190 VIZIER'S 



I was riding'. His Highness then presented 

 me with a very fine string of pearls which he 

 took from his own neck : * I touched them, 

 and made a salam. We then embraced, 

 that is, we crossed each others necks with our 

 right arms; after which he mounted an ele- 

 phant, and I remounted mine, and joined the 

 line of march, his Highness having directed 

 my elephant driver to take his station by the 

 side of his. 



He was extremely affable and conversed 

 w^ith me very freely; talking chiefly on the 

 subject of sporting. With the natives who 

 were near him, his conversation during the 

 whole morning's march, was solely confined, 

 to the good qualifications of a new cook, and 

 the excellent dishes he gave them the day 

 before. He asked me why I never fired at 



* I was much laughed at afterwards for not taking the 

 pearls, which were of great value : and I was given to 

 understand that it was expected; and my not having 

 done it, considered an ill compliment. 



