t is all assumed," said
the Resident, "and that they are ready on the slightest excuse to join
forces against us."

"I don't," said the Major gruffly. "I am afraid they may draw knives
against each other; but if they do I will give them such a lesson as
will prove a startler. But, I say, have you noticed that chap Hamet?"

"Oh yes, I saw him. He did not march with his men, mounted on one of
his elephants, but came up in his dragon-boat."

"Yes. Quite a fine show, with the amber-satin rowers, and the gongs
beating. But you can't grumble about his appearance and theatrical
robes. It's quite a compliment to Old England to see a native prince
come simply in ordinary morning-dress. Hanged if he hadn't got lavender
kid gloves!"

"Oh, don't talk about trifles, Major; but for Heaven's sake be on your
guard!"

"Oh yes--guard mounted," said the Major. "Why, Dallas, my dear boy, I
don't believe you told Morley to give you a pick-me-up. You have been
fussing about down there at the bungalow, and fidgeting about what might
happen to a certain young lady if the Malays turned nasty and rose
against us."

"Major! No."

"Don't be cross, dear boy. I was in love too once upon a time, and
fidgeted as much as you do about what might happen if--if--There, I only
say _if_. Now, it's all right, my dear fellow, and it's time for the
show to begin. The crowd must be getting tired of waiting; and I only
see one error of judgment of which we have been guilty."

"Ah! And what's that?"

"Ought to have begun an hour sooner, for, my word, the sun is hot! Oh,
by the way, I have not seen you since, but we were talking over what to
do with our visitors and the crowd generally after the review. There
will be the feeding, of course; but we wanted something to fill up time
till dark and the fireworks begin."

"I have heard nothing about further plans."

"Well, the lads will keep an open course, and there will be some races
and wrestling, and Sergeant Ripsy is going to show some encounters with
the bayonet and a little sword-play."

"Well, as you like. I can think of nothing else but getting the affair
over and the people dismissed."

"There, don't you be uneasy. There's a guard mounted to watch over our
women folk, so come on."

The Major went on towards the centre of the parade-ground, while the
Resident hurried away, looking hot and anxious, to where seats had been
arranged beneath an open tent erected on one side of t