In spite, however, of the modern facilities for publishing, had there been no further object in view than the narration of a few personal experiences, the author would never have launched another venture on the troubled sea. Our legislators have for some time past been contemplating a distant and hazy vista of Utopia, though faulty navigation has carried the vessel far wide of the destination, and will, not improbably, land her some day on the rocks. Of particular and terrible interest is their future Indian policy; and those who are good enough to read the following pages will find not a few startling instances of how far such policy has hitherto been based on sound practical lines. In some cases, the author has maybe expressed his convictions with candour rather than discretion; but as he has ever stood by his guns, I think it would have been exceeding what was expected of me, had I modified one or two expressions of opinion that are almost certain to meet with stormy weather in certain latitudes. So tiny and insignificant a craft, however, may surely hope to ride the angry waves and arrive safely in port. London, October, 1892. F. G. A. CONTENTS. PAGE EDITOR’S PREFACE v CHAPTER I. THE VOYAGE 1 CHAPTER II. STILL UNDER CANVAS 22 CHAPTER III. THE CITY OF PALACES 36 CHAPTER IV. ON THE MOVE ONCE MORE 46 CHAPTER V. FIRST IMPRESSIONS 57 CHAPTER VI. THE TEACHINGS OF BUDDHA 69 CHAPTER VII. RIVER-LIFE UNDER DIFFICULTIES 85 CHAPTER VIII. UNDER ORDERS 110 CHAPTER IX. PROME 123 CHAPTER X. A SECRET EXPEDITION 137 CHAPTER XI. FURTHER DETAILS 149 CHAPTER XII. “EL DORADO” 161 CHAPTER XIII. CLOUDY WEATHER 175 CHAPTER XIV. “LEAVE OF ABSENCE” 188 CHAPTER XV. MOULMEIN 201 CHAPTER XVI. AMHERST 214 CHAPTER XVII. TAVOY 224 CHAPTER XVIII. THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO 233 CHAPTER XIX. MERGUI 241 CHAPTER XX.