Instantly the Induna who had accompanied Hadden darted to the gateway,running with his body bent so low that it seemed as though at everystep he must fall upon his face. Presently he returned with the weaponin his arm and presented it to the king, holding it so that themuzzle was pointed straight at the royal breast.

"I crave leave to say, 0 Elephant," remarked Hadden in a drawlingvoice, "that it might be well to command your servant to lift themouth of that gun from your heart."