There was an unexpected noise, and the noble General jumped into the air, bereft of the largest half of his curled moustache.

That one was not.

Then they all went furiously back to the palace.

The only other incident of that day which it is worth our while to chronicle is connected with Surji Rao and the big shoe.

The big shoe was administered to Surji Rao by a man of low caste, in presence of the entire court and as many of the people of Lalpore as chose to come and look on.