EX-KING OF AFGHANISTAN

deck games with his usual enthusiasm and energy, shot
birds from the bridge, and displayed a child's wonder
in the sea. He tried to shoot fish, and laughed at his
failure. He was a small boy again, seeing something
new. Never, save when he adopted the other childish
pose of petulance and obstinacy, did he lose that sense
of delighted novelty until he returned once more to his
country.

Two days later they sighted the Gateway to the
East, at Bombay, and sighted too the massed welcome
drawn up to meet them.

The Queen was still veiled, though she had taken off
the purdah clothes on her way in the steamer. She did
the round of parties there too, speaking at the purdah
receptions, repeating once more the parrot talk of
education that she had learnt from Amanullah.

There were banquets, tours of Bombay, and State
visits. There was a slight breath of trouble, when the
Viceroy of India was unable to meet Amanullah, as he
was ill in bed, but generally speaking the delicate
occasions passed off well. Compliments were thick as
autumn leaves. Amanullah spoke of " his dear neigh-
bour India," and was horrified to hear that the Pathans,
who had gathered to meet him and do him honour,
were among the most troublesome communities in
Bombay.

Just like the good young prince in the fairy tales, he
adjured them to behave themselves and submit to the
wise rule of the British-Indian police. The Pathans
might have laughed, but did not. Instead, they hung
flowers round the neck of the descendant of great and
powerful Amirs.

The London Times, in a leading article, bestowed the
usual compliments, ending with the sage remark :
" There can be no fear that on his return to his country

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