“Go back to Rajgunge,” said Brace, sternly.
“To certain death?”
“To bring these madmen to their senses. Rajah, you will let the hathees bear us back?”
“To my place? Yes. No further.”
“What?”
“I have saved your lives, and must try and keep you from harm. I cannot let you have the hathees. I will not fight against the Koompanni. It has always been just to me, but I cannot, I dare not, fight against the people of my country.”
“Then we shall take them,” said Brace, sternly. “Quick, make ready. Doctor, mount that small beast with the wounded man, and go first. We will cover your retreat, if any one dares to stop us.”
The doctor prepared to mount without a word, and we pressed up to the huge elephant that the doctor and I had ridden; but the rajah passed his rifle to one of his men and came to us.
“Don’t be so mad, Captain Brace,” he said quietly, “I tell you I am your friend.”
“No. You are with the enemy, sir. Stand back.”