"Here comes the tiger, sahib!" and the sportsmen, springing from their
seats, seized their guns, ready to fire at the monster as soon as it
should come within range. At a leisurely pace the tiger trotted on, the
outline of its form seen clearly in the moonlight. It had just got
close to the water, when, Burnett firing, the monstrous brute rolled
over, casting a glance of defiance at the foe it had only then
discovered. A second shot laid it lifeless on the ground. Both
gentlemen reloaded; and Reginald proposed hurrying down to secure the
skin.
"We may very likely, if we do so, lose our own," observed the major.
"Let us wait, and before long we may add a few more tigers to our bag."
They were not disappointed. Another tiger and two panthers were shot.
This being the most accessible part of the bank for some distance, it
was evidently the watering-place of numerous wild animals. They had
just killed their third tiger, and were agreeing that it was time to
secure the skins and return home, when a fourth tiger appeared, stalking
leisurely out of the jungle towards the water, coming much nearer the
fort than any of the others had done. It stopped for a moment and
looked up at its foes, without exhibiting the alarm which the others had
displayed. Reginald declared that he caught the gleam of gold on its
neck.
"It may be an enchanted prince, then," said Burnett; "or, as our friends
here believe, the habitat of the soul of some great maharajah, who has
not laid aside all the trappings of royalty;--but we shall soon learn."
As he spoke, he raised his rifle to fire. The tiger at that moment,
however, gave a sudden bound and escaped the ball, and turning round,
frightened by the noise, sprang back quick as lightning into the jungle,
before any of the rest of the party could take steady aim.
No other wild beast appearing, the party descended; and while some kept
watch to shoot any which might come out of the jungle, the others
secured the skins of the beasts which had been slain. Packing them up
on the backs of the elephants, they returned to Major Sandford's
bungalow, well satisfied with their night's sport.
The next day they set out to visit the more distant part of the forest.
The party had four elephants. Reginald and Burnett, with their friend,
and several native gentlemen, were seated in howdahs on the backs of the
elephants. The howdah is something like the body of a carriage, with an
awning to shield the occupants from the heat of the sun.
Gorgeously-ornamented cloths covered the backs of the huge animals,
while the mahouts sat on their necks, to direct them where to go and
what to do. Reginald, not accustomed to that style of shooting, thought
it very dull work, and longed to be on foot, where he could encounter
the savage monsters face to face.
On reaching the jungle, the elephants moved along the borders to some
distance, while beaters, with loud shouts, endeavoured to dislodge any
tiger which might be lurking there. At length up went the trunks of the
elephants,--a sure sign that they had discovered a tiger at no great
distance. The brute, seeing so many enemies, had apparently no stomach
for the fight, and was observed stealing off amid the jungle. Three or
four shots were fired at it, but so rapid and eccentric were its
movements that it escaped them all. As no other tiger appeared,
Reginald at last proposed to Burnett that they should seek the savage
brutes in their lairs. Burnett agreed, but cautioned him to be on the
alert, and to keep his attendants close to him, with their rifles
loaded, that he might have another weapon at hand should he fail to kill
the animal at the first shot.
"Remember, your life may depend on it; for, believe me, a wounded tiger
is the most dangerous of antagonists."
Dismounting from the elephants which had carried them to the borders of
the jungle, each gentleman, attended by a native carrying an additional
gun, approached the jungle, into which the beaters fearlessly threw
themselves. The forest was tolerably thick, so that they soon by some
chance became separated. Reginald, hearing the beaters, and believing
that they were driving a tiger towards him, made his way onward to a
spot from whence he believed that he should have an opportunity of
firing to advantage. It was near the river, with a small open space in
front of him, through which there was every probability that the tiger
would make its way. He took his post behind a thick tree, which would
afford him shelter should he fail to bring down the animal at the first
shot; while he charged his attendants to keep a watchful eye around,
lest the creature might come out behind him. Scarcely had he taken up
his post, when he heard a loud chattering, and looking up, saw that the
trees were alive with monkeys, which were peering down upon him,
wondering what had brought so strange-looking an animal into their
domain. As he did not move, they grew bolder, and began frolicking
about, swinging backwards and forwards, some with both paws, others with
one, turning somersaults, and performing all sorts of strange antics.
