Page:Rhamon (1939).pdf/80

 at his uncle's sleeve, he cried, "The thieves! The thieves!"

"Where?" cried the Chief of Police, twirling his moustache furiously, and peering out over the crowd.

"There, just slipping under the bridge," said Rhamon excitedly.

"Ah," said his uncle, "they are on no good business here today. I will set my men to watch them." And he started paddling swiftly, giving orders as he passed.

Rhamon forgot about the thieves then, in watching the great procession which was coming closer and closer. Slowly the royal boats slid past the leaning houses, where faces peered from every window; past the steps on the water's edge, filled with people; and under the crowded bridge.

When the Palace was reached the Rajah's great boat stopped and all the other boats of his procession stopped, too. Hundreds of small boats circled and crowded around the Palace