliged to accept securities on behalf of the
Company under the terms of this Agreement unless such Securities are in Street Name or other good
deliverable form.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.4.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Bank Accounts, and Management of Cash</B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Both Cash Amounts and Cash Proceeds from the Securities received by the Custodian, or its
agents or sub-custodians, from time to time shall be credited to the Cash Account. All amount
credited to the Cash Account shall be subject to clearance and receipt of final payment by the
Custodian.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Amounts held in the Cash Account from time to time may be invested pursuant to specific
Proper Instructions (which may be standing instructions) received by the Custodian from the
Company. Such investments shall be subject to availability and the Custodian&#146;s then
applicable transaction charges (which shall be at the Company&#146;s expense). The Custodian shall
have no liability for any loss incurred on any such investment. Absent receipt of such
specific written instruction from the Company, the Custodian shall have no obligation to
invest (or otherwise pay interest on) amounts on deposit in the Cash Account; and in no
instance will the Custodian have any obligation to provide investment advice to the Company.
Any earnings from such investment of amounts held in the Cash Account from time to time
(collectively, &#147;Reinvestment Earnings&#148;) shall be redeposited in the Cash Account (and may be
reinvested at the written direction of the Company).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>In the event that the Company shall at any time request a withdrawal of amounts from the Cash
Account, the Custodian shall be entitled to liquidate, and shall have no liability for any
loss incurred as a result of the liquidation of, any investment of the funds credited to such
account as needed to provide necessary liquidity. Investment instructions may be in
</TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-6-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the form of standing instructions (in form Proper Instructions in form acceptable to
Custodian).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company acknowledges that cash deposited or invested with any bank (including the bank
acting as Custodian) may generate a margin or banking income for which such bank shall not be
required to account to the Company.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.5.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&#091;Intentionally Omitted&#093;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.6.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Collection of Income</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians shall use reasonable efforts to collect on a timely
basis all income and other payments with respect to the Securities held hereunder to which the
Company shall be entitled, to the extent consistent with usual custom in the securities custodian
business in the United States. Such efforts shall include collection of interest income, dividends
and other payments with respect to registered domestic securities if on the record date with
respect to the date of payment by the issuer the Security is registered in the name of the
Custodian or its nominee (or in the name of its agent or sub-custodian, or their nominee); and
interest income, dividends and other payments with respect to bearer domestic securities if, on the
date of payment by the issuer such securities are held by the Custodian or its sub-custodian or
agent; provided, however, that in the case of Securities held in Street Name, the Custodian shall
use its reasonable efforts only to timely collect income. In no event shall the Custodian&#146;s
agreement herein to collect income be construed to obligate the Custodian to commence, undertake or
prosecute any legal proceedings.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.7.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Payment of Moneys</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, which may be standing instructions, the
Custodian shall pay out from the Cash Account (or remit to its agents or its
sub-custodians, and direct them to pay out) moneys of the Company on deposit therein in
the following cases:</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>upon the purchase of Securities for the Company pursuant to
such Proper Instruction; and such purchase may, unless and except to the extent
otherwise directed by Proper Instructions, be carried out by the Custodian;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="12%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(A)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in accordance with the customary or established
practices and procedures in the jurisdiction or market where the
transactions occur, including, without limitation, delivering money to
the seller thereof or to a dealer therefor (or any agent for such
seller or dealer) against expectation of receiving later delivery of
such securities; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="12%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(B)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in the case of a purchase effected through a
Securities System, in accordance with the rules governing the operation
of such Securities System;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-7-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>for the purchase or sale of foreign exchange or foreign
exchange agreements for the accounts of the Company, including transactions
executed with or through the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians, as
contemplated by Section&nbsp;3.6 above; and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="8%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(iii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>for any other purpose directed by the Company, but only upon
receipt of Proper Instructions specifying the amount of such payment, and
naming the Person or Persons to whom such payment is to be made.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>No less than 7&nbsp;days following the delivery of a statement to the Company
identifying any such amounts, the Custodian shall be entitled to pay (i)&nbsp;itself from
the Cash Account, whether or not in receipt of express direction or instruction from
the Company, any amounts due and payable to it pursuant to Section&nbsp;6 hereof, and (ii)
as otherwise permitted by Section&nbsp;3.11(a) or Section&nbsp;10.4 below, provided, however,
that in each case all such payments shall be accounted for to the Company.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.8.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Proxies</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian may not vote any securities held by or for the Company&#146;s account, except in
accordance with Proper Instructions or instructions contained in an Officer&#146;s Certificate. The
Custodian will, with respect to the Securities held hereunder, use its reasonable efforts to cause
to be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities proxies received by the
Custodian from its agents or its sub-custodians or from issuers of the Securities being held for
the Company, without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and upon
receipt of Proper Instructions shall promptly deliver such proxies, proxy soliciting materials and
