On the steps of the vats natives, wrapped to the eyes in cloths to save themselves from burns, stood emptying the caldrons of boiling ghee.

And on every side Linforth heard the name of Shere Ali spoken in praise.
"What does it mean ?" he asked of his guide, and the Pathan replied: "His Highness the Prince has made an offering.

He has filled those caldrons with rice and butter and spices, as pilgrims of great position and honour sometimes do.

The rice is cooked in the vats, and so many jars are set aside for the strangers, while the people of Indrakot have hereditary rights to what is left.

Sir, it is an act of great piety to make so rich an offering." Linforth looked at the swathed men scrambling, with cries of pain, for the burning rice.