32 RIFLE AND SPEAR WITH THE RAJPOOTS. 



of English, does not interfere with this at all. They 

 take the greatest interest in all we do, and if I begin 

 to paint, or produce a book with pictures, or even to 

 make tea, the whole crew leave work and crowd around 

 to receive explanations. Alan's maps puzzled all of them 

 a good deal, especially the captain, who was so fascinated 

 that he has planted himself at Alan's side and every 

 few minutes inquires where wo are. By the time he 

 has mastered this we have gone on a mile or so, and it 

 all has to be begun again, which is a little trying. 

 Kunning aground is the only thing that takes him off. 

 He tells Alan long tales of the places 1 am to see, and 

 has also confided to him that he means us to employ 

 him all the winter. We really had not the heart to 

 undeceive him. 



At times the other boat is pulled up alongside so that 

 their crew may join in the conversation. Once Alan, 

 in an idle moment, began to burn patterns with a 

 magnifying glass on the wooden deck. This arouses 

 such enthusiasm that the whole crew stand round in 

 breathless interest, the captain watching with conscious 

 pride, which glides into a gentle annoyance when he 

 finds that it won't rub out. However, we have drifted 

 firmly aground once more, and, by the time we are off, 

 he is all smiles again. 



Santan now comes on board to remark in a matter- 