notices relating to such Securities. In the absence of such Proper Instructions, or in the event
that such Proper Instructions are not received in a timely fashion, the Custodian shall be under no
duty to act with regard to such proxies.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.9.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Communications Relating to Securities</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Company all written information (including, without
limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of Securities and expirations of rights in connection
therewith) received by the Custodian, from its agents or its sub-custodians or from issuers of the
Securities being held for the Company. The Custodian shall have no obligation or duty to exercise
any right or power, or otherwise to preserve rights, in or under any Securities unless and except
to the extent it has received timely Proper Instruction from the Company in accordance with the
next sentence. The Custodian will not be liable for any untimely exercise of any right or power in
connection with Securities at any time held by the Custodian, its agents or sub-custodians unless
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the Custodian has received Proper Instructions with regard to the exercise of
any such right or power; and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the Custodian, or its agents or sub-custodians are in actual possession of such
Securities</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-8-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>at least three (3)&nbsp;Business Days prior to the date on which such right or power is to be exercised.
It will be the responsibility of the Company to notify the Custodian of the Person to whom such
communications must be forwarded under this Section.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.10.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Proper Instructions</B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company will give a notice to the Custodian, in the form acceptable to it, specifying the
names and specimen signatures of persons authorized by the Board of Directors to give Proper
Instructions (collectively, &#147;Authorized Officers&#148;) which notice shall be signed by the
President, Chief Executive Officer or a Senior Vice President or by another Authorized Officer
previously certified to the Custodian. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon the
identity and authority of such persons until it receives written notice from the Company to
the contrary.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability to the Company (or any other person
or entity), and shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Company, in the event that a
subsequent written confirmation of an oral instruction fails to conform to the oral
instructions received by the Custodian. The Custodian shall have no obligation to act in
accordance with purported instructions to the extent that they conflict with applicable law or
regulations, local market practice or the Custodian&#146;s operating policies and practices. The
Custodian shall not be liable for any loss resulting from a delay while it obtains
clarification of any Proper Instructions.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.11.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Actions Permitted without Express Authority</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian, may at its discretion, without express authority from the Company:
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>subject to Section&nbsp;3.7(b), make payments to itself as described in or pursuant
to Section&nbsp;3.7(b), or to make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of
handling securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this agreement,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Company;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>surrender Securities in temporary form for Securities in definitive form;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>endorse for collection cheques, drafts and other negotiable instruments; and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in general attend to all nondiscretionary details in connection with the sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with the securities and
property of the Fund.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.12.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Evidence of Authority</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions, notice, request, consent,
certificate instrument or paper reasonably believed by it to be genuine and to have been properly
executed or otherwise given by or on behalf of the Company by any two Authorized Officers. The
Custodian may receive and accept a certificate signed by any two Authorized Officers (an &#147;Officers&#146;
Certificate&#148;) as conclusive evidence of:
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-9-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the authority of any person to act in accordance with such certificate; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>any determination or of any action by the Company as described in such
certificate,</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">and such certificate may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the Custodian
of written notice to the contrary from an Authorized Officer of the Company.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">3.13.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Receipt of Communications</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Any communication received by the Custodian on a day which is not a Business Day or after 3:30 p.m.
(or such other time as is agreed by the Company and the Custodian from time to time) on a Business
Day will be deemed to have been received on the next Business Day (but in the case of
communications so received after 3:30 p.m. on a Business Day the Custodian will use reasonable
endeavors to process such communications as soon as possible after receipt.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">4.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>REPORTING</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian shall provide promptly, upon request, such reports as are available concerning the
internal controls and financial strength of the Custodian and any Sub-custodian.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall render to the Company a monthly report of (i)&nbsp;all deposits to and
withdrawals from the Cash Account during the month, and the outstanding balance (as of the
last day of the preceding monthly report and as of the last day of the subject month) and (ii)
an itemized statement of the Securities held in the Securities Account as of the end of each
month, as well as a list of all Securities transactions that remain unsettled at that time and
(iii)&nbsp;such other matters as the parties may agree from time to time.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall have no duty or obligation to undertake any market valuation of the
Securities under any circumstance.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company acknowledges that any data and information held by the Custodian from time to
time concerning the Securities and to which the Company is given access (without herein
implying any obligation or agreement by the custodian to maintain or provide access to any
particular information or database) from time to time at the election of the Custodian (the
