At the edge of the throng he
discarded a loose mantle of cotton that had concealed the rich garments
befitting his rank. Then he advanced, looking proudly and gaily about
him, while close behind, and pressing eagerly around his person, came
full fifty stalwart tribesmen, treading with the bold swinging gait of
the mountaineer, their drawn tulwars flashing in the sun, their voices
shouting 'Jai, jai,--Hail, hail!' in deafening chorus.
"The effect was instantaneous and tremendous, and from all the assembled
multitude went up the loud acclaim--'Jai, jai, jai!' There seemed to be
not a dissentient in the throng. And a moment later the young prince was
standing on the dais by his mother's side, one hand resting proudly on
her shoulder.
"Among the nobles there had hitherto been the silence of stupefaction.
But at last, one of their number, an elderly man, advanced, and
prostrated himself on the rich carpet spread in front of the dais, thus
rendering public homage to his rightful king. 'Jai, jai, jai!' shouted
the mob, and soon a dozen others among the nobles had given the pledge
of fealty.
"Meanwhile the kinglet on the throne of gold had been forgotten. He had
made no move, but had contented himself with staring around in confused
and helpless surprise.
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