"The one where we managed to get in," replied Mr. Kenyon. "Here, Sree, are you willing, if I have you well supported, to get up into that tree and cut off all the boughs which project over the wall?"
"Yes, Sahib," said the old hunter quietly. "I have thought that it ought to be done."
"Yes, and the sooner the better; it will set two men free from keeping watch at the windows overlooking that part of the wall."
"Shall I begin now, Sahib?" said Sree.
"No; not till dark, and I have not yet made my plans."
"Whenever the Sahib pleases," said Sree quietly, "his servant is ready. But why not burn the big tree down?"
CHAPTER XXIX
THE DOCTOR KEPT BUSY
Strict watch was kept on all sides, but no farther sign of the enemy was seen, and towards evening, permission being given, preparations were made for the destruction of the tree.
Sree's idea had found favour, but the question was how the task was to be done. Once the fire was started it was felt that there could be no doubt about the tree's fate, it being of a resinous kind; but the task was to get it well alight, for a furnace built against the trunk would have had but little effect, and it was nearly decided that the best way would, after all, be to cut off some of the nearest limbs.