The days passed slowly by, and one hour I was horribly dejected by the
dulness of my existence, the next cheery and in high spirits, as I felt
that I was getting stronger, and in less pain. It was very lonely lying
there, but many things put me in mind of the "Arabian Nights"--the fine
tent, with the shadows of the trees upon its roof; the silent servants
who might very well have been slaves, so eager were they to respond to
the slightest call, and so silent in their obedience; the soft glow of
the lamp on the rich curtain and carpets; and the pleasant little
banquets which were spread for me with silver vessels to drink from, and
gilded baskets full of rare fruits or flowers.
At times, as I sat propped up, able now to feed myself, I used to begin
by enjoying the meal, but before I had half finished the flowers looked
dull, and the fruit tasted flat, for I told myself that, after all, I
was only a prisoner, a bird in a gilded cage, broken winged and
helpless.
The doctor came nearly every day, and told me that I was to ask for
everything I wished for, as he preferred that I should wait until the
rajah had been again before I went out.
"And when is he coming again?" I asked impatiently.
"I can only say when his highness pleases," replied the doctor, with a
grave smile. "But I will give orders for something to be done to please
you; to-morrow a couch shall be made for you outside the tent."
That was something, and only one who has been wounded and lain hot and
restless upon a couch alone can judge of the eagerness with which I
looked forward to the next day.
It came at last, and after trying very hard to comport myself with the
dignity becoming a British officer, the fact that I was almost the
youngest in the Company's service would come out, and I suddenly burst
out with--
"I say, Salaman, when is this couch outside to be ready?"
"It is ready, my lord," he said. "I was awaiting your commands."
"Oh!" I mentally exclaimed, "what a fool I am! Why don't I act like a
real `my lord,' and order these people about more?"