to a room
hung with mats, where water was brought in brass basins for their
ablutions, before they were shown into a long dimly-lit room, where a
meal was spread on mats upon the floor, while upon cushions at one end
the rajah himself was seated conversing with the doctor and the ladies.

He rose and received the rest of his guests with dignity, pointing out
to them the places he wished them to occupy, and then, to the surprise
of all, he took the head of the board himself; a compliment which the
Englishmen looked upon with suspicion, as possibly meaning something,
opposed as it was to his ordinary customs.

To the boys it was delightful, for everything in the dimly-lit room was
attractive: the group of guards and officials who stood behind and about
the rajah in their showiest silks; the chief in his native costume now,
in which bright-yellow silk predominated; and as Ned gazed at him, he
could not help thinking how much better he looked in a dress which
became him, for he looked now like an eastern prince, and the boy
whispered so to his companion.

"Yes; he don't look such an old guy now," said Frank, in the same tone.
"We English people can wear our clothes without looking foolish," he
said, complacently. "They can't wear English things without being
scarecrows."

"But, I say, where are his wives? There are no ladies here," whispered
Ned again.

"Locked up, put away in the cupboard. Heads chopped off, perhaps,"
whispered Frank. "You didn't suppose they would be here to sit down and
eat with such infidels as we are!"

"Oh, I didn't know."

"Well, I did. It's a wonder to see the old chap here. He's got some
scheme in his head, or he wouldn't be so civil. I wonder what it is.
You see they're all obliged to come if he gives orders. But be quiet:
don't talk and ask questions. I'm hungry, and the things he gives you
to eat are precious good, though often enough you don't know what they
are."

"But, I say, tell me this," whispered Ned; "and I won't ask you any more
questions. There will not be anything one don't like to eat, will
there? I mean anything queer."

"What, young crocodile fatted with niggers, pickled boa constrictor, or
curried baby?"

"Don't chaff. Tell me."

"Look here: do you want to know what to do?"

"Of course."

"Then you eat just the same as I do, and you can't be wrong."

Ned took the advice, and, like his companion, he was very soon enjoying
himself thoroughly; too busy