In peace time his Majesty's living
and that of his household cost him nothing, for his subjects supplied
him with all kinds of provisions. He was, besides, heir to all those of
his people who died without male issue, and to all foreigners who died
within his territories, while he succeeded to the property of all those
who were put to death for offences against the law.
From this it will be seen that the revenue of this prince is very
considerable, and that he is personally interested in the death of
foreigners within his kingdom, whether from natural causes or in the
execution of the law, of which he is the sole arbiter.
CHAPTER XLVII
KING TRINKITAT
The space of an hour had barely elapsed since the sending of the
messenger to King Trinkitat of Sumatra, announcing my arrival in his
dominions, before an answer was brought me that his Majesty desired my
attendance at the palace forthwith, so I made ready to accompany those
he had sent for me, and who acted as my bodyguard.
The king's palace stands in the middle of the town, its grounds being
oval in shape, and about a half-mile in circumference, surrounded by a
moat twenty-five feet broad, and as many deep.
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