Tristram stirred. With Compton and Brabazone on either side of him, he dragged himself to his knees. The water dripped from his face—from his clothes. He was almost unrecognizable.
"It's nothing—they—missed me. Only winded——" He pushed the proffered glass aside. "Rasaldû—Meredith—both murdered yesterday—regiment mutinies—organized for tonight—not a soul to escape—any minute now. That was the first shot——"
"Where have you come from?"
"Heerut. Bridge gone. Had to swim for it——"
"Matherson——?"
"Gone—I don't know. Don't talk——"
"Of course not—we must act. Who's on duty to-night?"
"Farquhar—Haverton——"
"They must be warned."
"It's too late. It'd show them we were prepared. Our only chance is to take them by surprise— What's that——?"