The forts at Herat were not of much importance, but our prestige would certainly suffer if we allowed anybody else to occupy the place, and as India could not spare enough troops either to hold Herat or even the line of communication between it and Candahar, Lord Dufferin held much converse with the Government at home, the Commander-in-Chief in India (Sir Donald Stewart) and the India Office as to the best mode of procedure, the result of which was we prepared to send about 25,000 men to Quetta via the Bolan Pass. The Amir thought he would like to talk over the situation with the Viceroy, and so it was agreed that the Afghan Chief should meet His Excellency at Rawal Pindi. In consequence of this arrangement a huge camp was formed, everything done and carried out on the most magnificent and impressive scale, such as is beloved by Orientals, plenty of tinsel, glitter and pomp. I have often thought the inhabitants of India, and Afghanistan too for that matter, must think us very dowdy looking people compared with their own codes, and indeed we do make a sorry show amongst their gorgeous jewels, colour and trappings. Perhaps if we were to appear at their big gatherings and on great occasions with more of the “rings on our fingers and bells on our toes” that we used to hear about in our nursery rhymes, we should inspire more admiration and reverence. I am strongly under the impression that these colour-loving people look for, and take the outward and visible sign, as a precursor of the inward and spiritual grace. This Durbar at Pindi entailed most elaborate preparations and much work on the Military Secretary. It really consisted of several camps, one group for the native princes and chiefs, one for the British Army, another for the native army, the viceregal camp, one for the Lieut.-Governor, and various others, making an imposing array. Among the guests of the Viceroy were the Duke and Duchess of Connaught, numerous Lieut.-Governors, Commander-in-Chief, also members of Council. The comings and goings of all these good people, their comfort, the necessary arrangement of precedence and etiquette was the work of the Military Secretary, and required some thought and hard work to digest and assimilate satisfactorily. The worry attached to the arranging of a camp of this kind is enormous. Lord William did not appear the least depressed, but quite as cheery and bright as usual, while being extraordinarily efficient. Of course he had the A.D.C.’s under him, whom no doubt he had chosen from his knowledge of their capabilities. It is, however, easy to imagine the worries and anxieties attached to the occasion. We all know how annoying it is when arranging functions ourselves, to find at the last moment the _chef_ has been indulging in something stronger than tea, which has made him quarrelsome, preferring chasing the kitchen and vegetables maids rather than attending to the dinner the expectant guests may be awaiting.