ansparent appearance shown by the Albinos, but was
almost pinkish and ruddy.

His bushy hair was not white, but of a decided brown, his eyes hazel,
his nose Roman, with a strong chin and a keen expression, such as was
natural to a man who had reigned an absolute autocrat all his life.

He was about fifty years of age, but his face was wrinkled like a man
of threescore and more.

King Haffgo was seated on his throne when his visitors were ushered
into his presence, as though he expected and was waiting for them.

The white men were unacquainted with the etiquette prevailing in this
barbaric court, but there are certain ceremonies which are received as
expressive of courtesy and obeisance the world over.

Ziffak gave no instructions; but, placing himself at the side of
Professor Grimcke on the left, he surveyed his friends with much
curiosity, as if waiting to see how they would conduct themselves.

Grimcke, Long and Ashman removed their hats and bowed slowly, bending
their heads almost to their knees. Then, as they straightened up
again, the Professor, who took upon himself the duty of spokesman, said:

"We greet the great King Haffgo, and beg that he will accept the homage
of his brothers from their homes near the great water."

"Why do my brothers come from their homes to hunt out the king of the
Murhapas, when he has not asked them to come?"

These words were uttered almost exactly as given. The accent was thick
and somewhat broken, but they showed an astonishing command of the
English tongue, and proved that Waggaman and Burkhardt had found some
exceedingly apt pupils among this people.

It is not necessary to give the interview in detail. There was a
certain stateliness about the manner of the king which was remarkably
becoming. His guests had prepared themselves, when starting out on
their exploring enterprise, to make friends, by providing a large
supply of gaudy trinkets, such as is always pleasing to the average
savage; but, when they saw the wonderful crown and diamond ornaments of
this autocrat, they were ashamed to let the baubles in their possession
be seen.

They consisted mainly of children's toys; and, since they were entirely
different from anything in the country, Professor Grimcke finally made
bold to offer them, with another low obeisance, to his majesty. The
latter may have been delighted, but, if so, he did not allow it to
appear in his face or manner.

Fred Ashman handed him two