The Rao Sahib replied with gallantry.
"Assuredly that thou shalt possess, fair cavalier. Tantia Topi now hath my orders to give that command to no one else."
"So to Kunch, my Lords," he added, "is our final decision."
"Aye and to victory, forget not that," the Rani cried enthusiastically.
The council then proceeded with a discussion of the details of the expedition, to rise, at last, confident that with the greater number of men and guns they could put into the field, together with natural advantages on their side, the result of the battle could not be otherwise than a victory for the Native arms.
Chapter XIX
A CALL TO THE HEART
Near the decaying town of Kunch the Native army had taken up a strong position. In the shelter of woods and gardens, interspersed here and there with temples, for the time being occupied as miniature forts, the whole was fronted by a high wall over which a row of cannon peered their sinister muzzles.