"No, he conquered part of India before we went there. However, now Hindostan belongs to us."
"I thought he had," continued the man. "I was told so in Russia; I was also informed that the Tzar of America had defeated you, and was an ally of the Emperor of Russia. Is that the case?"
"There is no Tzar in America" I replied, "we have had no war with the United States for many years."
"But you paid them a certain sum of money to prevent them going to war with you?" observed my host; "and not only that, but you pay Shere Ali, of Afghanistan, a large sum every year with the same object. Will Shere Ali fight against Russia if there is a war between the Tzar and Turkey?"
"I do not know."
"Some Muscovites say that Shere Ali is on their side," remarked the Persian. "But he is a clever fellow, and is not likely to join the weakest party."
CHAPTER XXI.
Dinner—The Persian's wife is poorly—The wonderful wet paper—The samovar—The harem—Be not alarmed—She is in a delicate state of health—Jaundice—She feels better already—No medicine for your complaint—A mustard plaster would be useless—Sons of the devil—My lord's baksheesh—Commotion amongst the servants.
Later in the day dinner was brought in—a chicken surrounded by a huge pile of rice. A Turk as rich as our Persian host would have provided his guest with fifteen or twenty courses, but the Persians are satisfied with one. I was not aware of the custom, and only tasted the chicken. Presently it was taken away; instead of a fresh dish making its appearance, some water was brought, in an ewer, for us to wash our hands.
"You Englishmen are very temperate," said the host, rising.