“I don’t believe in the jealousy. I believe it is all assumed,” said the Resident, “and that they are ready on the slightest excuse to join forces against us.”
“I don’t,” said the Major gruffly. “I am afraid they may draw knives against each other; but if they do I will give them such a lesson as will prove a startler. But, I say, have you noticed that chap Hamet?”
“Oh yes, I saw him. He did not march with his men, mounted on one of his elephants, but came up in his dragon-boat.”
“Yes. Quite a fine show, with the amber-satin rowers, and the gongs beating. But you can’t grumble about his appearance and theatrical robes. It’s quite a compliment to Old England to see a native prince come simply in ordinary morning-dress. Hanged if he hadn’t got lavender kid gloves!”
“Oh, don’t talk about trifles, Major; but for Heaven’s sake be on your guard!”
“Oh yes—guard mounted,” said the Major. “Why, Dallas, my dear boy, I don’t believe you told Morley to give you a pick-me-up. You have been fussing about down there at the bungalow, and fidgeting about what might happen to a certain young lady if the Malays turned nasty and rose against us.”
“Major! No.”
“Don’t be cross, dear boy. I was in love too once upon a time, and fidgeted as much as you do about what might happen if—if— There, I only say if. Now, it’s all right, my dear fellow, and it’s time for the show to begin. The crowd must be getting tired of waiting; and I only see one error of judgment of which we have been guilty.”
“Ah! And what’s that?”
“Ought to have begun an hour sooner, for, my word, the sun is hot! Oh, by the way, I have not seen you since, but we were talking over what to do with our visitors and the crowd generally after the review. There will be the feeding, of course; but we wanted something to fill up time till dark and the fireworks begin.”