&#147;Securities Database&#148;) is unaudited and the Custodian does not independently verify the
accuracy of information it receives concerning the Securities (whether form the Company, from
others at the Company&#146;s behest or on its behalf, or from issuers of the Securities or their
agents) prior to its inclusion in the Securities Database. The Custodian will not be liable
to the Company or any other Person for any loss or damage arising out of or in connection with
the relationship established by this Agreement as a result of inaccuracies in any information
contained in the Securities Database or any information to which the Company is given access
pursuant to this Section&nbsp;4.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Within five Business Days of completion of any Securities purchased or sold pursuant to
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall provide trade confirmation in writing to the Company.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-10-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(e)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company and the Custodian may agree to other recordkeeping procedures from time to time
in order to comply with 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the &#147;1940
Act&#148;).</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">5.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>&#091;INTENTIONALLY OMITTED&#093;</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">6.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its services in accordance with the terms
set forth in <U>Schedule&nbsp;A</U> attached hereto and made a part hereof.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company agrees to pay or reimburse to the Custodian upon its request from time to time
all costs, disbursements, advances and expenses (including without limitation reasonable fees
and expenses of legal counsel) incurred, and any disbursements and advances made (including
without limitation any account overdraft resulting from any settlement or assumed settlement,
provisional credit, reclaimed payment or claw-back, or the like), in connection with the
preparation or execution of this Agreement, or in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby or the administration of this Agreement or performance by the Custodian of
its duties and services under this Agreement, from time to time (including without limitation
costs and expenses of any action deemed necessary by the Custodian to collect any amounts
owing to it under this Agreement).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">7.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>APPOINTMENT OF AGENTS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian may at any time or times in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any
other bank, trust company or other Person to act as an agent or sub-custodian to carry out such of
the provisions of this Agreement as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided, however,
that the appointment of any agent or sub-custodian shall not relieve the Custodian of its
responsibilities or liabilities hereunder (except to the extent otherwise provided in Sections&nbsp;8, 9
or 10 below). The Custodian is further obligated to exercise due care in accordance with
reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duties and must require any agent or
Sub-custodian as appointees to likewise exercise due care in accordance with reasonable commercial
standards in discharging its duty as securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain the
Company&#146;s assets.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">8.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>DEPOSIT IN U.S. SECURITIES SYSTEMS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Securities in a U.S. Securities System in accordance with
applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if
any, and subject to the following provisions:
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">8.1.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian may keep domestic Securities in a U.S. Securities System provided that such
Securities are represented in an account (&#147;Participant Account&#148;) of the Custodian in the U.S.
Securities System which shall not include any assets of the Custodian other than assets held
by it as a fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers;</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-11-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">8.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities which are maintained in a U.S.
Securities System shall identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the Company;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">8.3</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>If requested by the Company, the Custodian shall provide to the Company copies of all advices
from the U.S. Securities System of transfers of Securities for the account of the Company; and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">8.4</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, the Custodian shall not be liable
to the Company for any direct loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim to the Company
resulting from use of the U.S. Securities System (other than to the extent resulting from the
gross negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian itself, or from failure of the
Custodian to enforce effectively such rights as it may have against the U.S. Securities
System).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">9.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>&#091;INTENTIONALLY OMITTED&#093;</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>RESPONSIBILITY OF CUSTODIAN</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.1.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>General Duties</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian shall have no duties, obligations or responsibilities under this Agreement or with
respect to the Cash Amounts, Securities or the Proceeds except for such duties as are expressly and
specifically set forth in this Agreement as duties on its part to be performed or observed, and the
duties and obligations of the Custodian shall be determined solely by the express provisions of
this Agreement. No implied duties, obligations or responsibilities shall be read into this
Agreement against, or on the part of, the Custodian.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.2.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Instructions</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall be entitled to refrain from taking any action unless it has
such instruction (in the form of Proper Instructions) from the Company as the Custodian
deems necessary, and shall be entitled to require that instructions to it be in
writing. The Custodian shall have no liability for any action (or forbearance from
action) taken pursuant to the instruction of the Company.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Whenever the Custodian is entitled or required to receive or obtain any report,
opinion, notice of other information pursuant to or as contemplated by this Agreement,
it shall be entitled to receive the same in writing, in form, content and medium
reasonably acceptable to it; and whenever any report or other information is required
to be produced or distributed by the Custodian shall be in form, content and medium
reasonably acceptable to it.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>



