“Quite sure, sir. Still, he might, sir; it’s no use to be too sure. Like to go to his quarters, sir?”
“Yes, we’ll go in,” said the Resident, quickly; and following the sergeant, after exchanging glances, the two gentlemen entered Hilton’s room.
The bed had not been pressed, and everything was in order, just as the regimental servant had placed it after his master had dressed to attend the evening fête.
“Mr Chumbley hasn’t come back neither,” said the sergeant.
“Not come back!” said the Resident, wondering. “This is strange. I don’t know, though. They have gone to smoke a cigar with someone, and then decided to stay all night.”
Mr Perowne shook his head, and the Resident felt that his explanation was not good, and both were silent as they walked back towards the entrance of the fort.
“What does this mean?” said Mr Perowne, at last.
“Can’t say yet,” replied the Resident, sharply. “Sergeant, have a look round, and make sure that Captain Hilton and Mr Chumbley have not come back.”
“Yes, sir, I’ll look round,” said the sergeant; “but they couldn’t have landed without the sentries knowing.”
“Go and see,” said the Resident, sternly; and the sergeant saluted and walked away.