ere is peace everywhere; for as nothing would be settled by
fighting, and the law would punish any one, however much in the right
he might be, who fought, there is no occasion at all for weapons. It
is a good plan, for you see no one, however rich, can tyrannise over
others; and were the greatest noble to kill the poorest peasant, the
law would hang him, just the same as it would hang a peasant who
killed a lord.

"And now, boys, you had better be off to bed. Your cousin has had a
long day of it, and I have no doubt he will be glad to do so. Tomorrow
we will begin to teach him to ride and to shoot, and I have no doubt
that he will be ready, in return, to teach you a great deal about his
country."

The boys got up. But Doast paused to ask his father one last question.

"But how is it, Father, if the English never carry weapons, and never
fight, that they are such brave soldiers? For have they not conquered
all our princes and rajahs, and have even beaten Tippoo Sahib, and
made him give them much of his country?"

"The answer would be a great deal too long to be given tonight, Doast.
You had better ask your cousin about it, in the morning."

Chapter 4: First Impressions.

The next morning Dick was up early, eager to investigate the palace,
of which he had seen little the night before. The house was large and
handsome, the Rajah having added to it gradually, every year. On
passing the doors, the great hall was at once entered. Its roof, of
elaborately carved stones, was supported by two rows of pillars with
sculptured capitals. The floor was made of inlaid marble, and at one
end was raised a foot above the general level. Here stood a stone
chair, on which the Rajah sat when he adjudicated upon disputes among
his people, heard petitions, and gave audiences; while a massive door
on the left-hand side gave entrance to the private apartments. These
were all small, in comparison with the entrance hall. The walls were
lined with marble slabs, richly carved, and were dimly lighted by
windows, generally high up in the walls, which were of great
thickness. The marble floors were covered with thick rugs, and each
room had its divan, with soft cushions and rich shawls and covers.

The room in which they had supped the night before was the only
exception. This had been specially furnished and decorated, in English
fashion. The windows here were low, and afforded a view over the
garden. Next to it were several apartments,