ress my thanks--our thanks, I should say--for your
cordial reception here of a perfect stranger; but my nephew and I have
only put in to buy a bag of rice and some fruit to replenish our stores,
and we are going on directly."

Murray ceased speaking, and looked sharply from one to the other, for he
had seen Mr Braine raise his eyebrows and glance at the doctor and the
shrewd keen-looking man. The doctor laughed, and took up the cigar box.

"Have a smoke, Braine?" he said.

"Thanks," was the reply; and the newcomer took a cheroot in the midst of
a rather constrained silence.

"I hope I have not said anything wrong," continued Murray, who felt
piqued at the manners of those about him, for the ladies began talking
together in a subdued tone.

"Oh dear me, no!" said Mr Braine hastily. "You are shooting and
collecting, I think?"

"We have not begun yet," replied Murray, quickly; "but that is why we
have come."

There was another pause.

"I am afraid you will give me the credit of being somewhat of a bear,"
continued Murray, "and really, Doctor Barnes, I am most grateful to you
and your charming wife and daughter for your hospitality."

"Oh, pray, say no more," said Mrs Barnes. "You confer a favour on us
by coming, though you have given us no English news as yet."

"And I am afraid, my dear madam, that I shall have time to give you very
little. At the risk of being considered rude, I must ask you to excuse
us now."

The doctor frowned and looked at Mr Braine, who glanced in turn at the
shrewd elderly man, and he immediately searched for a silver snuff-box,
and then spent a great deal of time over taking a pinch.

"Really, gentlemen," said Murray, quickly, "all this is very strange. I
can hardly think you credit me with rudeness in being hurried."

"Oh no, Mr Murray, not at all," said the doctor's lady.--"Mr Braine,
why do you not explain?"

"Well, really," said that gentleman, "I thought an explanation should
come from you as the host and hostess, but I will do my best.--The fact
is, Mr Murray, this country is something like the west coast of
Scotland in the old days, when every chief had his stronghold."

"Oh yes, I have noted that," said Murray, smiling; "and I see that they
have both the plaid and dirk, though you call them sarong and kris."

"Exactly. Well, my dear sir, the chief, rajah, prince, or whatever you
like to call him, is omnipotent here."

"Not always, Mr Braine," said the doctor's la