This brought forth a series of questions as to what the visitors would collect, and answers respecting birds, animals, and plants.
The rajah listened to the answers, and then said something eagerly to Mr Braine.
“His highness wishes to know if you understand anything about minerals and metals,” said the latter.
“Yes, I have made mineralogy and geology something of a study,” replied Murray; and this being interpreted, the rajah spoke again for some little time with more animation than might have been expected from so heavy and dull a man.
“I’m getting tired of this, Ned,” whispered Murray.
“Oh, it’s worth seeing, uncle. It will be something to talk about when we get home.”
“Yes, boy; but I want nature, not art of this kind.”
“Mr Murray,” said their interpreter just then, after clearing his voice with a cough, as if to get rid of something which tickled his throat, and drawing him and Ned aside, “his highness desires me to say that he, is very glad to welcome to his court so eminent a naturalist.”
“My dear Mr Braine,” said Murray, interrupting, “we are fellow-countrymen. Never mind the flowery part; let’s have the plain English of it all.”
“My dear fellow, I am translating almost verbatim. His highness says that he has long wished to see a gentleman of your attainments, for he is anxious to have his country explored, so that the valuable metals, precious stones, and vegetable productions may be discovered. He says that you are very welcome, and that a house shall be placed at your disposal, with slaves and guards and elephants for expeditions through the jungle to the mountains. One of his dragon boats will also be placed at your service for expeditions up the river, and he wishes you every success in the discoveries you will make for him.”