"See, sahib! What is that?" said the shikaree wallah in a low voice,
pointing to a sunny spot at no great distance off, where Reginald caught
sight of the huge head of a crocodile, with its jaws open. The creature
was apparently fast asleep, basking in the sun. Reginald raised his
rifle, intending to shoot the saurian, when at that moment there was a
rustling in the bush, and a magnificent young tigress walked out on her
way to drink at the river. The creature had not advanced far when her
eye fell on the crocodile, towards which she stealthily crept, her soft
padded feet making not the slightest noise as they trod the ground.
Reginald was thankful that he had not fired at the crocodile, as it
probably would have brought the tigress upon himself at the very moment
that he was unarmed. He considered whether he should shoot the
magnificent creature, but he was curious to see what she would do with
the crocodile. On she went, till she got within a little distance of
the saurian, when, making a spring, she seized the creature's tongue,
evidently with the intention of dragging it out. The attempt was a
dangerous one. The instant the crocodile felt her paw in its mouth, it
closed its huge jaws, and holding her foot fast, began to crawl towards
the water. So great was the agony she suffered that she was unable to
make any resistance, or to seize the head of the crocodile in her mouth.
While she shrieked with pain, the crocodile slowly drew her on towards
the river, into which, her instinct told her, should the saurian once
dive, her fate would be sealed. In vain the tigress struggled to free
herself, and drag back the crocodile. The monkeys, meantime, seemed to
think the affair great fun; and seeing their two enemies engaged, began
to descend the branches close to the ground; and one of them, more
daring than the rest, actually tried to get hold of the ear of the
tigress. She, however, lifting up her paw, was about to give it a blow
which would have finished its existence, when, nimbly climbing up again,
it got out of her way. Meanwhile, the crocodile was dragging the
unfortunate tigress still nearer and nearer the river. She turned her
eyes round, as if to look for some branch which she might grasp, and
save herself from her impending fate. At that moment they fell on
Reginald, when she gave him a look which seemed to implore his pity, as
he thought. In a few seconds the crocodile would have reached the
water; but just then the tigress caught a firm hold of the trunk of a
tree projecting into the river, to which she held on, at the risk of
having her paw bitten off. Possibly the saurian might, at the same
time, have seen its human foes, or it might have been that the sudden
jerk it received in consequence of the powerful resistance put forth by
its captive, made it open its mouth. The tigress on this quickly drew
out her fearfully-mangled paw, leaving the crocodile to plunge with a
loud flop into the water, deprived of its expected prey; while she,
fearing perhaps that it might again return to seize her, crawled back
howling with pain towards the thicket.
"Shoot, sahib! Shoot!" exclaimed the shikaree wallah; but Reginald had
not the heart to do so. Slowly the tigress crawled on, probably fearing
him more than she had her late enemy, and turning a glance towards him,
in which defiance was mingled with dread. Feeling herself unable to
fight, it was evidently her intention to escape if she could; but
overcome at length with the fearful pain she was suffering, she sank
down exhausted on the ground. The native huntsman seemed to think it a
piece of folly on the part of Reginald not at once to despatch her.
"No, I will not do that," said Reginald in answer to his expostulations.
"It is not the custom of white men to slaughter a fallen foe. See!
The poor tigress looks up as if imploring my assistance."
"As you think fit, sahib," answered the huntsman; "but if she recovers
she will become the mother of numberless tigers and tigresses; and who
can tell how many people they will destroy?"
