The mention of the ladies being there swept away all Murray’s objections, and he descended, while Frank said aloud:
“Then I shall take Ned on home to have something with me.”
“No, no,” cried Murray, hastily; “he must see to the specimens and guns being safely housed.”
“Impossible!” cried Mr Braine, “and we are wasting time. The rajah said all, and he will be impatient. Your man Hamet must see to everything. Come along.”
Chapter Fourteen.
The Rajah’s Ring.
Murray was anxious, unwilling, and willing altogether, as he followed the Tumongong and a guard of the rajah’s men into the lantern-lit clearing before the house; and from thence they were ushered into a room hung with mats, where water was brought in brass basins for their ablutions, before they were shown into a long dimly-lit room, where a meal was spread on mats upon the floor, while upon cushions at one end the rajah himself was seated conversing with the doctor and the ladies.
He rose and received the rest of his guests with dignity, pointing out to them the places he wished them to occupy, and then, to the surprise of all, he took the head of the board himself; a compliment which the Englishmen looked upon with suspicion, as possibly meaning something, opposed as it was to his ordinary customs.