n
some crowded city in the broiling plains.

That was all that the view down the precipitous slope taught me. I
could not recognise a single landmark, and returned to my prison-tent as
low-spirited as ever.

It must have been a day or two after, when I was making my first essays
in walking, that, unexpectedly as usual, the rajah came riding in among
the trees quite alone, and as he drew rein, smiling, close to where I
was standing, I could not help envying him the strength and ease with
which he managed his splendid charger.

He was quite simply dressed on this occasion, and his appearance
indicated that he must have ridden far.

As we shook hands, I was wondering that he should have come without any
escort, but just then I heard the snort of a horse at some distance,
which made the beautiful arab by my side throw up his head and challenge
loudly, when two more horses answered, and I felt that I had been
premature in thinking the country so peaceful and free from troops that
the rajah could ride alone.

He swung himself down, and a man sprang forward to lead away the horse,
while, taking my arm, the rajah led me to the cushioned carpets spread
beneath the tree, looking at me smilingly the while.

"Come," he said; "this is better; up and walking. You look different,
too. Why, I might venture to send your horse over for you to try and
mount, but not yet."

"Why not yet?" I said, as we sat down among the cushions.

"For several reasons," he replied, smiling at me. "I want to see you
stronger."

"But I think I could mount now; and, at a gentle walk, the exercise
would do me good."

"Perhaps," he said; "but we must see."

He clapped his hands, and Salaman glided up.

"Bring coffee and a pipe," he said.

Salaman bowed and retired.

"I have ridden far," he said to me, "and am tired."

"Tell me about the state of the country," I said eagerly, after we had
sat some moments in silence.

"It is not peaceful yet," he replied. "The English are making a little
struggle here and there. They do not like to give up the land they have
held so long."

We were silent again, and Salaman and the two servants I had seen most
often, came up, bearing a tray with coffee, a long snake pipe, and a
little pan of burning charcoal. A minute after the pipe was lit, and
the great amber mouthpiece handed to the rajah, who took it after
sipping his coffee, and the men retired as he began to smoke, gazing at
me the while.