This argument would have prevailed with Reginald, and he would, at all
events, have allowed the huntsman to kill the tigress, had she not at
that moment cast at him a look, which he seemed to fancy implored his
mercy. As he approached, however, while she lay on the ground unable to
move, she uttered a loud snarl of anger, and ground her teeth, and
opened out the claws of her uninjured feet, as the feline race are wont
to do, as if about to seize him. Still he persevered, wishing, if
possible, to capture the animal alive. Speaking to her in a soothing
voice, he got near her head, holding his rifle in such a position that
he might fire in a moment, should she turn round and attempt to seize
him; she was, however, too much hurt to move. Gradually he got close to
her head, when, stooping down, he first patted it gently, still uttering
the same soothing words. At first, while he continued to stroke it, she
looked up suspiciously at him, as if to ask what he wanted; but soon
understanding that his motives were friendly, she ceased her cries. At
length she put out her lacerated limb, and seemed to ask him to do what
he could to relieve her pain. He fortunately had a flask of spirits in
his pocket, with which he bathed her foot; and then, taking out a
handkerchief, he carefully bound it up. It seemed at once to relieve
the animal of pain; and all the natural ferocity of her countenance
disappearing, she cast at him a look full of gratitude, while she
attempted to lick his hand.
Nothing could exceed the astonishment of the shikaree wallah and his
companion,--who had during the time retired to a respectful distance,--
when they saw the tigress get up and slowly follow Reginald, as a dog
does its master. She, however, would not allow them to approach her,
but snarled in a way which made them immediately take to flight.
Reginald on this called them back, and stroking the head of the tigress,
tried to make her understand that she was to treat them as friends. She
understood him; and when they came near she no longer showed any signs
of wishing to hurt them.
"Why, sahib," exclaimed the shikaree wallah, "see! She is not a wild
tigress after all. There is a golden collar round her neck. She must
have belonged to some great rajah, and made her escape from his palace."
On a closer examination, Reginald discovered what the quick eye of the
native had detected, a band of gold, partly hidden by the creature's
hair.
"There cannot be a doubt, then, that she is the very animal we saw last
night," observed Reginald. "She is my property now, at all events; and
I feel very sure that she will follow no one else."
By this time the shouts and cries of the beaters ceased to reach their
ears, and Reginald knew that they must have gone in a different
direction to that which he had followed. Several shots, however, the
sound of which came from a distance, showed him that Burnett and his
party had met with game; but as he found no real pleasure in
tiger-shooting, he was anxious to get back to the bungalow, where they
intended to stop till the next evening before resuming their journey.
He wished, indeed, to astonish his friend, by exhibiting his prize, when
Burnett was boasting, as he probably would, of the number of tigers he
had killed. Leaving word with the elephant drivers that he had returned
on foot, and bidding them say nothing about his captive, he hastened
homeward, followed by his two astonished attendants.
"He is indeed a wonderful young man," observed the shikaree wallah.
"How courageously he walked up to the tiger; it makes my knees even now
tremble to think of it. Wallah, he is a brave youth."
As Reginald walked on, with his hand on the tigress's head, he
considered what name he should give the animal. "She has evidently
become attached to me, and will follow me about like a dog," he said to
himself. "Very likely she may be of use, too, for I suspect that no
robbers, nor even Thugs, would dare attack a man with a tigress as his
protector. What shall I call her? Violet? Violet? No, certainly not.
There is nothing in common, except I may say affection for me.
Faithful? Yes, Faithful. That, I am sure, will prove the chief
characteristic of the creature. Faithful shall be her name!"
By the time he had arrived at this decision he reached Major Sandford's
bungalow. The sitting-room was of large extent, ornamented with the
skins of antelopes, bison, and stag horns of various kinds, and with
native swords, bows, arrows, spears, and battle-axes; while the floor
was covered with the hides of bears, leopards, tigers, and deer; and a
number of tables, sofas, and chairs of all shapes were scattered about
on it. Placing three of the chairs in a row, Reginald covered them with
skins, so as to form a screen; and calling to Faithful, he bade her lie
down behind them. He threw himself on a sofa in front to await the
arrival of his friends. Before long he caught sight of Burnett's
elephant approaching.
"How comes it, you lazy fellow, that you return home without a single
skin to show?" asked Captain Burnett, as he entered.
"Pardon me, but I have not returned without a skin," said Reginald.
"Here, Faithful, show yourself."
As he spoke the tigress raised her head above the screen with a menacing
expression in her countenance which made Burnett start back and draw one
of his pistols.