<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">10.3. <B>General Standards of Care</B>
</DIV>

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Notwithstanding any terms herein contained to the contrary, the acceptance of the Custodian of its
appointment hereunder is expressly subject to the following terms, which shall govern and apply to
each of the terms and provisions of this Agreement (whether or not so stated therein):
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-12-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or genuineness,
including good deliverable form of any property or evidence of title thereto received
by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian may rely on and shall be protected in acting or refraining from
acting upon any written notice, instruction, statement, certificate, request, waiver,
consent, opinion, report, receipt or other paper or document furnished to it (including
without limitation any of the foregoing provided to it by telecopier or electronic
means), not only as to its due execution and validity, but also as to the truth and
accuracy of any information therein contained, which it in good faith believes to be
genuine and signed or presented by the proper person; and the Custodian shall be
entitled to presume the genuineness and due authority of any signature appearing
thereon. The Custodian shall not be bound to make any independent investigation into
the facts or matters stated in any such notice, instruction, statement, certificate,
statement, request, waiver, consent, opinion, report, receipt or other paper or
document, provided, however, that if the form thereof is specifically prescribed by the
terms of this Agreement, the Custodian shall examine the same to determine whether it
substantially conforms on its face to such requirements hereof.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Neither the Custodian nor any of its directors, officers or employees shall be
liable to anyone for any error of judgment, or for any act done or step taken or
omitted to be taken by it (or any of its directors, officers of employees), or for any
mistake of fact or law, or for anything which it may do or refrain from doing in
connection herewith, unless such action constitutes gross negligence, willful
misconduct or bad faith on its part and in breach of the terms of this Agreement. The
Custodian shall not be liable for any action taken by it in good faith and reasonably
believed by it to be within powers conferred upon it, or taken by it pursuant to any
direction or instruction by which it is governed hereunder, or omitted to be taken by
it by reason of the lack of direction or instruction required hereby for such action.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(d)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>In no event shall the Custodian be liable for any indirect, special or
consequential damages (including, without limitation, lost profits) whether or not it
has been advised of the likelihood of such damages.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(e)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian may consult with, and obtain advice from, legal counsel with
respect to any question as to any of the provisions hereof or its duties hereunder, or
any matter relating hereto, and the opinion of such counsel shall be full and complete
authorization and protection in respect of any action taken, suffered or omitted by the
Custodian in good faith in accordance with the opinion and directions of such counsel;
the cost of such services shall be reimbursed pursuant to paragraph 6 hereinabove.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(f)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall not be deemed to have notice of any fact, claim or demand
with respect hereto unless actually known by an officer working in its Corporate Trust
Division and charged with responsibility for administering this Agreement</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-13-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>or unless (and then only to the extent received) in writing by the Custodian at its
Corporate Trust Services Group and specifically referencing this Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(g)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>No provision of this Agreement shall require the Custodian to expend or risk
its own funds, or to take any action (or forbear from action) hereunder which might in
its judgment involve any expense or any financial or other liability unless it shall be
furnished with acceptable indemnification. Nothing herein shall be construed to
obligate the Custodian to commence, prosecute or defend legal proceedings in any
instance, whether on behalf of the Company on its own behalf or otherwise, with respect
to any matter arising hereunder or relating to this Agreement or the services
contemplated hereby.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(h)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The permissive right of the Custodian to take any action hereunder shall not be
construed as duty.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>With the consent of Allied, Custodian may act or exercise its duties or powers
hereunder through agents or attorneys, and the Custodian shall not be liable or
responsible for the actions or omissions of any such agent or attorney appointed and
maintained with reasonable due care.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(j)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>All indemnifications contained in this Agreement in favor of the Custodian
shall survive the termination of this Agreement.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(k)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>All costs and risks of shipment shall be borne exclusively by the Company.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.4.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Indemnification; Custodian&#146;s Lien</B></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company shall and does hereby indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian for and from any
and all costs and expenses (including without limitation attorney&#146;s fees and expenses), and
any and all losses, damages, claims and liabilities, that may arise, be brought against or
incurred by the Custodian as a result of, relating to, or arising out of this Agreement, or
the administration or performance of the Custodian&#146;s duties hereunder, or the relationship
between the Company and the Custodian created hereby, other than such liabilities, losses,
damages, claims, costs and expenses as are directly caused by the Custodian&#146;s own actions
taken in bad faith or constituting gross negligence.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian shall have a right of set-off against, any property and assets it may hold from
time to time under this Agreement to secure the payment when due of all amounts owing to it
from time to time hereunder including but not limited to the payments permitted under Section
3.7(b) hereof.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.5.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Force Majeure</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall be without liability to
the Company for any damage or loss resulting from or caused by:
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>events or circumstances beyond the Custodian&#146;s reasonable control including
nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, the interruption, disruption or</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-14-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt"><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #textcolor#; background: #bgcolor#">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>suspension of the normal procedures and practices of any securities market, power,
mechanical, communications or other technological failures or interruptions,
computer viruses or the like, acts of war or terrorism, riots, revolution, acts of
God, work stoppages, strikes, national disasters of any kind, or other similar
events or acts;</TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>errors by the Company (including any Authorized Person) in its instructions to
the Custodian;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(iii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>failure by the Company to adhere to the Custodian&#146;s operational policies and
procedures;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(iv)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>acts, omissions or insolvency of any Securities System;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(v)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>any delay or failure of any broker, agent or intermediary, central bank or
other commercially prevalent payment or clearing system to deliver to the Custodian&#146;s
sub-custodian or agent securities purchased or in the remittance of payment made in
connection with Securities sold;</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(vi)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>any delay or failure of any company, corporation, or other body in charge of
registering or transferring securities in the name of the Custodian, the Company, the
Custodian&#146;s sub-custodians, nominees or agents or any consequential losses arising out
of such delay or failure to transfer such securities including non-receipt of bonus,
dividends and rights and other accretions or benefits; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(vii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>changes in applicable law, regulation or orders.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.6.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Disputes</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">If any dispute or conflicting claim is made by any person with respect to securities or other
property held for the Company, the Custodian shall be entitled to refuse to act until either:
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>such dispute or conflicting claim has been finally determined by a court of
competent jurisdiction or settled by agreement between conflicting parties, and the
Custodian has received written evidence satisfactory to it of such determination or
agreement; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>the Custodian has received an indemnity, security or both satisfactory to it
and sufficient to hold it harmless from and against any and all loss, liability and
expense which the Custodian may incur as a result of its actions.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">10.7.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><B>Advances</B></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Under no circumstances shall the Custodian have any responsibility, duty or obligation to advance
its own funds to or for the benefit of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the
Custodian (or its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents) at any time or times, pursuant to this
Agreement:
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-15-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>advances cash or securities for any purpose, including, without limitation,
advances or overdrafts relating to or resulting from securities settlements, foreign
exchange contracts, assumed settlements, provisional credit or payment items, or
reclaimed payments or adjustments or claw-backs,</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>incurs any liability to pay taxes, interest, charges, expenses, assessments, or
other moneys in connection with the performance of this Agreement, except such as may
arise from its own gross negligent acts or gross negligent omissions,</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">then, any property or assets at any time held for the account of the Company shall be security
therefor and shall be subject to a right of set-off thereon in favor of the Custodian for the
repayment of such advances and liabilities. If the Company shall fail to promptly reimburse the
Custodian in respect of the advances or liabilities described above, the Custodian may utilize
available cash and dispose of Securities of the Company, in a manner, at a time and at a price
which the Custodian deems proper, to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement and make itself
whole.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">11.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>SECURITY CODES</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">If the Custodian issues to the Company, security codes, passwords or test keys in order that the
Custodian may verify that certain transmissions of information, including Proper Instructions, have
been originated by the Company, the Company shall, safeguard any security codes, passwords, test
keys or other security devices which the Custodian shall make available.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">12.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>TAX LAW</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any obligations now or hereafter
imposed on the Company or the Custodian as custodian of the Securities or the Proceeds, by the tax
law of the United States or any state or political subdivision thereof. The Custodian shall be
kept indemnified by and be without liability to the Company for such obligations including taxes,
(but excluding any income taxes assessable in respect of compensation paid to the Custodian
pursuant to this agreement) withholding, certification and reporting requirements, claims for
exemption or refund, additions for late payment interest, penalties and other expenses (including
legal expenses) that may be assessed against the Company, or the Custodian as custodian of the
Securities or Proceeds.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">13.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>EFFECTIVE PERIOD, TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">13.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>This Agreement shall become effective as of its due execution and delivery by each of the
parties. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as
hereinafter provided. This Agreement may only be amended by mutual written agreement of the
parties hereto. This Agreement may be terminated by the Custodian or the Company pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13.2.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">13.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>This Agreement shall terminate upon the earliest of (a)&nbsp;occurrence of the effective date of
termination specified in any written notice of termination given by either party to the other
not later than 60&nbsp;days prior to the effective date of termination specified therein, provided
that all Cash Amounts, Securities and Proceeds shall have been delivered to the</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-16-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">

