310 THE EASTERN HUNTERS. 



Jove ! Norman, we needn't have been so delicate in 

 our advances ; they were evidently on the look-out 

 for a swizzle. I shall help myself." And so saying, 

 he mixed himself a tumbler. 



The others followed his example ; but, having 

 exhausted their stock of tumblers, were obliged to 

 be contented with the large pewter pint-mugs, 

 without which an Indian sportsman rarely travels. 



The ice of formality being thus broken, the party 

 got on much better ; and the guests, without any 

 great amount of urging, were prevailed on to have 

 several more drams before they left. At their 

 request, too, the guns were brought in and exhibited. 

 These were examined with much interest, and a 

 revolver belonging to Mackenzie excited especial 

 attention. So well, indeed, were the strangers 

 amused, that it was only after an unusually long 

 visit that they hinted it was time to take leave. 



On this, Mackenzie prepared himself for the forma- 

 lities attending departure. 



The chiefs had themselves taken the precaution 

 to bring with them the requisite articles, without 

 which the ceremony of leave-taking among people of 

 consequence is not considered complete; for they 

 were aware that the Sahibs were not likely to have 

 them. An understrapper, therefore, had handed 

 over to Sheik Hussein, a little salver, and cup con- 



