Such a formidable array was calculated to impress and probably test the nerves of the spectators; yet, so far as Captain Thorne was concerned, the design signally failed. Without hesitation he followed the chief down the lines, and in passing saluted them in the most correct and dignified manner.
For one moment Jack Clewlin caught the searching glance of Kalli Lal fixed on his protectors, and he thought that an approving smile crossed the Malay's lips; but the next moment a bamboo screen of native make was drawn aside, and the party entered a chamber of considerable dimensions, and almost wholly furnished after the European manner.
Several oil paintings, chiefly seascapes, hung on the walls, a couple of Oriental couches appeared in the centre of the room, but the remainder of the settees, chairs, and even a handsome round walnut table, were of undoubted British manufacture.
With considerable grace the chief waved his guests to their respective seats, and, motioning toward a dusky-hued servant, quantities of bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and other kinds of fruit were immediately placed on the table.
All hands partook of the fruit, excellent coffee was served in cups and saucers of English design and work, after which a quantity of cheroots were distributed all round, and Captain Thorne excused his young 'midshipman' from participation in the soothing weed.
'You see,' he explained to the chief, 'we do not wish our young gentlemen to indulge in tobacco before they are fully grown, and my boy has never smoked a cigar.'
The chief nodded assent, and seemed satisfied.
'By the way,' the old man added, 'do not let me forget to thank you for the honour accorded just now. It was quite unexpected, but meant, I suppose, as a return for the compliment offered by my first lieutenant.'
'We are always pleased to see Englishmen and their vessels here,' the chief replied.
'I am certain of that,' the other significantly returned. 'You speak excellent English.'