“So do I,” said Hulton, “but with plenty of elbow-room. Oh, if we could only have the Wazir and his men out on the broad plain yonder!”
“With the two regiments of cavalry we have drilled to help him,” cried Wyatt fiercely. “I begin to hate the Rajah for a coward and a fool. Fancy! we have been teaching these mounted men the quickest and surest way to cut our throats.”
“The escort will be waiting in half-an-hour,” said Hulton sternly. “Quick! Let them see how smartly we can turn out with all we have.”
“Yes,” said Wyatt. “There is one good thing to be said, though—we can hold the old palace now that Dick here has shown us how to stop the leak. I should like to use that passage for carrying a few kegs of powder to blow the temple about the old Brahmin’s ears.”
Within the half-hour the troop was on parade in the great opening in front of the palace, a couple of wagons holding all that the officers and men had brought in the way of extras. The escort, a hundred strong, was waiting, every man looking sullen and morose, but not unfriendly towards their charge; but at the far end there was cause for uneasiness in the gathering of a strong force of horse and foot, holding quite aloof.
All was ready, and the troop waited the order to march, when, after a few words together, Wyatt and Dick rode up to the captain of the guard, who was sitting like a statue in the front of his men.
“Send in word to the Rajah, sir,” said Wyatt, “that we are ready to go, and ask him if he wishes to see us before we depart. Quick,” he added in a low voice; “who commands those men yonder?”
“The Wazir. Beware. My men will not attack their friends,” said the captain, making believe to calm his restive horse. Then aloud for all to hear:
“The Rajah’s commands are that the English officers go at once. He has nothing to say.”
“Come, Dick!” said Wyatt laconically, and the pair rode back, communicated with Hulton, and an order or two was given.