The days passed slowly by, and one hour I was horribly dejected by the dulness of my existence, the next cheery and in high spirits, as I felt that I was getting stronger, and in less pain. It was very lonely lying there, but many things put me in mind of the "Arabian Nights"--the fine tent, with the shadows of the trees upon its roof; the silent servants who might very well have been slaves, so eager were they to respond to the slightest call, and so silent in their obedience; the soft glow of the lamp on the rich curtain and carpets; and the pleasant little banquets which were spread for me with silver vessels to drink from, and gilded baskets full of rare fruits or flowers. At times, as I sat propped up, able now to feed myself, I used to begin by enjoying the meal, but before I had half finished the flowers looked dull, and the fruit tasted flat, for I told myself that, after all, I was only a prisoner, a bird in a gilded cage, broken winged and helpless. The doctor came nearly every day, and told me that I was to ask for everything I wished for, as he preferred that I should wait until the rajah had been again before I went out. "And when is he coming again?" I asked impatiently. "I can only say when his highness pleases," replied the doctor, with a grave smile. "But I will give orders for something to be done to please you; to-morrow a couch shall be made for you outside the tent." That was something, and only one who has been wounded and lain hot and restless upon a couch alone can judge of the eagerness with which I looked forward to the next day. It came at last, and after trying very hard to comport myself with the dignity becoming a British officer, the fact that I was almost the youngest in the Company's service would come out, and I suddenly burst out with-- "I say, Salaman, when is this couch outside to be ready?" "It is ready, my lord," he said. "I was awaiting your commands." "Oh!" I mentally exclaimed, "what a fool I am! Why don't I act like a real `my lord,' and order these people about more?" Then aloud, with importance-- "Is it shady where you have placed it?" He shook his head. "What!" I cried angrily. "You have put it in the sun?" "No, my lord; it is under a great tree." "Why, I asked you if it was shady," I cried; and then it occurred to me that, in spite of my studies at Brandscombe and out here, my Hindustani was very imperfect, for the man smiled in a deprecatory way which seemed to mean that he hoped my lord would not be angry with him for not understanding his words. "Take me out now," I said. Salaman clapped his hands softly, and the two men I knew by sight entered at once, followed by two more whom I had not previously seen. These four, at a word from my attendant, advanced to stand two at the head, two at the foot of my couch. "Tell them to be very careful how they lift me," I said; "and have some water ready in case I turn faint."