Fourth Day.—­The Sultan having learned that Herr VON KLEVERMANN was a member of my suite, expressed a wish for a second meeting.  I consequently attended at the Palace.  Herr VON KLEVERMANN, having produced a number of artificial-flowers, a birdcage, and a rabbit, from an Opera-hat, His Majesty asked the price.  I immediately replied, a Treaty of Commerce.  I am to sail again to-morrow.

Fifth Day.—­Had another interview with His Majesty.  The Sultan wanted to know the terms of the proposed Treaty.  I replied, free access to the interior for British merchandise, and the abolition of slavery.  His Majesty replied, he did not mind the abolition of slavery so much, on the understanding that the regulation did not apply to him.  Herr VON KLEVERMANN then produced his Magic hat, and brought out from it a cup of coffee, half-a-dozen recently-washed handkerchiefs, and a white mouse.  The last item caused us to be hurriedly expelled from the Palace.  It appears that the Sultan greatly objects to mice.  The Interpreter should have informed me of this peculiarity.

Sixth Day.—­Received a message from His Majesty to the effect that he would be glad to see me and Herr VON KLEVERMANN again, on the condition that nothing objectionable should be produced from the Magic hat.  Herr VON KLEVERMANN once more gave a seance.  The eminent entertainer extracted from the Gibus a portmanteau, a soup-tureen, and a lady’s watch.  His Majesty greatly delighted.  He signed the Treaty, and possessed himself of the hat.

Seventh Day.—­Knowing that it was as well to leave the country as soon as possible, started early.  Herr VON KLEVERMANN had expressed his doubts whether His Majesty would be satisfied.  It appears that the Magic hat requires a good deal of preparation to be effective.  The Herr’s forebodings of evil were speedily verified.  The Mission had not gone a mile before we were followed by the entire army.  We made a demonstration with the machine-gun, which had the effect of destroying six or seven brigades of the enemy.  The Sultan in person, declared that he considered the Treaty null.  Nothing to do but retire as best we could.

Eighth Day.—­Deeply regret failure of the Mission.  However, find that the King and Queen of the Cannibal Islands are anxious for annexation to England.  They seem impressed with the notion that the British Government have power to cause a flow of spirits from the Inexhaustible Bottle which, since the departure of Herr VON KLEVERMANN, has ceased to yield alcoholic drinks.  Of course, shall do nothing in this new matter until I receive further instructions.

Ninth Day.—­Embarked on my return home.

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[Illustration:  FANCY PORTRAIT.

THE RIGHT MAN IN THE RIGHT PLACE—­BENNETT, M.P.  FOR LINCOLN.]

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ADVICE TO THE G.O.M.