I have been greatly pleased and gratified by the sight of the British Army.

I hope and am certain that the friendship now existing between us will last for ever.' Abdur Rahman had, indeed, every reason to be satisfied with the result of his visit, for not only was Lord Ripon's promise that England would defend his kingdom against foreign aggression ratified by Lord Dufferin, but the Amir was given, in addition to the large sums of money and the considerable amount of munitions of war already received by him, ten lakhs of rupees, 20,000 breech-loading rifles, a Heavy battery of four guns and two howitzers, a Mountain battery, and a liberal supply of ammunition for both guns and rifles.
On the Amir's departure the great camp was broken up, and the troops returned to their respective stations, all prepared to move towards the Quetta frontier at a moment's notice.

The Native Chiefs, in taking their leave of the Viceroy, were profuse in their offers and promises of help should a recourse to arms be found necessary; and Lord and Lady Dufferin's numerous guests, who, like my wife and myself, had for more than a fortnight been recipients of the most profuse hospitality, wished their generous host and hostess a hearty good-bye.
Interesting as the whole proceeding had been, by far the most gratifying result of the gathering was the unmistakable loyalty displayed by the Native Rulers who were present, as well as by those in distant parts of India, on hearing of the unprovoked attack made by the Russians on the Afghan troops at Panjdeh, and our consequent preparations for war.

The greatest enthusiasm prevailed, and the various military camps at Rawal Pindi were crowded with men desirous of joining the ranks of our army.

I was literally besieged by old soldiers, begging that they might be allowed to return to the colours and fight once more for the _Sirkar_; and one Native officer, who had been with me in Afghanistan, came to me and said: 'I am afraid, _sahib_, I am too old and infirm to do more work myself; but you must take my two sons with you--they are ready to die for the _Angrese_.'[1] [Illustration: MAP OF CENTRAL ASIA (THE RUSSIAN FRONTIERS).] We hastened back to Madras, and reached Ootacamund after seven consecutive nights in the train, with a thermometer at 104 deg.