The Rajah and his sons had returned to the palace, and the boys were there waiting for him.
"You have done very well, cousin," Doast said, with grave approval.
"You will not be long before you can ride as well as we can.

Now you had better go up at once and have a bath, and put on fresh clothes." Dick felt that the advice was good, as, bathed in perspiration, and stiff and sore in every limb, he slowly made his way to his room.
For the next month, he spent the greater part of his time on horseback.

For the first week he rode only in the grounds of the palace; then he ventured beyond, accompanied by Anwar on horseback; then his two cousins joined the party; and, by the end of the month, he was perfectly at home on Murad's back.
So far, he had not begun to practise shooting.
"It would be of no use," the Rajah said, when he one day spoke of it.
"You want your nerves in good order for that, and it requires an old horseman to have his hand steady enough for shooting straight, after a hard ride.

Your rides are not severe for a horseman, but they are trying for you.

Leave the shooting alone, lad.