“Well, it will be exercise for them, for we shan’t. We’ll let them give up if they like.”
“I say, look!” continued Bracy, as half-a-dozen of the well-built fellows came on alone, making for the gates. The officers scanned them with their glasses, and noted that their thickly-quilted cotton robes were of the whitest, and of line texture, while each wore about his waist a fine cashmere shawl stuck full of knives and supporting a curved tulwar in a handsome scabbard. “I say,” cried Bracy, “what dandies! These must be chiefs.”
Whatever they were, they made straight for the gates, and the two Colonels walked down to meet them.
“Keep a sharp lookout up there, Captain Roberts. You command the approach. Are these men quite alone?”
“Quite, sir, as far as I can see.”
“Can you make out any strong body stealthily approaching, Mr Bracy?”
“No, sir; they seem to be quite alone.”
“Be on the alert for a rush, and fire at once if you see anything.—You will have the gates opened, I presume?” continued Colonel Graves.
“Oh yes; it is an embassage, and they will expect to enter the place. Send for the two interpreters.”
A couple of lithe-looking, dark-eyed hill-men came forward at once, the gates were thrown open, and the party of six stepped in, looking smiling and proud, ready to salute the two officers, who stood forward a little in advance of half a company of men with fixed bayonets.