“Yes; I want to see some of the place.”
“Never mind; we must be too grand for that. It makes the common people and the soldiery look up to us, and keeps up our prestige as much as the fighting.”
Upon reaching the front of the palace, it was to find the wide court full of mounted men and scores of brilliantly accoutred officers waiting about, all of whom saluted the fresh-comers with every show of respect. Way was made for them when they dismounted from the howdah, and they were led at once into the Rajah’s council chamber, where he was seated in state, but only to rise, shake hands with his visitors, and motion them to seats placed ready.
Dick grasped at once that a council of war was being held; and the Rajah hastened to tell them that, as the enemy had evidently become disheartened by the disastrous defeat of the previous day, and was retiring to his own district, it was considered that now was the time for following him up and dealing another severe blow.
Wyatt spoke out plainly that if another such blow could be delivered it would, without doubt, be a fine thing, but his men had worked very hard on the previous day, the horses had been a good deal distressed, and it would be far better to let the enemy retreat unmolested.
“No,” said the Wazir, a tall, fierce-looking man, frowning; “it is bad counsel. The enemy should be pursued at once.”
“I think it is good counsel,” said Wyatt quietly. “To have been effective the pursuit should have been made last night when he was disheartened; then the retreat could have been made a rout.”
“Yes,” said the Rajah, nodding; “that is right.”
“Is the English captain afraid?” said the Wazir, with a sneer.
“He is cautious, sir,” said Wyatt hotly, and he turned to the Rajah.