We had by this time entered the palace, and naturally I had led my father to the room I had occupied.
He looked very hard and stern as he drew a long deep breath.
“They are in God’s hands,” he said.
“Not dead, father?” I cried wildly.
“Heaven forbid, boy!” he said excitedly. “I was summoned away with all who could be spared, to form a junction with the —nth and Brace’s troop. My orders were to take command, break up any bands which were collecting, and to keep an eye on Ny Deen, who has been a perfect firebrand through the country. I left as strong a garrison as I could at Nussoor, the place fairly provisioned and armed, and all the women and children are shut up in the Residency. But since I have been away with my little force I have had no communication with the place. We have been completely cut off, and it has been impossible to send or bring news.”
“Then you know nothing of Nussoor?”
“Nothing.”
“But have you sent messengers?”
“At least a dozen, Gil, my boy.”
“How far is it?”