“Of course, sir,” said Wyatt quietly; “that is why we are here. But I cannot help thinking that it would be better if you refrained from leaving the city. You have guns and ammunition. Why not content yourself with waiting behind the walls?”
The Rajah looked at him in astonishment.
“Would you do so?” he said.
“I belong to the Flying Artillery,” said Wyatt quietly; “my work is on the open plains.”
“So is mine, at the head of my horsemen,” said the Rajah, with a look of pride. “If I were to do as you propose, Rajah Singh would think that I was afraid: and, what is worse, my people would think so too, and refuse to obey a king who was a coward.”
Wyatt bowed.
“If he comes to-morrow, he will find me with my horsemen drawn up, waiting. You will come?”
“Of course,” said Wyatt quietly; “but I should advise that your general should hold a body of your cavalry ready to attack each time our fire has thrown the enemy into disorder.”
“Yes,” said the Rajah, “that shall be done. It would be wise.”
At this he rose to go, and walked slowly to where his elephant was waiting, with his mounted guard in attendance, all scowling and looking exceedingly fierce, as if, in fact, they fully believed that their chief was in danger, and it was their duty to attack the sentries stationed here and there in his defence.