Dick laughed.
"That is ingenious, Surajah. Anyhow, I don't see any better excuse for crossing the frontier, and so we must make the best of it; but I hope we sha'n't be asked at all."
"I think, if I say we are going to Kistnagherry, and then show Tippoo's order and seal, that will be sufficient; and the story will be quite true, for we shall go by Kistnagherry, as the road passes close to the fortress."
"Yes, that will be quite true, Surajah, and the officers are not likely to ask any further questions.
"How are you getting on, Annie?"
"Oh, much better than I did yesterday," she said. "I would much rather not halt, until we are across the frontier. I am getting accustomed to the motion now, and am not at all afraid of falling off. I dare say I shall be rather stiff, when we halt, but that will not matter, then."
The sun was just setting when they arrived at a newly-erected house, round which ten or twelve tents were arranged. An officer came out of the house as they approached. He salaamed on seeing two officials of the Palace, wearing the emblems of the rank of colonels. Surajah returned the usual Moslem salutation.
"We are going to Kistnagherry," he said. "Here is the sultan's order."
The officer glanced at the seal, placed it to his forehead, and then stood aside.
"Will you return tonight, my lord? I ask that I may give orders to the sentries."