136 A TROPICAL DEPENDENCY same time a handkerchief or little banner was waved, which served as a signal to the public, and there was a burst of music from the bands. Then on receiving the summons of the King, certain officials, including the military governor, the preacher, and the jurisconsults, took their places in the Hall of Audience, seating themselves to left and right before the King's arm-bearers, and the royal herald or interpreter placed himself in the doorway. This official was a personage of the greatest importance. He was ** superbly dressed " in stuff of the finest silk, with a very handsome turban. He was booted and spurred, and wore hanging from his neck a sword in a gold scabbard. In each hand he carried a short spear, one of gold and one of silver, tipped with iron. Any one who had a cause to present then approached the open door and laid their case before the herald. He in turn repeated it to the lieutenant of the King, and this official repeated it to the King.

When the audience was held outside, a throne was erected for the King on a platform under a great tree in the square. The platform, which was approached by three steps, was covered with silk and cushions, and over it an immense silken umbrella ** resembling a dome" was opened, on the summit of which perched a large golden bird.

The Sultan, preceded by his own private band, then issued in state from the palace. His band was composed of singers who accompanied themselves upon gold and silver instruments, of which the native name was a word signifying "larks." The band marched first. Then came the Sultan, dressed usually in red velvet with a golden helmet upon his head, a bow in his hand, a quiver full of arrows slung across his back. Behind him marched 300 armed slaves. The Sultan walked slowly. When he reached the platform, his custom was to pause to look at the public, and then very slowly to mount the platform '* as a preacher mounts the pulpit." As he took his seat the military bands broke out, and the same ceremony was then observed as for the other audiences.