“What is the road like by which the enemy has gone?”
“An open plain for the first few miles,” said the Rajah; “after that a series of ravines and passes, had for horses.”
“Then that quite determines me, sir,” said Wyatt gravely. “In such a country as you describe, my troop would be at a terrible disadvantage. We want open country to manoeuvre.”
“The English captain is afraid,” said the Wazir scornfully, and he turned and smiled at some of the chiefs round about where he was standing, several of whom responded to the meaning smile, while the Rajah looked angrily upon them.
“I do not know that I need answer such an insulting remark as that,” said Wyatt sternly; while Dick felt hot, and rose from his seat as he saw the Wazir take a fierce stride forward at the word “insulting.”
But Wyatt turned from him to address the Rajah.
“It is quite true, sir,” he said; “I am—afraid—”
He paused for a few moments, and looked round haughtily at the assembled chiefs and officials before repeating the last word.
“Afraid to needlessly risk the lives of the men entrusted to my care. I am now answerable for them, and it is left to my discretion how they are used. It would be taking them to be slaughtered where they would have no means of getting at the enemy, who would be hiding in the sides of rocky ravines and gorges.”
“That is quite right,” said the Rajah. “Your advice is good, Captain Wyatt. We know what you and your brave men can do, and their lives shall not be wantonly thrown away.”