“Then I feel that the time has come,” said the Wazir, “when I must leave your highness’s service. Those who are my friends can do what they please. I retire from this hour.”
“You will give up your duties, sir, as one of my chiefs, and as the attendant upon my mother, when I tell you to do so. Till then, do your duty as my servant. That is enough. Till these people attack again there will be peace. The council is at an end.”
The Rajah turned to Wyatt and Dick.
“I am sorry for all this,” he said gravely. “It is in my power to silence all these unfriendly manifestations; but my visits to the seat of the government have taught me much. Still, I can be firm if it should become necessary. Gentlemen, I thank you for what you have done. You are my friends, and if any one dares to insult you again it will be at his peril. Captain Wyatt, you will come here to-morrow and give me your advice as to the best means of defending this place. From this day I make you one of the chief officers of my army.”
“But Captain Hulton is my chief, sir,” said Wyatt quietly.
“Captain Hulton is wounded and unable to help me. When he recovers we shall see. From now, sir, you will give what orders you think necessary for the defence or attack, and I will see that they are obeyed. Once more, the council is at an end.”
The two English officers bowed and left the room, the same officer who had brought them seeing them back to the old palace.
“How many enemies have we made to-day, Dick?” said Wyatt quietly.
“None,” said Dick. “Half those were our enemies before. I think we have made some friends.”
“It was yesterday over the fighting, I’m afraid,” said Wyatt; “but we shall see.”