reful what we eat; these natives are adepts in poisoning, and
would not scruple to exert that talent if they considered it
convenient."

A handsome breakfast was served them, with all sorts of Oriental
delicacies; and during the repast, at which several slaves attended,
Captain Burnett described in Hindostanee, as if speaking to Reginald, a
wonderful rod he possessed, which had the property of discovering
poison--as also the poisoner, by whirling itself about as soon as he
appeared, and pointing towards him. He spoke in a natural, offhand
manner, as if there was nothing unusual in what he was saying.

Soon after the repast they were summoned into the presence of the rajah,
who told them that one of his principal officers would take them on a
hunting expedition, if they wished to see the style of sporting
generally followed in his province. They of course expressed their
gratitude, and at once accepted the offer.

"You may go this very day, as the khan is about to set out," said the
rajah. "For myself, I am getting too old to engage in such sports for
amusement. I may have ere long to lead my troops to battle; but that is
a very different affair. Horses are already prepared for you."

In a few minutes Reginald and his friend found themselves in the midst
of a large party of Oriental cavaliers in gay costumes, mounted on
richly-caparisoned steeds, headed by the Khan Mukund Bhim, who was a
remarkably good horseman. Off they set at a rate which, in little more
than an hour, carried them to a distance of twelve miles or more from
the city. They now entered a wild part of the country, on the borders
of a forest, where a band of huntsmen, with several cheetahs and eight
or ten trained stags, had been appointed to meet them.

"We will show you some fine sport presently," said the khan; and after
allowing their horses a little rest, they again set forward. A party of
bearers followed, carrying in a cage a cheetah or hunting leopard, an
animal which may be described as in size and shape between the hound and
the leopard. Its body is slenderer and more elevated than that of the
latter animal, while it does not possess the graceful form of the common
leopard; and its head, which is smaller, is peculiarly ugly; its tail is
like that of a cat; and its body seems formed more for strong muscular
exertion than for active and long-continued speed. Though possessing
the sagacity and fidelity of the dog, it is undoubtedly fel