"Yes," cried Phra eagerly, "we will, and the British colours too."
The boys were relieved in an hour's time, when Mr. Kenyon came out with the King to superintend a piece of strong breastwork being built up round the spot where the two wires lay; and when this was done, fresh guards were set. Soon after, another cheer arose from the top of the palace, to be taken up by those in the court below and wherever the defenders were distributed, for the boys had kept their word and hoisted the King's gay, silken standard and the Union Jack side by side.
"It seems as if we've frightened the enemy all away, Phra," said Harry, as he shaded his eyes and gazed from his point of vantage in every direction.
"Yes," said Phra, who was following his example; "there isn't one to be seen."
"Hurrah!" shouted Harry.
"But it's a bad sign," said Phra; "they mean to come on again quietly to-night."
"Then they'll never see where the ground has been dug," said Harry, "and—oh, I say, Phra, I hope they will not come; it seems so horrid, after all."
"But if it's to save our fathers and our friends from a horrible death, I'll pull one of the wires."
"Yes," cried Harry, flushing, and with sparkling eyes, "and so will I.
But I hope they'll stay away."
"Amen," said a voice behind them.