"Don't fire!" exclaimed Reginald. "The brute is tame, though I only
captured her this morning. See! I became her surgeon, and she is
grateful for the service I rendered her."
Burnett could scarcely believe his senses, till the secret of her
apparent sudden tameness was disclosed.
At dinner Faithful crouched down at her new master's feet, and
gratefully accepted the small morsels thrown to her; though Burnett
advised that she should have a more substantial meal, or she might take
to helping herself, if pressed by hunger, to a human creature, if not to
some of the tame animals they might meet with on the road. In the
evening Reginald again dressed the tigress's foot, when she exhibited
the same marks of gratitude as before.
Though the tigress was much better the next morning, she was still too
lame to walk, and accordingly Reginald had a large wooden cage made for
her, with a bed in it of dry grass, on which she might repose with
perfect comfort. This cage was slung on the back of an elephant,
counterbalanced by several heavy articles. It was some time, however,
before the sagacious elephant, which knew perfectly well the contents of
the cage, would allow it to be lifted up on its back. Faithful also
felt very uneasy when brought near the elephant; and not till the cage
had been completely covered up, so that the two animals could not see
each other, were the drivers able to secure it.
The journey was resumed; and occasionally stopping to have a day's
sport,--to which Reginald consented more for his friend's sake than his
own,--greatly to his satisfaction, they at length arrived in sight of
the domes and minarets of Allahapoor, the city in the far interior to
which they were bound. They encamped outside, that they might get into
order and present themselves in a becoming manner to the rajah, Meer Ali
Singh, the despotic governor of the province. Captain Burnett put on
his uniform, and all the attendants dressed themselves in their best
costumes.
"I have made up my mind to appear in my seaman's dress," said Reginald;
"from what I have heard of Meer Ali, he is more likely to give me a
favourable reception should I present myself in an unpretending manner
than with all the pomp I could assume. It will also have the effect of
making his favourites less jealous of me, and unsuspicious of my object.
I do not allude so much to the natives as to a European who is about
the rajah, a certain Andre Cochut by name, originally a barber, who was
my father's great enemy, and is now in high favour at court. I must be
prepared for every obstruction he can throw in my way; but as he is not
acquainted with the name I bear, he will not suspect who I am. You must
appear as the person of chief importance, while you represent me as a
friend whom you have brought for the sake of companionship. This will
throw Cochut off his guard. And if we manage to play our cards well, we
may gain the confidence of the rajah; when I hope that he may then be
induced to deliver up my father's property, and the casket containing
the valuable deeds I am in search of."
Captain Burnett agreed to the wisdom of Reginald's plan, and, in order
to assume as much importance as possible, sent in to the rajah to
announce their arrival, and to request that they might be permitted to
pay their respects. The plan succeeded even better than they had
expected. The next morning, as they were preparing to move, a suwarree,
or retinue of elephants and horses, was seen approaching, headed by one
of the rajah's principal officers. The train of elephants was
splendidly equipped with silver howdahs, and accompanied by suwarrs, or
horsemen, in red and yellow, followed by an irregular though picturesque
body of infantry, armed with swords, long matchlock guns, and shields.
Some had enormously long spears covered over with silver; while amid
them were carried large triangular green banners. The silver howdahs,
the flowing dresses, the glowing colours, and the majestic size of the
animals which formed the most prominent part of the group, had
altogether a wonderfully picturesque and scenic appearance. The
strangers were invited to mount the elephants, and in a few minutes they
found themselves forming part of the curious procession they had before
been admiring. Thus they entered the gates of the ancient city. The
houses they passed were closely packed and built of clay, the lanes
dirty in the extreme, and so narrow that they frequently had to proceed
in single file. Beggars swarmed at every angle, and on the steps of
every door, while the whole population appeared armed either with
matchlock gun or pistols. Some carried a short bent sword called a
tulwar, with shield on shoulder. The traders walked about with tulwars
by their sides, while the idlers carried both the pistol and the shield.
