“No; you have your work to do, I see.”
The Rajah made a sign to Dick as he was being carried out, and the lad darted to him, to have his hand seized by one that was wet with agony and like ice.
“My guards are true,” whispered the Rajah; “they will obey you. Protect the Ranee—”
He could say no more, the doctor interposing, and, followed closely by the Ranee, the sufferer was borne out.
Chapter XXXI.
Prompt Action.
Dick’s first act was to test the Rajah’s words about the faithfulness of the guards, and he crossed to the two standing by the prisoners.
“Swords for myself and friends,” he said sharply.
The man addressed called to one of the servants standing trembling and helpless by the door, gave him an order, and the man hurried out, to return in a few minutes with three jewelled weapons with their belts from the Rajah’s armoury.
“Hah!” cried Wyatt, seizing one of them, while Dick buckled the other on, just as the heavy tramp of half the escort in their boots and spurs rang on the marble steps outside.