“Well,” said Dick dryly, “it will make it easier for the doctor. I say, though, would you ever have thought that the Rajah would turn out so weak as—as—”
“To be led by the nose by the Wazir’s party?” said Wyatt smartly. “Oh, yes, I could believe anything of an Eastern prince.”
The conversation soon flagged, and the troop trotted steadily on after the bridge was crossed, the escort riding well in front and rear, but holding thoroughly aloof, even the officers keeping apart.
Now, for the benefit of the teams drawing the ammunition-wagons through the deep, sandy parts, the speed was eased and the horses well breathed from time to time. Then, upon their reaching some gentle slope where the ground was hard, the word was given and the horses broke into a gentle canter for a mile, but only to ease again, till at last the captain of the Rajah’s guard suddenly wheeled his troop round from the front to form up in the rear of those behind, and as the evolution was in progress he turned his own horse and rode up alongside of the artillery officers.
“This is the end of my course,” he said, “and I wish you safety for the rest of your way.”
“Thanks; and we wish you the same,” said Hulton.
“I have no right to speak,” continued the captain, “but if I were in your place I would journey on the whole night through.”
“Ah!” cried Dick, “you fear treachery?”
“I say nothing, only that I think the way is clear before you. May we meet again.”
He turned, gave the word, and rode off at a gallop; while, after watching him and his troop till they disappeared, Hulton continued his course for a time, till a suitable spot appeared, and then called a halt in the middle of an open part of the country, where ample notice could be given by the outposts of any danger that might be approaching.