The latter is of buffalo-hide, generally covered with brass knobs, and
is worn on the left shoulder. The fierce-looking moustaches of the
Rajpoots and Patans, and the black beards of the Mussulmans, with their
tulwars and shields, as they swaggered about, gave them a particularly
warlike air. Even grave-looking men, carried about in palanquins, and
counting their beads, had several sword and buckler attendants. Some of
the more consequential rode on elephants, also accompanied by a retinue
of armed men. Even the people lounging at the shop doors were armed
with swords, and had their shields over their shoulders. After passing
through a number of these narrow and dirty streets, redeemed here and
there by pretty mosques, well-filled bazaars, and a few large houses,
the party entered a wide and handsome street,--bordered by colonnades of
a highly ornamental style of architecture,--along which they proceeded,
till they reached the house appointed by the rajah for their residence.
It belonged to one of the European officers at the court, who was now
absent, and possessed ample accommodation for a much larger party than
theirs.
Reginald had kept Faithful secured in her cage. He was curious to know
how she would behave in a city, and he waited anxiously for the arrival
of their own elephants and baggage. They came at last. On the cage
being placed on the ground, he took off the covering. Faithful was
lying crouched down. She was evidently much put out at the way she had
been treated, and the fierce expression of her eye made him doubt at
first whether it would be wise to set her free. After speaking in
soothing tones, and stroking her head for a short time, the expression
changed, when opening the side of the cage so as to enable him to reach
her paw, he stooped down and dressed it carefully. She looked up with
an expression of gratitude in her countenance; and now telling her to
follow him, he conducted her into the sitting-room, where he had left
his friend. As Reginald took his seat at the dinner-table, Faithful lay
down by his side, and thankfully ate the bits of food thrown to her.
When afterwards visitors were announced, she remained perfectly quiet,
eyeing them, however, narrowly. Next day an officer--no less a man than
Andre Cochut, who had now become a khan or noble--arrived to summon them
to his master the rajah, "the Refuge of the World," who was ready to
allow them the honour of an audience.
"We will obey the summons, khan," said Captain Burnett; and he and
Reginald immediately got ready.
The captain had prepared the presents which, according to Oriental
etiquette, it is usual to offer to a ruling prince on being first
introduced, and he had given the necessary instructions to Reginald.
They each took four gold mohurs, which they placed on fine muslin
handkerchiefs to be held in the palm of their hands.
"There, that will do," said Captain Burnett; "we must offer them in this
style; and if the rajah is inclined to be gracious, we shall not be the
losers by the transaction."
Putting the money and handkerchiefs in their pockets, they went out into
the courtyard of their house, where they found richly-caparisoned steeds
awaiting them. They mounted, Burnett accompanying the khan, and
Reginald following in his usual nautical costume, attended by Dick
Thuddichum, who sat his steed much in the style of sailors in general.
His appearance contrasted greatly with that of the richly habited
natives who rode on either side of him; and his attempts at conversation
caused them a good deal of amusement, though none of those he addressed
could understand a word he said, nor could he understand their remarks.
The crowds in the streets made way for the khan, who was known to be in
high favour at court, and was treated accordingly with every mark of
respect.
The palace, which was at no great distance, was soon reached, when the
ex-barber threw his reins with an air of importance to the syce, or
groom, in attendance, telling the Englishmen to follow him. Entering
the gates of the palace, they passed through several apartments adorned
with beautiful chandeliers, and cabinets of rare woods and of silver or
lacquered ware. Richly-decorated shields, arms, and suits of armour
covered the walls, not always arranged in good taste, but offering a
fair specimen of Oriental magnificence.
"You two come with me," said the ex-barber, addressing Burnett and
Reginald.
As he led the way, they emerged into a small garden or courtyard with a
fountain playing in the centre, beyond which was seen a pavilion.
Crossing the garden, they approached the pavilion.
Neither Reginald nor Burnett were prepared for the scene which met their
view. In a richly-ornamented alcove, seated on a pile of cushions, were
two persons; one of whom they immediately knew must be the rajah. He
was magnificently attired in Oriental costume, covered with gold
ornaments; a turban covering his head, surmounted by a plume of bird of
paradise feathers, with a sparkling aigrette in front. He had large
moustaches, and an enormous white beard flowing over his breast. By his
side reclined a lady, also handsomely dressed, her features of rare
beauty, and her complexion scarcely darker than that of an Italian. The
rajah was smoking a hookah of elegant workmanship. He took it from his
lips when the strangers advanced, and expressed his satisfaction at
receiving them.
