“Of course you will act quite independently of the Rajah’s men, and as seems best.”
“Of course,” said the captain, going once more to the window, as he drew the chin-strap of his helmet beneath his chin.—“Capital!” he exclaimed. “Well done!—Come, gentlemen, or we shall be last.”
He led the way to a little terrace at the head of the steps, where the trumpeter, already mounted, sat close by the messenger, waiting, the latter’s horse looking startled and uneasy at the flashing helmets close at hand and their scarlet, waving, horse-tail plumes; but his rider steadied him, and once more horse and man stood there like a bronze group.
Meanwhile the sergeants were hurrying here and there, seeing that everything was ready, and then came to a standstill.
This was the signal for Hulton to spring upon his charger. The buzz of preparation had given place to a silence broken only by the uneasy stamp of a hoof and the champing of bits, while the windows and doors of the different buildings were thronged by the white-robed servants who would be left behind.
“Can you remember the way to the palace taken by the elephant last night, Mr Darrell?”
“Yes, sir,” said Dick sharply.
“Lead,” said the captain laconically. Then, after a final look round, he signed to the trumpeter, whose notes rang out, and every man stood at “attention.”
Another blast, and gunners sprang on horse or limber as the three drivers to each gun mounted.
Another blast, and the advance-guard marched with Dick, the messenger trotting without orders to his side; and all filed out beneath the gateway into the narrow street, the gun-wheels, limbers, and ammunition-wagons rattling and rumbling, while way was made for the strangers.