Afterwards he took counsel with his companions and finally announced: "The wife of our Prince is sick in her eyes and I think the Prince will be very glad if I lead the 'Ta Lama' to him.

He will not punish me, for he ordered that no 'bad people' should be allowed to pass; but that should not stop the 'good people' from coming to us.
"Do as you think best," I replied rather indifferently.

"As a matter of fact, I know how to treat eye diseases but I would go back if you say so." "No, no!" the old man exclaimed with fear.

"I shall guide you myself." Sitting by the fire, he lighted his pipe with a flint, wiped the mouthpiece on his sleeve and offered it to me in true native hospitality.

I was "comme il faut" and smoked.