REMINISCENCES OF SONEPORE. 79 



was a little man with a sharp, restless and cruel eye. The 

 face was clever but cunning, and you might hope in vain for 

 mercy if once in his power. The morning after his arrival, 

 he and his suite arrived at the race stand on their state 

 elephants. These animals were magnificently caparisoned 

 with cloths of gold and golden howdahs. A durbar or recep- 

 tion was held at midday on Friday, and all Europeans as well 

 as native gentry, were invited to attend. It was held in a 

 larg shamtana, at one end of which was a raised platform 

 with two steps up to it. There were three chairs of gold 

 on the dais, chairs in rows down each side of the shamiana 

 were placed, the front row to one side for members of Sir 

 Jung's staff, and behind them the native gentry. On the 

 opposite side, chairs were placed for the Europeans, while 

 up the centre was a carpeted walk leading to the dai's. 

 Before midday all the chairs were filled, and shortly after 

 Lord Mayo (in court dress, wearing his star and band of the 

 Order of the Garter) walked in. All rose in token of respect, 

 and His Lordship bowing to each side, took his seat in 

 the centre chair of the dais ; as he did so, a royal salute 

 vollied forth and the band of the European regiment played 

 God save the Queen. A few minutes after the Viceroy had 

 taken his seat, a commotion outside announced the arrival 

 of Sir Jung and suite ; again the guns boomed, the guard of 

 honor saluted, and Sir Jung Bahadur entered, sparkling with 

 jewels, wearing on his head a golden helmet studded with 

 precious stones and on top a ruby valued at three lakhs of 

 rupees, out of which dropped bird of paradise feathers. He 

 was met by one of the Secretaries, while his son or brother 

 was taken in hand by another. These Secretaries, taking 

 them by the hand, walked them halfway up the passage, where 

 officials of higher standing met them and conducted them to 

 the foot of the dais. Lord Mayo descending one step, offered 

 Sir Jung his right, and the other his left hand, and seated them 



