lves. Foster-father,
taken out of his dungeon, soon recovered consciousness, and the news of
King Humayon's victory and the Heir-to-Empire's safety, being the best
tonic in the world, he was soon about again.

Head-nurse, at last absolutely restored to her proper position in Court,
found, however, that her young charge had considerably outgrown the
nursery. To begin with, his father, overjoyed at recovering his son,
could not see too much of him, and took him about with him wherever he
went.

"Time enough for his education to begin when he is four," said Humayon,
when Foster-father pointed out that the boy was old beyond his years and
that if he did not soon begin schooling it would be difficult for him
by-and-bye.

"Let be--friend, let be!" continued the fond father; "let us have a
while to amuse ourselves, now the trouble is over! I tell you I have
been in such straits these last four years that I have had no time to
amuse myself. Now I mean to show Kabul that life isn't so bad after
all!"

So tall, handsome, good-natured, with a vivid love of colour and beauty
and a light-heartedness almost beyond belief,--light-heartedness which
had carried him through dangers that might have proved too much for one
less gay--Humayon set to work to lavish his money on the most
magnificent entertainments that ever were seen.

So long as winter lasted these had to be held in the Bala Hissar, where
a sound of music and a ripple of laughter was to be heard day and night;
but as spring began once more to carpet the barren hills with millions
of flowers, Humayon's amusements went further afield. One day he and his
Court, a glittering cohort of merry men, flashing with diamonds, and
prepared to enjoy everything, would ride out many miles to see the great
groves of Judas trees flushed with their pink blossoms; ride out to find
a magnificent camp awaiting them, a magnificent repast prepared, and all
the best singers and dancers in Kabul ready to amuse them. Then the next
day, mayhap, they would all go a-hawking, and at each and all of these
diversions Humayon's little son was part of his father's enjoyment, and
so naturally, became more and more of a man every day.

He used to ride on Horse-chestnut, and Tumbu was always of the party,
getting in consequence rather too fat, by reason of the rich food which
was given him.

But despite all this fun and jollity little Prince Akbar was not quite
satisfied.

"You took my mother away wit