en I had peeled them, and
possibly then a glass of fine old port wine, making together--the one
indigestible, the other heating--about as bad a mixture as a weak
convalescent could partake of in India.

But then, you see, you are perfectly wrong, for I was not thinking of
eating and drinking, but wishing I could have a dozen or so of the big
green walnuts I remembered growing on a great tree down in Surrey.

What for?

Why, to beat up into a kind of dark juice, in which I could wash my
hands, neck, and face, my head, too, and then my feet and legs, till I
had stained myself as dark as the darkest Hindu I had ever met.

The windows, with the gateway to be reached by means of the twisted
curtains; the dress of one of those men, and my skin darkened. So far
as this already on the first morning of my gilded captivity!

"I am getting on," I said to myself, with a smile on my face, and then I
grew rigid; for I turned and saw that Salaman was watching me keenly, as
if he could read every thought.

"Let not my lord be angry," he said humbly. "I could not help seeing
that he was pleased. Yes, they are two good servants; the best I could
find. His highness said I was to do everything to make my lord happy.
But will he not eat?"

"Yes," I cried eagerly, for I felt that he could not have read my
thoughts, but had interpreted my looks to have meant satisfaction with
the servants.

And then I took my place, feeling all at once hungry and ready for my
meal.

"I must eat and grow strong," I said. "Dost cannot get to me here, even
if he dared use the same disguise. I must get out of the palace, and
away into the country, and then all will be well."

My hopes were a little dashed directly after, for I felt that I had been
too sanguine. But I brightened up again, for I knew that I could not
succeed all at once, and that I had done wonders towards getting my
liberty by making a beginning.

I quite enjoyed the delicious breakfast they gave me, and felt in high
spirits thinking such a life as the rajah offered me would be glorious
if it could have been accepted with honour, and one could have made sure
that his enemies would not be of his own race.

The meal removed, Salaman informed me that the rajah had sent to know
how I was; and, as I heard his words, there was the excuse ready to gain
time. I might say I was weak and ill. But I did not. I sent word that
I was rested and better.

Salaman sent off his messenger,