“As sure as man can be, sahib,” replied Dost. “The rajah says that he will stay; but if he learns that you are here he will either attack you, or go at once.”
Brace remained very thoughtful as soon as Dost was dismissed, and quite a little council of war was held, to which Haynes was summoned, and after much talking, we could only come to the conclusion that an attack would be full of the risk of failure. Such an attempt would be unsatisfactory, Brace said, unless we could thoroughly scotch the rajah’s power by carrying off all the horses and guns, and to do this seemed impossible in the face of such strong odds and the careful watch kept by the enemy.
“Can any one suggest a ruse by which we could capture them?”
“What about a night attack with lights and plenty of shouting?” said the doctor.
“We have no lights,” replied Brace; “and if we had, we should scare the horses as well as the enemy, and send them galloping over the plains.”
“Better keep to my own profession,” said the doctor grimly.
“Haynes, can you suggest anything?” said Brace.
“No; I leave that to you. But what you ask me to do I’ll do with all my might.”
“I know that, old fellow; but I want some suggestion. You, Vincent, can you propose anything?”
“Only for us to steal up to their quarters, cast loose the horses, and then carry them off some night—to-night, if you like. The guns would be of no use to them without horses, and, once mounted, we could cut them up.”