IN THE JUNGLE 



that of the star performer, the stage manager, or the 

 truly artistic. We encountered well-marked speci- 

 mens of each. I will tell you about them. 



The star performer knew his stagecraft thor- 

 oughly; and in the exposition of his knowledge he 

 showed incidentally how truly basic are the prin- 

 ciples of stagecraft anywhere. 



We were seated under a tree near the banks of a 

 stream eating our lunch. Before us appeared two 

 tall and slender youths, wreathed in smiles, engaging, 

 and most attentive to the small niceties of courtesy. 

 We returned their greeting from our recumbent 

 positions, whereupon they made preparation to 

 squat down beside us. 



"Are you sultans?" we demanded sternly, "that 

 you attempt to sit in Our Presence," and we lazil 

 kicked the nearest. 



Not at all abashed, but favourably impressed with 

 our transcendent importance as we intended 

 they leaned gracefully on their spears and entered 

 into conversation. After a few trifles of airy persi- 

 flage they got down to business. 



"This," said they, indicating the tiny flat, "is the 

 most beautiful place to camp in all the mountains." 



We doubted it. 



"Here is excellent water." 



We agreed to that. 



249 