"My grandchild, Nuna, desired to see you, as Englishmen at present
rarely visit my court," he said, after the usual complimentary speeches
had been exchanged; "except my worthy friend there, the khan, she has
never set eyes on a white man."
While the rajah was speaking, Captain Burnett could with difficulty
avoid fixing his gaze on the lovely features of the young girl, though
he felt it would be contrary to court etiquette to do so.
"And what brought you to my city?" asked the rajah.
"We had heard of your highness's wisdom and renown, and as we desired to
visit the chief objects of interest in this part of the world, we came
to see your city, in the hope of enjoying the happiness of an interview
with your highness," answered Burnett, who had considerable experience
in the proper style of addressing Oriental potentates. The rajah looked
pleased.
"And whence do you come? Do you belong to the Company?" he asked,
turning to Reginald.
"Most of my days have been spent on the salt ocean, your highness,"
answered Reginald; "and my desire is to see the wonders of the interior
part of the country."
"An extraordinary life yours must have been," observed the rajah. "They
tell me that ships are tossed about on the waves like balls in the hands
of jugglers, and sometimes are thrown on the rocks, and at others go
down to the bottom. Extraordinary that men should be found to hazard
their lives on so treacherous an element!"
"An existence on the ocean has its advantages as well as its dangers,"
answered Reginald. "Without ships men cannot visit other lands, or
carry the produce of this magnificent country to England, and bring back
her manufactures in return."
"You speak the truth, young sir," said the rajah, evidently pleased with
Reginald's manner. "You and your friend are welcome to remain in
Allahapoor as long as you please; and I shall be glad to see you again."
Captain Burnett, knowing that this was a signal for their departure,
offered the presents which he and Reginald had brought. They were
graciously accepted, the rajah placing them on a cushion by his side.
Bowing low they withdrew, the captain taking another glance at the
rajah's grand-daughter as he did so.
Andre Cochut accompanied them home, and by the questions he put it was
evident that he wished to ascertain their real object in coming to
Allahapoor. Captain Burnett replied cautiously, and took an opportunity
of whispering to Reginald to be on his guard as to what he said. "I do
not trust that individual," he observed as soon as the khan had taken
his departure. "He fears that we may remain and supplant him in the
good graces of the old rajah. If we can win him over, he may assist us;
but the attempt to do so would excite his suspicion." Reginald promised
to follow his friend's advice, and they agreed that they would simply be
civil to Cochut, and appear to be only desirous of visiting the scenes
of interest in the neighbourhood.
The following day they received another summons to visit the rajah in
his usual hall of audience in the palace. He had a few guards and
courtiers in attendance. Burnett looked round in vain in the hope of
catching a glimpse of the beautiful Nuna, but she was nowhere to be
seen; indeed, her appearance on the previous occasion had been contrary
to the usual custom, as no Mohammedan or Hindoo women of high rank ever
exhibit themselves in public. The rajah appeared more than ever pleased
with them, and asked numerous questions, which they answered apparently
to his satisfaction.
"I must not let you Englishmen live so far off," he said at length. "I
should like to see you at all times of the day. You must come and live
in the palace, where rooms shall be prepared for you. I must have no
refusal. The matter is settled."
