see, by the light of a faintly burning lamp, the old
officer alter his position and re-spread a large bandana silk
handkerchief over his head as if to screen it from the night air. "What
were you saying at dinner?"

"About its seeming such an anomalous position."

"What's an anomalous position?" said the Major more drowsily.

"Why, for me to be supposed to be here, for diplomatic reasons, to
advise Rajah Suleiman as to his governing his people, and to have you
and your strong detachment stationed at the campong."

"Anomalous!" said the Major, with a chuckle. "I call it wise. See what
emphasis a body of fighting-men can give to your advice."

"Oh, but that's dealing with the natives by force."

"Very good force too, old fellow; for I don't believe that thick-lipped,
sensual--looking fellow would take much notice of what you say if we
weren't here."

"Yes; but I want to deal with them by moral suasion."

"Rifles are much better. There's no occasion to use them; it's their
being at hand if they are wanted that will do the trick."

"I don't think it's necessary," said Sir Charles firmly. "I am getting
on very well with the Rajah, and he listens to everything I advise with
the greatest attention."

"Glad to hear it," said the Major, with a grunt; "but it seems to me
that he pays a deal more attention to that French chap than he does to
you."

"Think so?" said Sir Charles sharply.

There was silence for a few minutes.

"Let's get up and stroll round the lines," whispered Archie.

"Sha'n't. 'Tisn't time for visiting posts."

"But they'll wake to the fact that we are listeners."

"Let 'em. They ought to know we are here."

"But they are talking business," whispered Archie.

"Well, it's our business as much as theirs. Are you afraid that
listeners will hear no good of themselves, and the Major will bring in
something about your last prank?"

"No;" and the lad twitched himself a little round in his cane chair,
which uttered a loud squeak; and the Resident went on:

"Yes, that fellow is rather a nuisance. His bright, chatty way and
deference please the Rajah; and I suppose you are right, for he's always
proposing something that amuses the stolid Malay, while my prosing about
business matters must bore him."

"I believe he's an adventurer," said the Major. "Don't like him."

"Well, he doesn't like you, Major; so that balances the account."

"I don't know. What's he here for?"

"Oh, he's a bi