glow through the
place, the guards could see the doctor and Resident seated back smoking
calmly.

"What are we to say?" said the doctor, huskily.

"Surprised at his treatment--ask for a little time--the lady startled by
the unexpected demand--diplomacy--diplomacy. Let him go back thinking
that you will yield."

And as these last words were uttered, the lights drew near and lit up
the swarthy faces of the rajah's guards and sword-bearers filing into
the grounds.

"Whatever you do, be careful. Don't seem to yield easily. We are hurt
by his treatment, mind."

There was no time to say more, for the escort was already at the foot of
the steps, on each side of which they formed up in a picturesque group,
the lanterns they bore lighting up the showy costumes and displaying the
rajah in his European uniform.

The two Englishmen advanced into the veranda to receive him, and as he
mounted alone, he smiled, and waited to be asked into the room,
evidently quite confident of his safety with his guard so near.

As soon as he was seated, he placed his glittering sword against his
knee, and his plumed cap beside it, drawing himself up and glancing
toward the doorway to make sure that he was in full sight of his guard.
Then, turning to the doctor, he said in English: "Theeee--laidees."

The doctor bowed, and crossed to the inner door, which he threw open,
and the prisoners came out looking pale and calm, to be received with
smiles and motioned to take their seats, while the gentlemen remained
standing.

"Tell them this is only a short visit," said the rajah. "To-morrow
shall come, not to return alone. The lady will be with me, and we shall
go to the mosque. Then my English wife will return here no more."

The Resident translated the rajah's words, though the task was needless,
for all present followed him pretty well.

Then the doctor spoke, as their visitor keenly watched the effect of his
words and fixed his eyes upon the shrinking girl before him. Her
father's words were much as had been arranged, and the rajah listened to
the interpretation patiently enough.

"Yes, yes," he said; "you are her lather. I understand. But you will
be rich, and like a prince here. It is a great honour to your child.
Tell him what I say."

Mr Braine repeated the rajah's words formally, and then the visitor
rose, bowed and smiled with good-humoured contempt, and ended by drawing
a ring from one of his fingers as he rose, walked t