By the uncertain light of smoky torches, Dain noticed the vague outlines of a group of armed men in the dark shadows to his right.

From that group Babalatchi stepped forward to open the door, and Dain entered the audience chamber of the Rajah's residence.

About one- third of the house was curtained off, by heavy stuff of European manufacture, for that purpose; close to the curtain there was a big arm- chair of some black wood, much carved, and before it a rough deal table.
Otherwise the room was only furnished with mats in great profusion.

To the left of the entrance stood a rude arm-rack, with three rifles with fixed bayonets in it.

By the wall, in the shadow, the body-guard of Lakamba--all friends or relations--slept in a confused heap of brown arms, legs, and multi-coloured garments, from whence issued an occasional snore or a subdued groan of some uneasy sleeper.