chap, xi.] A RETREAT. 263 



back, and looked aghast at our preparations. "Where is 

 the Pumbuckle ?" we asked. " Gone to the Eajah's," said 

 he. " We are going," said I. " Oh ! pray don't," said he ; 

 " wait a little ; they are having a consultation, and some 

 priests are coming to see you, and a chief is going off to 

 Mataram to ask the permission of the Anak Agong for you 

 to stay." This settled the matter. More talk, more delay, 

 and another eight or ten hours' consultation were not to be 

 endured ; so we started at once, the poor interpreter almost 

 weeping at our obstinacy and hurry, and assuring us — 

 " the Pumbuckle would be very sorry, and the Rajah would 

 be very sorry, and if we would but wait all would be 

 right." I gave Ali my horse, and started on foot, but he 

 afterwards mounted behind Mr. Eoss's groom, and we got 

 home very well, though rather hot and tired. 



At Mataram we called at the house of Gusti Gadioca, 

 one of the princes of Lombock, who was a friend of Mr. 

 Carter's, and who had promised to show me the guns made 

 by native workmen. Two guns were exhibited, one six 

 the other seven feet long, and of a proportionably large 

 bore. The barrels were twisted and well finished, though 

 not so finely worked as ours. The stock was well made, 

 and extended to the end of the barrel. Silver and gold 

 ornament was inlaid over most of the surface, but the 

 locks were taken from English muskets. The Gusti 

 assured me, however, that the Rajah had a man who made 



