“We’re not at war; but, as far as I’ve heard, the Rajah is. But you heard before?”
“Yes,” said Dick. “With some neighbouring chief.”
“That’s it. Well, the Company wants to keep on good terms with him, and we’re going up to help his highness. So the Company does not want an enemy on his borders, but a friend. So see to your traps. I expect we shall get the route to-morrow, and march in the evening.”
“How far is it?”
“Oh, not far—six or seven hundred miles. Get your fellows to work over your packing. Got much to do?”
“No—very little. I could be ready to-night.”
“I say, though, have you ever had that new sword of yours ground?”
“No; I’ve been meaning to have it done for days.”
“Get it done at once. Here, send one of your fellows for the armourer, so as to catch him before he knows, or he’ll be too busy.”
Dick summoned his servant and sent for the man who acted as armourer in the troop, and the bright new weapon was brought out.