<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Company or as it otherwise instructs (subject to Section&nbsp;13.4 below), (b)&nbsp;such other date of
termination as may be mutually agreed upon by the parties in writing.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">13.3</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian may at any time resign under this Agreement by giving not less than 60&nbsp;days
advance written notice thereof to the Company.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">13.4</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Prior to the effective date of termination of this Agreement, or the effective date of the
resignation (or removal of the Custodian), as the case may be, the Company shall give Proper
Instruction to the Custodian to cause the Cash Amounts, Securities and Proceeds then held by
the Custodian hereunder to be delivered to the Company, or its designee, or a successor
custodian hereunder; and if the Company shall fail or be unable to do so on a timely basis,
the Custodian shall be entitled (but not obligated) to petition a court of competent
jurisdiction (at the Company&#146;s expense) for such instruction.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">13.5</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>(a)&nbsp;Upon termination of this Agreement or resignation (or removal) of the Custodian, the
company shall pay to the Custodian prior to the delivery by the Custodian to the Company (or
as it may otherwise direct) the Cash Amounts, Securities and Proceeds held hereunder, such
compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination or resignation (or removal) and
shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements. All
indemnifications in favor of the Custodian under this Agreement shall survive the termination
of this Agreement, or any resignation or removal of the Custodian.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>If Cash Amounts, Securities, Proceeds or any other property remain in the
possession of the Custodian, its agents or its sub-custodians after the date of
termination hereof or the date of resignation (or removal) of the Custodian, as the
case may be, owing to failure of the Company to give Proper Instructions to the
Custodian for delivery thereof, as referred to in Section&nbsp;13.4, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the Custodian
retains possession of such Securities, funds and other property and the provisions of
this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of the Custodian shall remain in
full force and effect during such period.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">14.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company represents and warrants to the Custodian that:</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(i)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>it has the power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under
this Agreement, and it has duly authorized and executed this Agreement so as to
constitute its valid and binding obligation; and</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(ii)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>in giving any instructions which purport to be &#147;Proper Instructions&#148; under this
Agreement, the Company will act in accordance with the provisions of its memorandum and
articles of association and any applicable laws and regulations.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Custodian hereby represents and warrants to the Company that it has the power and
authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement, and it has duly</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-17-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt"><TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt"><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #textcolor#; background: #bgcolor#">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>authorized and executed this Agreement so as to constitute its valid and binding
obligations.<br></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(c)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The Company hereby represents and warrants to the Custodian that (i)&nbsp;the aggregate interest
in any class of interests any benefit plan investors (as such term is interpreted under The
Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended; &#147;<B><I>ERISA</I></B><I>&#148;</I>) for whose benefit or
account the Portfolio is held by the Company shall not at any time equal or exceed 25% of the
outstanding shares of such class without the prior written consent of the Custodian and (ii)
the Company shall not, without the prior written consent of the Custodian, permit the assets
of the Portfolio to be deemed assets of an employee benefit plan which is subject to ERISA.
The Company acknowledges and agrees that the Custodian shall not grant its consent in either
of the foregoing circumstances unless and until the Company has entered into such amendments
to this Agreement and has provided such assurances and indemnities to the Custodian, as the
Custodian reasonably may require to be assured that it will not be subject to ERISA liability.
If for any reason the Company breaches or otherwise fails to comply with the provisions of
this Section, this Agreement may be terminated immediately by the Custodian.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">15.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>PARTIES IN INTEREST; NO THIRD PARTY BENEFIT</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors and
assigns of the parties hereto. This Agreement is not intended for, and shall not be construed to
be intended for, the benefit of any third parties and may not be relied upon or enforced by any
third parties.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">16.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>NOTICES</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">All notices, approvals and other communications hereunder shall be sufficient if made in writing
(unless and except where and to the extent otherwise expressly provided by the terms of this
Agreement) and given to the parties at the following address (or such other address as either of
them may subsequently designate by notice to the other), given by (i)&nbsp;certified or registered mail,
postage prepaid, (ii)&nbsp;recognized courier or delivery service, or (iii)&nbsp;confirmed telecopier or
telex, with a duplicate sent on the same day by first class mail, postage prepaid:
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>if to the Company, to Allied Capital Corporation, 1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW,
Washington D.C. 20006, Attn: Shawn Stuckey, Fax: (202)&nbsp;721-6227; or</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="4%" style="background: transparent">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>if to the Custodian, to U.S. Bank National Association, One Federal Street,
Third Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, Attention: Corporate Trust Services/CDO Unit
 &#151; Allied Capital Corporation Fax: (866)&nbsp;832-3895.</TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>

