A quick movement was made in the courtyard, and then orders were given for the gate to be opened, and the captain rode in, giving a quick glance round, and there was a look of satisfaction in his eyes as he noted the state of military readiness around, as he walked his horse up to where the little group of officers sat mounted.
“I am the bearer of the Rajah’s commands, sir,” he said loudly to Hulton, after a quick look of recognition at the others.
“Or the Wazir’s, sir?” said Hulton sarcastically.
“The Rajah’s,” said the captain, “given to me from his own lips, and with the Ranee standing at his right hand. He bids me say that he has no further need for the services of the English artillery troop, and he desires that it evacuates the old palace and leaves Soojeepur at once.”
“Indeed!” said Hulton coldly; “and how am I to interpret the words ‘at once’?”
“Directly,” was the laconic reply.
“But our preparations—stores? The Rajah must give us two days for preparation.”
“His highness grants no time for preparation,” replied the messenger. “I and my guard, one hundred strong, have his commands to protect you and see you right out of the city, a quarter day’s journey upon your road back, and to see that none of the people attack you.”
“It will be awkward for the people if they do,” growled Wyatt menacingly.
“Yes,” said the messenger, with a smile; “but the Rajah desires that the great Company’s troops shall return as they came, in haste, and you must ride out now in less than an hour.”