However, he ought to be right if anybody
is, and we are much obliged to you for your trouble. You had a pretty
hard time in the open, but how on earth did you get up the hill?"
"Deerstalking style. It was good sport. But for heaven's sake, Andy,
give me breakfast, and tell me what you want me to do. I am under your
orders now."
"You'd better feed and then sleep for a bit. If you don't mind I'll
leave you, for I've got to be very busy. And poor old Holm looked
pretty sick, did he? Well, I am glad he has been saved this affair
anyhow."
A Sikh orderly brought Lewis breakfast. Beyond the tent door there was
stir in the garrison. Men were deployed in the yard, Gurkhas mainly,
with a few Kashmir sepoys, and the loud harsh voice of Andover was
raised to give orders. It was a hot still morning, with something
thunderous in the air. Hot sulphurous clouds were massing on the
western horizon, and the cool early breeze had gone. The whole place
smelt of powder.
Half-way through the meal Andover returned, his lean face red with
exertion. "I've got things more or less in order. They may easily
starve us out, for we are wretchedly provisioned, but I don't think
they'll get us with a rush. I wonder when the show is to commence." He
drank some coffee, and then filled a pipe.
"I left a man at Nazri. If the thing turns out to be a small affair I
am to meet him there to-night; but if I don't come he is to know that it
is serious and go and warn the Khautmi people.
Pages:
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302