"In my days, sahib," he answered, "men seldom exercised the guns
at night!"
"I received orders more than three hours ago to bring my section
in to Jundhra immediately--immediately--and not a word of explanation!"
"Orders, sahib? And you wait?"
"They seem to have forgotten that I'm married, and by the same token,
so do you! What else could I do but wait? My wife can't ride with
the section; she isn't strong enough, for one thing; and besides,
there's no knowing what this order means; there might be trouble
to face of some kind. I've sent into Hanadra to try to drum up an
escort for her and I'm waiting here until it comes."
The Risaldar stroked at his beard reflectively.
"We of the service, sahib," he answered, "obey orders at the gallop
when they come. When orders come to ride, we ride!"'
Bellairs winced at the thrust.
"That's all very fine, Risaldar. But how about my wife? What's going
to happen to her, if I leave her here alone and unprotected?"
"Or to me, sahib? Is my sword-arm withered? Is my saber rusted home?"
"You, old friend! D'you mean to tell me--"
The Risaldar saluted him again.
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