One of the officers went in, and returned directly, to make way for him to enter.
He had expected to find the Rajah seated there alone, but, to his surprise, he found him surrounded by his people, principal among whom were the Wazir and the chief Brahmin; and in place of the usual smiling faces, he found himself meeting frowns and scowls.
There was a dead silence as Wyatt entered, and after a glance round he spoke.
“Your highness wished to see me?”
“Yes, Captain Wyatt,” said the Rajah sternly. “You are Mr Darrell’s friend?”
“Yes, sir, and brother-officer.”
“I have sent for him four times this morning. I wish to speak to him on a matter vital to his honour, and I keep receiving the reply that he is not in his room.”
“That was the true reason why he did not come, sir,” said Wyatt sternly; “he is not in his room.”
“Then why is he not in his room? Where is he?”
“That is what I want to know, sir,” said Wyatt sternly. “He left his quarters about midday yesterday.”