astonishment the curious procession of waggons which they could see
approaching, as the night was pretty clear. The Colonel excepted, no one
understood the meaning of this spectacle. There were five waggons
drawn by richly harnessed bullocks and escorted by a bodyguard of the
Maharajah on horseback. Their captain rode till close to the verandah,
then dismounted, and went up the steps. His mien was distinguished,
and at the same time dignified. He was young and handsome, with Greek
features and big, melancholy eyes. He wore a blouse of yellow silk, held
around the waist by a shawl of violet silk, English riding-breeches,
and high, yellow boots. A string of pearls was laid round his turban of
violet-striped silk, and diamonds, large as hazel-nuts, sparkled on his
breast as they caught the light of the lamp.

"That is Tasatat Rajah, the cousin and favourite of the Prince,"
whispered Edith, in answer to a question which she read in Heideck's
face. "No doubt the Maharajah is sending him with a special mission."

The Colonel had risen and gone to meet his visitor, but he neither shook
hands with him nor asked him to be seated.

"Greetings, long life and happiness, sahib, to you in the name of
His Highness," he began with that noble air peculiar to the high-born
Indian. "In token of his friendship and his respect he is sending you
a small gift. He hopes you will accept it as a proof that you have
forgotten the conversation which you had yesterday with His Highness in
consequence of an unfortunate misunderstanding."

"His Highness is very kind," was the Colonel's answer, in a voice rather
formal, "may I ask in what consists the present he is sending me?"