the nervous
oppression at his breast had passed away.

"You see, sir," he began, "I have known all along that Singh had that
very valuable belt. It was his father's, and the Maharajah used to wear
it; and when he died my father took charge of it and all the Maharajah's
valuable jewels as well."

"Yes," said the Doctor slowly. "He was the late Prince's executor and
Singh's guardian."

"Yes, sir; and Singh was very eager to have it--oh, months and months
before we came over here to school, and my father used to smile at him
and tell him that he had far better not have it until he had grown
older, and asked him why he who was such a boy yet should want such a
rich ornament, and told him it was vanity. But Singh said it wasn't
that; it was because the people had been used to see his father wear it,
and that now he was dead and he had become Maharajah they would think
more of him and look up to him if he wore the belt himself. You see,
sir, Singh told me it was like being crowned."

"I see," said the Doctor gravely, and he kept his eyes fixed upon the
young speaker. "Go on."

"Well, sir, father always put him off, and Singh didn't like it, and
asked for it again and again; but my father would never let him have it
till we were coming slowly over here to England. We stopped for a month
in Ceylon, and when we sailed again to come here, one day Singh asked
father again to let him have it, so that he could wear the belt as soon
as we reached England. And then father said he should have it if he
would make a promise not to wear it unless he had to appear before the
Queen. Then he was to put it away again, and not make a parade of
himself in a country where the greatest people in the land were always
dressed in the plainest way."

"Your father spoke wisely and well, my boy," said the Doctor gravely.
"Great men do not depend upon show, but upon the jewels of worth and
wisdom with which they have adorned themselves in their careers. Well,
I repeat I am very glad you have come. Go on."

"Yes, sir," said Glyn, clearing his throat. "Singh promised father that
he would do exactly as he was told, and the next day my father told me
to try and keep Singh to his word. He said it would be very absurd now
that we were going among strangers and a lot of boys of our own ages if
Singh were tempted to make a show of the royal belt. `You be watchful,'
he said, `and help him when he seems weak, for he has naturally a good
deal