“The General has the intention to send a detachment to Simla.”
“To Simla, the summer residence of the Viceroy?”
“Yes.”
“But this mountain town is at the present moment not within the sphere of hostilities; the Viceroy remains in Calcutta.”
“Quite right; but that does not preclude the news of the occupation of Simla having a great effect on the world at large. Moreover, in the Government offices there there might possibly be found interesting documents which it would be worth while to intercept.”
“And you consider it possible that His Excellency would despatch me thither?”
“As the detachment to which my dragoons, as well as some infantry and two machine guns, would belong is under my command, I have begged the General to attach you to the expedition.”
Heideck understood the high-minded intentions of the Prince, and shook his hands almost impetuously.
“Heaven grant that permission from Berlin comes in time! I desire nothing in the world so earnestly as to accompany you to Simla.”