“What were you doing here?” said Brace, sternly.
“I came up when all was dark and the budmashes were all gone, master,” said the man with trembling accents. “I have been to master’s quarters.”
“To plunder?” said Brace, sternly.
“Master’s servant is honest and never steals,” said Dost, quickly. “Master can search and see.”
“I think—I’m sure he is honest,” I said hastily. “Tell us, Dost. Who is in the barracks now?”
“The dead men, master,” said the Hindu solemnly. “There is no one living there. Yes,” he added quickly, “I did hear sounds, but I could find nobody. And the mem sahib is gone.”
“Where did you hear the sounds?” I asked.
“By the stables, my lord. If the budmashes had not taken away all the horses I should have thought the horses were there still.”
“And they are,” I whispered to Brace.
“Be cautious,” he whispered back. “We must not trust this man. Dost, tell me; the major—where is he?”