"Hai! Wonders will never cease!" murmured the Babu.
Bob related the incidents of the afternoon, and explained the impossibility of removing the aeroplane until nightfall, and the arrangements he had made with Lawrence.
"We cannot help believing that the Kalmucks intend to attack the mine," he said in conclusion. "To-morrow morning I shall fly back, and send all the Pathans to join their mates. If I should find that the enemy have gone, we shall renew the search for the Burra Sahib. If they are a band we can tackle, we shall drive them off, or at any rate hold our ground there. But if, as I fear, they are but an advanced guard of the larger force we saw at the encampment, we can do nothing but return here and defend ourselves."
There was silence. Ditta Lal had for some time ceased to make any sound; if Bob had not been so much preoccupied with his thoughts he would have noticed that the Babu was looking exceedingly uneasy. Gur Buksh stood like a statue.
"Now what are we to do, havildar?" said Bob. "Can we defend the mine?"
"We can but try, sahib."
"As soon as it is light I want you to do all you can to strengthen the position. The northern wall must be fortified. There are plenty of empty provision bags in your stores, I believe, Babu?"
Ditta Lal started, and looked at his questioner vacantly.
"Pardon, sir, my mind was busy with great problems, and I did not catch what fell from your lips."
"I asked if you had plenty of empty bags in your storehouse."