at night from boats in the
river, by way of a finish off, the band playing `God save the Queen' the
while, with plenty of big drum."

"And you might make the campong people illuminate all their boats on the
river," said Archie.

"Capital! Of course!" cried the Major.

"Humph! Yes," said Sir Charles. "And I might send in my invitation
despatch a request to the two Rajahs to arrange that their nagas shall
be well hung with lanterns."

"Hear that, Archie?" said the Major, chuckling. "He's coming round."

"Well, yes, on further thought," said the Resident, "if such a _fete_
were made of the matter it would be a great attraction, and must impress
not only the followers of the two Rajahs, but the inhabitants of every
campong within reach. But I am afraid--"

"I'm not," said the Major.

"I was going to say, of the expense."

"Oh, hang the expense! as I said before," cried the Major. "Let's do it
well, and think about the cost later on. I say that these people,
bloodthirsty as they are, quarrelsome, and generally spoiling for a
fight, are such children at heart that they would be delighted, and
believe more than ever in the followers of her they call the Great White
Queen. Now, Sir Charles, are you with me?"

"Yes, Major," said the Resident, "I must confess that I am."

"Settled," said the Major, drawing himself up. "The Queen's Birthday,
then. We haven't much time to spare.--What's that?" he continued, as
Sir Charles left the Major's quarters, where the above discussion had
taken place. "What's that you say--it might be dangerous to bring the
followers of those two fellows together, seeing what enemies they are?
I never thought of that, Maine."

"You see, they began using their krises, sir, that night of the mess
dinner."

"Humph! Yes. Then they were hanging about with nothing to do but growl
at each other. Oh, I don't think we need study that, my lad. You see,
their attention will be taken up--plenty to see, plenty to eat and
drink--and we shall have all our lads under arms and prepared for any
little _emeute_. Oh no, my lad, we won't seek clouds where there are
none. All the same, we'll be prepared."

CHAPTER TEN.

PETER TURNS MAHOUT.

It was the morning appointed for the review, the preparations having
been all made on the previous day; and the _reveille_ rang out, making
Archie Maine turn over upon his charpoy bed with an angry grunt, for
instead of unbuttoning his eyelids he squee