The Young Rajah Part 3

"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 grat.i.tude 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 gra.s.s, 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 a.s.sume. 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 companions.h.i.+p. 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 a.s.sume 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 princ.i.p.al officers. The train of elephants was splendidly equipped with silver howdahs, and accompanied by suwarrs, or hors.e.m.e.n, in red and yellow, followed by an irregular though picturesque body of infantry, armed with swords, long matchlock guns, and s.h.i.+elds.

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 pa.s.sed 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 s.h.i.+eld on shoulder. The traders walked about with tulwars by their sides, while the idlers carried both the pistol and the s.h.i.+eld.

The latter is of buffalo-hide, generally covered with bra.s.s k.n.o.bs, 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 s.h.i.+elds, 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 s.h.i.+elds over their shoulders. After pa.s.sing 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 grat.i.tude 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 n.o.ble--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 d.i.c.k 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 amus.e.m.e.nt, 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 pa.s.sed through several apartments adorned with beautiful chandeliers, and cabinets of rare woods and of silver or lacquered ware. Richly-decorated s.h.i.+elds, 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 cus.h.i.+ons, 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 workmans.h.i.+p. 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 s.h.i.+ps are tossed about on the waves like b.a.l.l.s 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 s.h.i.+ps 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 cus.h.i.+on 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 a.s.sist 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 grat.i.tude 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 fas.h.i.+on. 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 n.o.bles 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 peac.o.c.k'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 att.i.tudes, 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 dest.i.tute 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 cus.h.i.+ons 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.

CHAPTER THREE.

A MIDNIGHT INTRUDER--A HUNTING PARTY--CHEETAHS AND TRAINED DEER--A WARLIKE EXPEDITION--THE MARCH--THE WOMEN LEFT ENCAMPED--SURPRISED BY THE MOUNTAINEERS--ATTACK ON THE MOUNTAIN FORT--FAITHFUL SAVES THE RAJAH'S LIFE--THE CAVALRY TAKE TO FLIGHT--SURROUNDED BY FOES--RESCUED BY BURNETT.