o other than
the maharajah. He was dressed in the most magnificent robes of India,
covered with jewels in ornamental profusion.

"That is the Guicowar," said the Hindu guide.

"He is doing us great honor in coming out in this manner to welcome us."

As soon as he discovered the party, the ruler dismounted nimbly from his
noble steed, and, attended by some high officers, advanced to meet them. A
sort of procession was hastily formed with Lord Tremlyn at the head of it;
for he was the most distinguished person, and in some sense the
representative of the British home government. The Italian band of the
general, as soon as the native band ceased, struck up "Hail, to the chief!"

The party encountered the king, who rushed up to the viscount, and seized
him by the hand, as not all kings are in the habit of doing. They talked
together for a few moments, when his Highness happened to see Sir Modava,
and rushed to him, seizing him in a semi-embrace, clasping the Hindu with
his right hand while the left encircled his shoulder. The potentate was
profuse in his congratulations to the two gentlemen on their escape from
death in the shipwreck, and this afforded Lord Tremlyn an opportunity to
present Captain Ringgold as the commander of the steamer that had saved
them.

"He is my friend, then," said the Maharajah, as he gave him no equivocal
shake of the hand.

Then Louis and his mother were presented and described, and received an
equally warm welcome. But the prince decided to receive the rest of the
party at the palace, and they were requested to mount the elephants. The
ladies were timid about it; but Louis told his mother that she must get up
into the howdah as though she had been riding elephants all her life, and
she did so, the others following her example. Louis assisted his mother
first, and then Miss Blanche.

They were all seated on the huge beasts, and the procession started, the
Italian band following the native, and playing when they ceased to do so.

CHAPTER XXV

FELIX MCGAVONTY BRINGS DOWN SOME SNAKES

"Well, what do you think of this?" asked Captain Ringgold, turning to Mrs.
Belgrave, as the elephant moved off.

"I don't feel quite at home up here," she replied, holding on with both
hands at the side of the howdah.

"I think it is nice," added Miss Blanche. "It seems very much like riding
on a camel, only there is more motion."

"It is a good