t I want nature, not art of this kind."

"Mr Murray," said their interpreter just then, after clearing his voice
with a cough, as if to get rid of something which tickled his throat,
and drawing him and Ned aside, "his highness desires me to say that he,
is very glad to welcome to his court so eminent a naturalist."

"My dear Mr Braine," said Murray, interrupting, "we are
fellow-countrymen. Never mind the flowery part; let's have the plain
English of it all."

"My dear fellow, I am translating almost verbatim. His highness says
that he has long wished to see a gentleman of your attainments, for he
is anxious to have his country explored, so that the valuable metals,
precious stones, and vegetable productions may be discovered. He says
that you are very welcome, and that a house shall be placed at your
disposal, with slaves and guards and elephants for expeditions through
the jungle to the mountains. One of his dragon boats will also be
placed at your service for expeditions up the river, and he wishes you
every success in the discoveries you will make for him."

"For him!" said Murray, looking bewildered; "but I want to make them for
myself, and for the institutions with which I am connected in London."

"Yes; it is very awkward," said Mr Braine.

"Tell him I am highly flattered, but I must go on to-day.--Well, go on:
speak to him."

"I cannot. I dare not."

"Then I will."

"But you can't; you do not know his language."

"Then I'll show him in pantomime."

"My dear sir, pray do nothing rash. I understand this chief and his
people. You are quite strange to their ways. I beg you for your own
sakes to accept the position."

"But it is making prisoners of us, sir. English people are not
accustomed to such treatment. I will not be forced to stay."

"My dear Mr Murray, you are losing your temper," said Mr Braine.
"Just let me, as a man of some experience out here, remind you of what,
in cooler moments, you must know: I mean the necessity for being
diplomatic with eastern people. Now pray look here. I know how
annoying all this is; but on the other hand, you will have facilities
for carrying on your researches such as you could not create for
yourself."

"Yes; but I do not like to be forced."

"I know that. It is most objectionable."

"And I see through him as plainly as can be: he wants me to find out
gold, or tin and precious stones, and other things for his benefit. It
is degrading to a sc