306 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



eluded, an avant courrier arrived in hot haste to 

 announce the approach of the cortege somewhat 

 unnecessarily, it must he admitted, for the dust 

 and noise were pretty sure indications of its 

 proximity. 



First came a horse gaily caparisoned in red and 

 yellow, bearing a pair of kettle-drums, and a rider 

 who thumped them with an energy astonishing to 

 witness. Next followed a small party of the re- 

 tainers, several of them blowing horns and beating 

 tom-toms ; with these was a gaudily emblazoned 

 standard. Immediately preceding the chiefs them- 

 selves, a footman ran shouting, at the very top of 

 an unusually deep, powerful voice, all the names, 

 titles, and dignities of his master. The chiefs them- 

 selves followed on horseback, well covered with the 

 dust, which rose in great columns. Retainers, both 

 horse and foot, brought up the rear and completed 

 the cavalcade. 



When they had arrived within about fifty yards 

 of the little camp, the motley assemblage drew to 

 either side and allowed the chiefs to pass to the 

 front. The latter, after being assisted to dismount, 

 and having some of the dust flicked off them by the 

 officious body-servants, preceded by a man bearing a 

 silver mace, advanced towards the tents with slow 

 and solemn steps, and as much dignity as the 