<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">17.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>CHOICE OF LAW AND JURISDICTION</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">This Agreement shall be construed, and the provisions hereof interpreted under and in accordance
with and governed by the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts for all purposes (without regard
to its choice of law provisions), except and unless there exists a conflict with the 1940 Act, in
which case the 1940 Act shall govern. The parties to this Agreement
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-18-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">hereby submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including any
appellate courts thereof.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">18.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND COUNTERPARTS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">18.1</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>This Agreement constitutes the complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with regard to
the matters addressed herein and supersedes and terminates as of the date hereof, all prior
agreements, agreements or understandings, oral or written between the parties to this
Agreement relating to such matters.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">18.2</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and all counterparts taken
together shall constitute one instrument.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">19.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>AMENDMENT; WAIVER</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>This Agreement may not be amended except by an express written instrument duly executed by
each of the Company and the Custodian.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>In no instance shall any delay or failure to act be deemed to be or effective as a waiver of
any right, power or term hereunder, unless and except to the extent such waiver is set forth
in an expressly written instrument signed by the party against whom it is to be charged.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">20.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>SUCCESSOR AND ASSIGNS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(a)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>The covenants and agreements set forth herein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit
of each of the parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Neither party
shall be permitted to assign their rights under this Agreement without the written consent of
the other party (provided, however, that this shall not limit the ability of the Custodian to
delegate certain duties or services to or perform them through agents or attorneys appointed
with due care as expressly provided in this Agreement).</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">(b)</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>Any corporation or association into which the Custodian may be merged or converted or with
which it may be consolidated, or any corporation or association resulting from any merger,
conversion or consolidation to which the Custodian shall be a party, shall be the successor of
the Custodian hereunder, and shall succeed to all of the rights, powers and duties of the Cash
Custodian hereunder, without the execution or filing of any paper or any further act on the
part of any of the parties hereto, except that the Company may have the right to terminate
immediately upon notice of the effectiveness of such merger or consolidation.</TD>
</TR>

