the way in
which his offers were received. Then refreshments were handed round,
and finally the court was dismissed, only the guards remaining outside,
while the rajah led his visitors into an inner room, where coffee,
sweets, and fruit stood on one mat, pipes on another.

"Now, gentlemen," said the rajah, "pray seat yourselves, and we will
smoke. My dear boys, there are sweets and fruit for you till you wish
to go."

The boys did not wish to go, and as soon as they saw their elders
settled down to their pipes, they began, as Frank expressed it, "just to
try the fruit," and that fruit was tried, and obtained most favourable
verdicts in every case.

At the end of a short conversation, the Resident said respectfully:

"May I ask your highness--?"

"Stop," said the rajah, laying his hand upon the Resident's arm, while
the boys looked on and listened, "we have known each other for some
years now, and I hoped that I had merited your friendship."

"Indeed, yes," said Mr Braine; "but you never trusted me even to
speaking English, though I always felt that you could."

"My dear Mr Braine," said the rajah, "if I had spoken English to you
alone some day, I should have betrayed myself, and--believe me, I wished
to live. My predecessor was suspicious in the extreme, and you know how
those fared whom he disliked."

"Yes," said the Resident with a shudder.

"I could speak English easily ten years ago. And, now henceforth, when
we are alone, let there be no formality. You are an English gentleman.
I have always tried to be a gentleman too."

"You always have been one," said Mr Braine, warmly.

"Thank you," said the rajah, holding out his hand. "Then, now listen, I
want the help of my friends. By your guidance this land has grown
powerful, but unfortunately it has been for evil. I want it to be
powerful now for good. Stay with me as my friend and counsellor.--You,
too, doctor, and Mr Greig; and as for you, Mr Murray, I am not quite
the barbarian you think. Let all those past troubles be as an ugly
vision of the night. Forget them and stay. I can admire your pursuits,
and it will give me great gratification if you will make this place your
home. My elephants and boats and men are at your service, and, of
course, you are free to come and go as you please. You hesitate! Come,
come; I implore you. Doctor, you will not forsake me?"

"Hang it, Tumongong--I beg pardon, I mean rajah, no."

"There," said the raja