They know--"
"Sahib, listen! When the news came to me I was at Siroeh, dangling
a great-grandson on my knee. There were no orders, but it seemed
the Raj had need of me. I rode! Thou, sahib, hast orders. I am
here to guard thy wife--my honor is thy honor--take thou the guns.
Yonder lies the road!"
The grim old warrior's voice thrilled with the throb of loyalty, as
he stood erect and pointed to the shadowy archway through which the
road wound to the plain beyond.
"Sahib, I taught thy father how to use his sword! I nursed thee when
thou wert little. Would I give three false counsel now? Ride,
sahib--ride!"
Bellairs turned away and looked at his charger, a big, brown Khaubuli
stallion, named for the devil and true in temper and courage to his
name; two men were holding him, ten paces off.
"Such a horse I need this night, Sahib! Thy second charger can keep
pace with the guns!"
Bellairs gave a sudden order, and the men led the brute back into
his stable.
"Change the saddle to my second charger!" he ordered.
Then he turned to the Risaldar again, with hand outstretched.
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