“Of course—yes, I know that,” said Hilton.
“That prestige we shall lose if we let our judgment be biased by personal feeling. Kindly set self on one side, as I am striving to do, and help me to the best of your ability by your manly, unselfish advice.”
Hilton frowned as the Resident went on; but the next instant he had held out his hand, which the other grasped.
“I am afraid I am very hot-headed, Mr Harley,” he exclaimed. “There, it is all over, and I’ll help you to the best of my power. Now then, what’s to be done?”
“First accept my thanks,” cried the Resident. “I knew that I could count upon you, Hilton.”
“I’ll do my best, Harley.”
“Then stroll quietly back to the barracks, and in a matter-of-fact way see that all is in such order that you could bring up your men at a moment’s notice.”
“Reinforcements?” suggested Captain Hilton.
“I did think of asking for them,” said the Resident, “but on second thoughts it seems hardly necessary. I would do everything without exciting suspicion, and as if you were only inspecting the fort. Now go.”
“Right,” said the captain; and he walked away, saying to himself: