We wandered about this romantic spot, of which we
had heard so much, and thought of all the mines and riches of Golconda.
It was a balmy night when we were there; fireflies spangled the domed
tombs in the palm gardens, lit by a crescent moon. I could not forget
that I was in the birthplace of the famed Koh-i-noor.
We returned to Hyderabad, and next morning we rose at four o'clock, and
took the train at seven to return to Bombay. Our kind host and hostess,
the Nevills, and Sir Richard Meade, the Governor, came to see us off.
We had a comfortable carriage, and the railway officials were most kind
and civil; but the heat was so great that they were walking up and down
periodically to arouse the passengers, as they have occasionally been
found dead, owing to the heat; and two or three cases happened about
that time.
When we got down to Bombay, we found it all _en fete_ for the departure
of the Prince of Wales, who was then doing his celebrated Indian tour.
I shall never forget the enthusiasm on that occasion. The Prince was
looking strong and well, brown, handsome, and happy, and every inch a
Royal Imperial Prince and future Emperor. He went away taking with him
the hearts of all his subjects and the golden opinions of all true men
and women.
We stayed at Bombay some little time, and among other things we visited
the Towers of Silence, or Parsee charnel-house, the burying-place of the
"Fire Worshippers," which are situated on a hill-summit outside Bombay.
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