MARK TWAIN

The Maharani was behind the screen, up high—at the
lecture—with two ladies of her household.

This is the romance: About 15 years ago Great Britain
deposed the Gaikwar (family name, not a title) for cause,
and imprisoned him at Madras—then looked around for
a substitute. Good deal of a hunt—heirs were scarce; but
found the nearest heirs in three little brothers, obscure
peasants making mud pies in the village and having a
good time accordingly. G.B. did not appoint the eldest—
a little too old to be molded, maybe; nor the youngest—
too long in minority; took the middle one. The eldest is
now Commander in Chief of the Gaikwar's forces, and
the youngest is in England studying for the bar. He will
be a judge here some day, no doubt.

The G. is a fine and cultivated gentleman—been to
Europe five times. I liked this palace, but not the new
one.

Three long gray apes capered across the road.

Train of laden camels—the only creature in the world
never seen in a wild state and whose original habitat is
not known.

Good library in the palace—my books there, you see.

"Your American threats of war we merely smile at."
Speech of an English lady (who is a little ignorant of
history) to Mrs. Clemens. I should have quoted the Rev-
olution (2,000,000 against 10,000,000) now 70 against 45.

The gold cannon is solid—a Gaikwar made it to get
ahead of his predecessor who had made the silver one.
They are six-pounders, or four-pounders, or somewhere
along there. They have thin steel cores and are used for
salutes at mighty intervals, and not heavily loaded.

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