s. He had never expected to find
an orchestra and a choral society among savages, and he expressed his
surprise to Mr. Sutherland, who smilingly replied--

"Don't be astonished at anything in this strange New World, my lad. It
is as full of wonders as it is of perils."

When the Scotsmen had come up to them, the musicians changed their
march into a curious kind of dance, which continued until they crossed
a small savannah and drew near a lofty grove standing by itself, within
whose recesses it was understood the king awaited his visitors.

Then the dancing ceased, the music resumed, and there issued from the
grove a bevy of graceful girls, glittering with golden ornaments, and
carrying garlands of flowers which they threw over the necks of Mr.
Paterson and his companions, not neglecting Donalblane, who blushed to
the roots of his sandy hair at this unlooked-for adornment.

Guided by them, the visitors at length were ushered into the presence
of the King of Darien, and Donalblane caught his breath at the imposing
sight. Seated upon a huge throne of mahogany logs, decked with Spanish
crimson cloth, and wearing a great crown of gold, the dusky
potentate--albeit his robes were only of some light cotton stuff, and
big shining rings dangled from his ears and nose--looked every inch a
king.

So royal indeed was his appearance that the Scotsmen, moved by a common
impulse, not only bowed, but knelt before him, which mark of respect
evidently impressed his Majesty very favourably. Standing about him
were fine-looking men, whose stature was heightened by diadems of the
gold plumage of the mocking-bird, out of which rose two long feathers
from the scarlet macaw. They leaned upon gleaming spears, and were no
doubt ready to execute the commands of their master for life or death.

Thanks to Mr. Paterson's acquaintance with the native language, there
was no need of an interpreter, and he proceeded to explain the purpose
of his visit.

"We are come," said he, "from the other side of the globe to greet you,
O King! We are come as friends, not as enemies. We would take nothing
from you without due payment. We offer to purchase from you sufficient
land for our settlement, and we want not only your land, but your
friendship. If you treat us kindly, if you deal with us honourably, we
will help to make you and your people greater and richer, and we will
also aid you against your enemies. We will be your allies; and if you
ar