th England's warriors in
scarlet and blue; sometimes with Parsees, Hindus, Mohammedans, and Jews
in their characteristic garbs; at other times with European civilians,
like themselves, in sober black.

It was a bewildering scene, and the loud continuous murmur of many
voices, chattering in many tongues, did not tend to decrease the
bewilderment.

"What are they about over there?" said Robin, directing his companion's
attention to a room in which the people appeared to be observing
something with great attention.

"I don't know. Let's go and see," said Sam.

A little polite pushing brought them into an apartment in which an
English professor of conjuring, who had been engaged for the occasion,
was exhibiting his tricks. They were poor enough, and would not have
commanded much applause from any audience, except one that had met to
enjoy whatever chanced to be provided.

In another room, however, they found a performer of much greater
capacity--a man who possessed considerable powers as a musician, low
comedian, and local satirist; he was noted for his delineations of
native character, and succeeded in making the Parsees laugh heartily at
his caricature of the Hindus, while he convulsed the Hindus with his
clever skits on the Parsees. He also made effective reference to the
Great Eastern and her work, bringing out the humorous aspects of
telegraphy and of quick communication between India and England.

"Come, let's go and see if we can find anything to eat," said Sam, when
tired of this man.

"Who is that?" asked Robin, as they moved through the crowd.

"Why, that's the Bahee himself. See, he has got hold of Captain Halpin,
and seems greatly pleased to lead him about."

The Rajah did indeed exhibit much satisfaction in his beaming brown face
at having got hold of so noted a character as the commander of the
monster ship, and it was pleasant to see the almost childlike glee, with
which, taking the captain by the hand, he threaded his way through the
crowd, introducing him right and left to his friends. Not less pleasant
was it to observe the lively interest, with which the natives regarded
the captain when they learned who he was.

At this point in the evening's proceedings, a gentleman in civilian
costume came up to Sam Shipton, and asked him if he were acquainted with
Mr Davis--one of the petty officers of the Great Eastern.

"I know him slightly," said Sam.

"He has got into trouble, sir," said the st