a huge
water-bladder, and was directing from it a tiny spout which flashed in
the sun as he gave it a circular motion by a turn of his wrist, and
watered the heated marble floor of the court, forming a ring or
chain-like pattern as he went on.

It was something to look at, and the smell of the water on the stones
was pleasant; so I stayed there watching the two men, one of whom took
the side of the court beyond the fountain, the other coming almost
beneath my window.

The weight of the water-skin must have been great at first, but it grew
lighter as the man went on; and one moment I was thinking of what
strength there was in his thin sinewy legs and arms, the next of the
clever way in which the pattern was formed upon the pavement, and lastly
of what a clumsy mode it was of watering the place, and how much
pleasanter it would be if there were greater power in the fountain, and
it sent up a great spray to come curving over like the branches of a
weeping-willow. And by that time the skin was empty, hanging flaccid
and collapsed upon the bheestie's back, as he went slowly out by the
guarded gate, still bent down as if the load was heavy even yet. "What
a life for a man!" I thought, as, yawning again--I yawned very much
during those hot days--I went slowly into the next room and felt
startled, for just in front of the window lay a little packet, one which
had evidently been thrown in, and it was that which had made the noise
when it fell.

It was hard work to refrain from stooping to pick up what I felt almost
sure was a message of some kind, but I dared not for fear of being seen.
There were curtains over every door, and I never knew but one of the
native servants might be behind it; and after what Salaman had said
about the safety of his head if he talked, I felt sure that the reason
why the rajah's servants were so watchful was that they feared danger to
themselves if they were not careful of my safety.

However, there was the little packet waiting--just a little packet not
much larger than a seidlitz-powder, tied up with grass; and, beginning
to walk up and down the room, I contrived to give it a kick now and
then, till at last I sent it right into the purdah which hung in front
of my chamber.

This done, I went to the window, looked out, saw that the two bheesties
were back watering the court again, the former sprinkling having nearly
dried up; and then, turning, I walked right into my room, let the
curtain f