fortune, Ned. Buy the
whole party for Madame Tussaud's."

He was saved from a horrible breach of court etiquette by the two
officials advancing, bowing low to the rajah, and making a short speech
to his highness, who nodded and scowled while the guard of spearmen
formed up in a row behind, and Mr Braine saluted in military fashion,
and went and stood half behind at the rajah's left elbow, listened to
something the great man said, and then looked at the two visitors.

"His highness bids me say that you are welcome to his court."

"We thank his highness," said Murray, frankly. Then to Ned: "Do as I
do;" and he advanced and held out his hand.

There was a slight movement amongst the sword-bearers and officials, and
a dozen fierce-looking men seemed ready to spring forward at this
display of equality. But the rajah did not resent it; he smiled, rose,
and took the extended hands in turn, making his plume vibrate and his
busby topple forward, so that it dropped right off, and would have
fallen in the dust but for the activity of Ned. He caught it and
returned it to the wearer, who frowned with annoyance as he replaced it
in its proper position.

"Dank you," he said, quite surlily, and he shook hands now. "How der
doo?"

This last word was prolonged with quite a growl.

"Quite well, and glad to pay our compliments to your highness," said
Murray.

The rajah's brow puckered, and he stared heavily, first at his visitors
and then at Mr Braine, for he had reached the end of his English.

That individual came to his rescue, however, and after a few formal
compliments had passed, with the people all listening in stolid silence,
Murray requested through his interpreter permission to pass on through
the rajah's country.

This brought forth a series of questions as to what the visitors would
collect, and answers respecting birds, animals, and plants.

The rajah listened to the answers, and then said something eagerly to
Mr Braine.

"His highness wishes to know if you understand anything about minerals
and metals," said the latter.

"Yes, I have made mineralogy and geology something of a study," replied
Murray; and this being interpreted, the rajah spoke again for some
little time with more animation than might have been expected from so
heavy and dull a man.

"I'm getting tired of this, Ned," whispered Murray.

"Oh, it's worth seeing, uncle. It will be something to talk about when
we get home."

"Yes, boy; bu