Burnett and Reginald expressed their gratitude at the favour shown them,
and said they gladly accepted his highness's offer. Before they left,
Khan Cochut overtook them; and though he contrived to conceal his
feelings, it was clear that he was more than ever jealous and annoyed at
the thought of their being about the person of his master. On returning
with their attendants and luggage, they found, as had been promised, a
handsome suite of rooms prepared for their reception. They quickly made
themselves at home, Burnett observing that they had fallen into pleasant
quarters. Before long, Khan Cochut came with a message from the rajah,
inviting them to dinner. He again endeavoured to discover their object
in visiting Allahapoor. Reginald, warned by his friend, answered very
cautiously, and so the ex-barber had to take his departure without being
wiser than he came. At the dinner-hour an attendant of the rajah came
to summon them. They found the great man seated at table, in a hall
furnished in a strangely-mixed Oriental and English fashion. The rajah
sat on one side of the table, on a gilt armchair raised a few inches
above the floor; the opposite side being left unoccupied, that whatever
took place at the other end of the hall might be seen by the guests,
while the servants could thus remove the dishes without difficulty. He
beckoned to Burnett and Reginald to take their seats one on either side
of him,--greatly to the disgust of Khan Cochut, who had to move further
down the table. Several nobles and other courtiers were present. As
soon as the party had taken their places, a curtain behind them was
drawn on one side, when half-a-dozen young females issued forth, each
carrying large fans of peacock's feathers, and noiselessly placed
themselves behind the rajah's chair. The hue of their skins was
scarcely darker than that of the women of Southern Europe; their hair,
black as jet, drawn over the forehead, was twisted in rolls behind, and
ornamented with pearls and silver pins, over which hung a muslin robe
covering their shoulders--of a texture so fine, however, that their
forms could be clearly seen through it. Gold-embroidered zones
surrounded their waists and supported their Turkish trousers of bright
crimson satin, which were also secured round their ankles by
gold-embroidered belts. Two of them at a time advanced--their arms bare
almost to the shoulder--and silently waved their fans in the most
graceful manner above the head of the rajah. Here they remained the
whole evening, relieving each other by turns, and attending to his
hookah, supplying it with tobacco as might be required.
The first courses being removed, a group of nautch-girls, attended by
musicians, entered the hall, and commenced their performances,--now
advancing in graceful attitudes, now retiring; now with one hand held
over the head, now with the other; the musicians during the time playing
on lutes and tambourines behind them, and accompanying the instruments
with their voices. While this was going on a puppet-show was
introduced, in which the figures acted a play and danced almost in as
lifelike a manner as performers on a stage. The nautch-girls continued
their performances throughout the whole evening, but the other
entertainments were varied. The puppet-show was succeeded by a band of
tumblers, who tied themselves into knots, walked on their hands and
heads, and twisted and turned about more actively than the most nimble
of monkeys--their bodies apparently being destitute of bones, or
possessing ten times the number of joints usually found in the human
frame. They all received a reward--more or less, as the rajah was
pleased with their performances.
Burnett, it must be confessed, looked in vain for the appearance of
Nuna, who, it was possible, might have been among the audience behind
the gauze curtain at the further end of the hall.
"And how have you enjoyed our evening's entertainment?" asked the rajah,
turning to Reginald.
"The performances are very wonderful," he answered. Of course he could
not say that he thought them very barbarous, and that they had afforded
him anything but pleasure.
"Ah, we will show you things far more wonderful than these," observed
the rajah. "You must accompany us out hunting. You Englishmen, I
understand, are all huntsmen, and delight in the chase, and are not
afraid to encounter tigers and wild boars, and even elephants."
Reginald confessed that sporting was much more in accordance with his
taste, and that he should be glad to have an opportunity afforded him of
seeing how the Orientals followed the chase.
At length the rajah, accompanied by the damsels, who continued fanning
him, took his departure, and the banquet was at an end; but Reginald did
not forget a scowl he had observed on the countenance of Khan Cochut as
he and Burnett quitted the hall.
He had left Faithful the sole occupant of a stall in one of the stables.
Before lying down at night, he went to pay his favourite a visit. The
animal fawned on him, and seemed so unwilling to be left alone, that he
led her out, intending to allow her to share his sleeping-room. She
seemed highly pleased; and no sooner had Reginald thrown himself on the
pile of cushions arranged on the floor for his couch, than she laid
herself down, evidently prepared to keep watch during the night by his
side. "Perhaps the creature's instinct tells her that some danger
threatens me," he said to himself. "I am very sure that I may trust to
her vigilance, and sleep soundly, without the risk of being attacked
unawares." Thoughts of various sorts pressed on his mind, and before he
fell asleep he saw Faithful get up several times and walk slowly round
the room, sniffing in all the corners.