“If they will only give us a full hour, Gil,” said Brace. “How long have our men been gone?”
“Not a quarter yet,” I said.
He uttered an ejaculation full of impatience, and began watching again.
“I’m between two fires,” he said at last. “I am eager for them to come out before those scoundrelly sepoys give the rajah warning; and I am longing for them to stay for a full three-quarters of an hour yet. What a dilemma. It is terrible.”
Just then there was the sound of a horse plunging and squealing, and we turned to where the trumpeter held the three.
“That would ruin us if they were passing,” muttered Brace. Then aloud, “Keep them quiet, my lad. What are you doing?”
“Beg pardon, sir; did not move. Mr Vincent’s horse, sir, a bit playful. They’re all so fresh.”
We patted and quieted the beautiful animals, and left them again to resume our old place, to find that all remained still. There was no excitement, and we could see nothing to suggest that there had been an alarm, and men were coming out to attack us or a retreat had been ordered. But as we watched, we suddenly saw a man in white riding the beautiful gaily caparisoned Arab, which even at that distance I recognised as the rajah’s charger. He was passing along in front of some buildings, and my heart beat faster as I felt that at last the time was rapidly approaching for action.
“How long do you think it is now since they started?” said Brace, in a hoarse voice.
“Half an hour,” I replied; and I did not recognise my own voice, it sounded so husky.