Brace turned from him, and his face looked fixed and stern.
“Listen,” said the rajah, laying a hand upon his arm; “it would be madness to move that man. Ask the doctor. The man would be dead before you were half-way there.”
“I’m afraid so,” said the doctor, sadly.
“Leave him, then, with me. I give you my word that I will protect him. I sent for you all to come here, so that you might be safe. Stay.”
Brace was silent for a few moments, and then he held out his hand to the rajah.
“Thank you,” he said. “Forgive me for doubting you, but I cannot stay.”
“I tell you that you are going to your death,” whispered the rajah, earnestly. “The whole city is in revolt against your people; the sepoy regiment has slain all its officers, and your own men are scattered Heaven knows where.”
“How do you know?” said Brace, fiercely.
“Those men I was speaking with have ridden over from the town. They just gave me the news.”
Brace looked at the fierce-looking fellows, and knew that they were watching us intently.