“Well, Dallas,” said the Major, who was mopping his forehead, “what did you think of our charge?—Ah, Rajah Hamet,” he continued, as he caught sight of the young man, who approached to hold out his hand, “what did you think of our sham-fight? Did you see it all?”
“Magnificent, sir; every bit.”
“Where were you?”
“Down yonder, sir, in front of my elephants and men.”
“Then you didn’t run?”
“No, sir; I have been to Aldershot and seen a review before.”
“I am afraid we scared your men,” said Archie, to whom the young Rajah turned a few minutes later.
“Well, wasn’t it quite enough to scare them?” replied the Prince. “It seems to me that a body of men, to whatever nation they belonged, would require a good deal of hardening before they would stand firm and receive a bayonet charge.”
“Yes,” replied Archie. “As far as I know, there are not many who can. It was rather comic, though, to see your men run.”
“Well,” replied the young Prince, “I don’t think my men ran any faster than Suleiman’s.”