<TR>
    <TD style="font-size: 6pt">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR><TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">21.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>SEVERABILITY</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">The terms of this Agreement are hereby declared to be severable, such that if any term hereof is
determined to be invalid or unenforceable, such determination shall not affect the remaining terms.
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-19-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">




<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">22.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>INSTRUMENT UNDER SEAL; HEADINGS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">This Agreement is intended to take effect as, and shall be deemed to be, an instrument under seal.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">23.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>REQUEST FOR INSTRUCTIONS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">If, in performing its duties under this Agreement, the Custodian is required to decide between
alternative courses of action, the Custodian may (but shall not be obliged to) request written
instructions from the Company as to the course of action desired by it. If the Custodian does not
receive such instructions within two (2)&nbsp;days after it has requested them, the Custodian may, but
shall be under no duty to, take or refrain from taking any such courses of action. The Custodian
shall act in accordance with instructions received from the Company in response to such request
after such two-day period except to the extent it has already taken, or committed itself to take,
action inconsistent with such instructions.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">24.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>OTHER BUSINESS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Nothing herein shall prevent the Custodian or any of its affiliates from engaging in other
business, or from entering into any other transaction or financial or other relationship with, or
receiving fees from or from rendering services of any kind to the Company or any other Person.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall constitute the Company and/or the Custodian (and/or any
other Person) as members of any partnership, joint venture, association, syndicate, unincorporated
business or similar assignment as a result of or by virtue of the engagement or relationship
established by this Agreement.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">25.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>REPRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">This Agreement and all schedules, exhibits, attachments and amendment hereto may be reproduced by
any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar
process. The parties hereto each agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence
as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is
in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of
business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further production shall likewise be admissible in
evidence.
</DIV>


