Shortly after this the ceremonial came to an end, and Lord Ripon was conducted into the house to take the Viceroy’s oath in presence of his Council and other almighties who cared to attend.
The rest of the crowd were then at liberty to go home, but the morning’s entertainment was not yet over, for groups of people were riding homewards along the main road or Mall when bang went a gun, let off close above their heads, the first gun of the new Viceroy’s salute. What a transformation scene took place, the crowd of gold-laced and uniformed big-wigs with cocked hats and flowing plumes, who a moment before had been looking tired and bored, were now a struggling mass of men and horses, all presenting the appearance of circus riders doing tricks. One portly General, who danced beautifully, was struggling manfully with his long-tailed Yarkundi pony, which seemed to consider the only safe place on earth was over the railings off the Mall and down the precipice the other side. Two other folk of some importance had cannoned into each other violently, while one had bitten the dust. Various people were seen disappearing in the distance on madly galloping steeds, heaven only knowing where they would stop; other horses following in their wake, prancing amongst the cocked hats and sun helmets strewing the ground. One unfortunate individual, when his horse unshipped him during its attempts to climb a tree, had a really nasty fall. He seemed from all accounts to have been ricocheting a bit, and was laid up for some time. Needless to state none of those happy people who were in a position to choose what they would do, waited for the remaining twenty guns, and there was a general stampede. The roads in hill stations do not lend themselves to runaway horses or circus tricks. Most of those concerned were glad when that day was over, and most assuredly both Lord Lytton and his successor must have breathed sighs of relief.
Lord William had a keen sense of humour, and nothing escaped his notice. During experiences of this sort, however, he always behaved with great calm and dignity, which showed his powers of self-control, for he was often consumed with mirth. He was all the time, thanks to his powers of observation and wonderful memory, combined with the interest he took in the etiquette, superstitions and mystic rites of the Eastern people, laying the foundation for the brilliant performance of the most difficult and many-sided office he was a little later called upon to fill.