"Armed?"
"Yes, but I fancy they're without food, and in no condition to tackle your men if they meet. Besides, when I get back I can cover their march: I've several bombs left."
"Dynamite again, as I saw. Your mine is rather useful. I'll remain here, then, until you get back, and then leave my men to you."
"But, Major, I don't like to think of you riding alone over ninety or a hundred miles of country that may be overrun by the enemy."
"It wouldn't be the first time one of us has tried it and got through safely. Anyway, I see nothing else for it. This news must be got through to Simla, and while I'm alive I mustn't be out of the way."
"I've an idea. Why not march with the men to the mine? Then Bob or I would carry you across country in the aeroplane. You'd lose a day or two to begin with, but after all you'd get to the post quite as soon as on horseback--without any of the dangers."
"Aeroplane perfectly safe then?" he said with a quizzical smile.
"Well, we've had no trouble with it yet, and Bob would take you, I dare say; he's better at it than I am."
"It's uncommonly good of you to suggest it. How far is your mine from here?"
"Something over forty miles."