<DIV style="margin-top: 6pt">
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-size: 10pt">
<TR valign="top" style="font-size: 10pt; color: #000000; background: transparent">
    <TD width="3%" nowrap align="left">26.</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD><U><B>SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS</B></U></TD>
</TR>

</TABLE>
</DIV>
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">Securities and Exchange Commission Rule&nbsp;14b-2 requires banks which hold securities for the account
of customers to respond to requests by issuers of securities for the names, addresses and holdings
of beneficial owners of securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with the rule, the
Custodian needs the Company to indicate whether it authorizes the Custodian to provide the
Company&#146;s name, address and share position to requesting companies whose securities are held in the
Company. If the Company tells the Custodian &#147;no&#148;, the Custodian will not provide this information
to requesting companies. If the Company tells the Custodian &#147;yes&#148; or does not check either &#147;yes&#148;
or &#147;no&#148; below, the Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Company as consenting to
disclosure of this information for all securities owned by the Company or any
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-20-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">
<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">funds or accounts established by the Company. For the Company&#146;s protection, the Rule prohibits the
requesting company from using the Company&#146;s name and address for any purpose other than corporate
communications. Please indicate below whether the Company consents or objects by checking one of
the alternatives below.
</DIV>

<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="10%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="81%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">YES
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&#091;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&#093;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">The Custodian is authorized to release the Company&#146;s name, address,
and share positions.</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">NO
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top">&#091;X&#093;
</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">The Custodian is not authorized to release the Company&#146;s name,
address, and share positions.</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body --></TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-21-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="left" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 6pt">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered
by a duly authorized officer, intending the same to take effect as of the 3<SUP style="font-size: 85%; vertical-align: text-top">rd</SUP> day of
April, 2009.
</DIV>
<DIV align="center">
<TABLE style="font-size: 10pt" cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<!-- Begin Table Head --><TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="40%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="53%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Head -->
<!-- Begin Table Body -->
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top">Witness:</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" valign="top" align="left">ALLIED CAPITAL CORPORATION</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">

<TD valign="top" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/
Miriam G. Krieger
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">By:</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">/s/
Shawn C. Stuckey</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">

<TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Name: Miriam G. Krieger
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Name:</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Shawn C. Stuckey</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">

<TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;EVP
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Title:</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">VP-Asst. Treasurer</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Witness:</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD colspan="3" valign="top" align="left">U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom"><!-- Blank Space -->
    <TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">&nbsp;</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">

<TD valign="top" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">/s/
Ralph J. Creasia, Jr.
</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">By:</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top" style="border-bottom: 1px solid #000000">/s/ Lynora J. Gilligan</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">

<TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Name:
Ralph J. Creasia, Jr.</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Lynora J. Gilligan</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">

<TD valign="top"><DIV style="margin-left:0px; text-indent:-0px">Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vice
President</DIV></TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD>&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top">Assistant Vice President</TD>
</TR>
<!-- End Table Body --></TABLE>
</DIV>


<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-22-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>

<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always">&nbsp;</H5><P>

<DIV style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif">

<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>SCHEDULE A</B>
</DIV>


<DIV align="center" style="font-size: 10pt; margin-top: 18pt"><B>CUSTODIAN&#146;S SCHEDULE OF FEES</B>
</DIV>



<P align="center" style="font-size: 10pt"><!-- Folio -->-23-<!-- /Folio -->
</DIV>




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</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
