for the occasion. I was
sitting in one of the upper rooms of the building and observing the scene.
Presently a tent was pitched in the courtyard, and before long some small
human-like figures, each appearing to be no more than about a hand's span
in height, were seen to emerge from it and raise the call: "His Majesty is
coming! Arrange the seats at once!" Other figures then came forth, some of
whom were seen to be engaged in sweeping, others in sprinkling water, and
thereafter another, who was announced as the chief town crier, raised his
call and bade the people assemble for an audience with the king. Next,
several groups of figures made their appearance and took their places, the
first attired in hats and sashes after the Persian fashion, the second
wielding battleaxes, and the third comprising a number of footmen and
executioners carrying bastinados. Finally there appeared, arrayed in regal
majesty and crowned with a royal diadem, a kingly figure, bearing himself
with the utmost haughtiness and grandeur, at turns advancing and pausing
in his progress, who proceeded with great solemnity, poise and dignity to
seat himself upon his throne.

12 At that moment a volley of shots was fired, a fanfare of trumpets was
sounded, and king and tent were enveloped in a pall of smoke. When it had
cleared, the king, ensconced upon his throne, was seen surrounded by a
suite of ministers, princes, and dignitaries of state who, having taken
their places, were standing at attention in his presence. A captured thief
was then brought before the king, who gave the order that the offender
should be beheaded. Without a moment's delay the chief executioner cut off
the thief's head, whence a blood-like liquid came forth. After this the
king held audience with his court, during which intelligence was received
that a rebellion had broken out on a certain frontier. Thereupon the king
reviewed his troops and despatched several regiments supported by
artillery to quell the uprising. A few moments later cannons were heard
booming from behind the tent, and it was announced that a battle had been
engaged.

13 This Youth regarded the scene with great amazement. When the royal
audience was ended, the curtain was drawn, and, after some twenty minutes,
a man emerged from behind the tent carrying a box under his arm.

14 "What is this box," I asked him, "and what was the nature of this
display?"

15 "All this lavish display and these elaborate devices,