opers meantime were resting beneath the trees scattered around,
while their horses were picketed near. They probably looked on with
astonishment at the familiar way their leader and the young stranger
were conversing with the ranee, so contrary to the customs of the
country.

Some time had passed, when two elephants were seen approaching, with
several men on foot. On the back of one was a handsome howdah without
occupants; on the other rode Buxsoo, with Sambro, who had engaged the
animals, and made all arrangements for the journey. He had also brought
some provisions, which were very welcome both to the ranee and her
brother. They spent but a short time in discussing these; after which,
the elephant kneeling down, the ranee took her seat in the howdah,
urgently begging Reginald to accompany her.

"The sooner our relationship is known the better," she observed. "Our
grandfather can have no objection. A few words to Buxsoo will be quite
sufficient; and if you tell him that the fact need not be kept secret,
it will soon be known among all our followers."

Reginald saw no objection to this; and scarcely had the elephants begun
to move on when loud shouts rent the air, issuing from the throats of
the troopers, and the peasantry who had accompanied the elephants,
expressive of wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the young rajah
and his sister the ranee. Thus they moved on, the news preceding them,
spread by the advance-guard of cavalry.

As the roads were far from good, the elephants travelled at a slow pace.
Having no tents, they were compelled to deviate from the high road in
order to remain during the night at the house of a wealthy khan; who, of
course, was highly honoured in receiving the grandchildren of the rajah,
though he looked askance at Reginald, as if he doubted whether the
account he had heard was true. He received them, however, with every
outward mark of respect. As the elephant knelt down, they dismounted
from the howdah, and Nuna was conducted to the apartments of the females
of the family. An entertainment was afterwards prepared for Reginald
and Burnett; but at this it was contrary to the custom of the country
for Nuna to be present. She, indeed, was far too much fatigued and
agitated to leave her couch; and the next morning she appeared to be
worse, and unable to proceed on the journey. Reginald and Burnett were
anxious to place her in safety with the rajah, and were much
disappoint