Draw Swords! Part 32

"I wish he hadn't said anything about that powder being underneath,"

muttered d.i.c.k as he undressed, after examining his charpoy, with its delicate muslin mosquito-curtains.

But he threw himself down with a weary sigh, thoroughly enjoying the elasticity of the laced-string bottom of the bedstead; and, powder or no powder, in less than five minutes he was fast asleep.

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

IN ACTION.

It was hard for a brief s.p.a.ce for Richard Darrell to grasp the fact that he was not in cantonments at Roumwallah when the trumpet rang out in the grey dawn and echoed round the courtyard--for the change was sudden from deep sleep to wakefulness.

But the appearance of the bed-hangings and the strangeness of the place brought all back with a rush, and he leaped out of bed to run to the window and look out.

There in the courtyard, backed by the dark shadows, stood the six guns, looking pearl-grey with dew, and by them the fine, stalwart figure of one of the gunners in fatigue uniform, his sabre hooked up and carbine resting in the hollow of his arm, marching slowly up and down.

Away to the left was the lofty, dark arch of the gateway, made high enough to allow for the pa.s.sage of a fully caparisoned elephant with the roofed howdah and ornament; and there, too, was a sentry pacing his beat at right angles to the man by the guns, who for some reason once more attracted d.i.c.k.

He stood gazing hard at the man, trying to make out his features; but it was too dark yet.

"It must be," thought d.i.c.k; "and--yes, that settles it--he limps slightly. It is Hanson."

d.i.c.k began to wonder whether the man would keep to his promise; and somehow the recollection of all that had pa.s.sed kept the thinker's brain actively employed during the time he was dressing, with the full intention of taking advantage of the cool freshness of the morning to have a stroll about the place.

By the time he was dressed the men were giving the final touches to the guns, which glistened in the morning sunshine, free from every speck of dust; from the long double range of stables the whinnying and stamping of horses was heard, while the camp-servants and others were busily rearranging the baggage and ammunition-wagons along the front of the stabling, formerly, no doubt, the site of much more important buildings.

The first man he met on descending to the courtyard was Sergeant Stubbs, who looked full of business, but found time to salute.

"Was not that Hanson on guard by the guns, Sergeant?" asked d.i.c.k.

"Yes, sir," said the old sergeant, shaking his head. "It's him, and it ain't him, if you can understand that."

"Find him changed?" said d.i.c.k eagerly.

"Changed ain't the word for it, sir. There's something wrong with him.

I ain't a sooperst.i.tious man as believes in fetches and warnings and that sort of thing, but if Bob Hanson gets something at our next set-to, I shouldn't be much surprised."

"I should," said d.i.c.k shortly--"very much."

"Yes, sir," said the sergeant respectfully, "you would be, I dessay; but, begging your pardon, sir, one thinks very differently when you're one side o' twenty to what you do when you're the other side o' two twenties."

"Morning, Darrell.--Morning, Sergeant; you're beginning to get a bit ship-shape," said Wyatt, coming upon them suddenly.

"Yes, sir; soon be right now. Saves a lot of time having no tents to set up or strike. These'll make better quarters than our old ones as soon as we're shook down."

"No doubt," said Wyatt.--"Which way are you going, Darrell?"

"To the gate, and to have a stroll round. Come?"

For answer Wyatt walked with his young companion to the great gate, and then stopped short.

"Don't go out yet, my lad," he said quietly; "and when you do go, have some one with you, and carry your side-arms."

"Think it's necessary?" said d.i.c.k sharply, as he gave a wondering look at the very serious aspect of his companion.

"Yes. Give up this morning's stroll, and let's go up here and have a walk along the roof, or battlements, whichever you like to call them."

"Very well," said d.i.c.k in rather a disappointed tone.

Wyatt noted it, and entered a side archway just large enough to admit one, d.i.c.k following him up a narrow stairway to the terrace-like roof of the old palace, the place being furnished with a good breastwork and quite open, so that they could walk right round the courtyard.

The sun was now rising, and they had a good view of part of the city with occasional glimpses of the walls by which it was ended.

"Better than I thought for," said Wyatt after being silent for some time. "Last night I was afraid that the other buildings were nearer, and would command this place in case of trouble, but we command them."

Every man knew what he had to do, and did it with the precision taught by long practice, so that there was not the slightest confusion; while already, when the two officers descended, the people from the town and neighbourhood were bringing in fruit, vegetables, and other provisions as if to a market, and the mess-men and cooks had their quarters fitted up, and were hard at work.

That morning the officers' table was liberally supplied by the Rajah, and the meal was eaten in peace, everything being satisfactory--even the doctor's report, he having no one on the sick-list--nothing to do.

"I think we may congratulate ourselves on our progress so far," said Hulton.

He had hardly spoken when there was the trampling of a horse and the loud challenge of sentries, regardless of which latter a man dashed in through the gateway at full speed, and drew rein so suddenly that he threw his horse upon its haunches.

The officers hurried to the window, and the rider, seeing them, drew a paper from his c.u.mmerbund, spurred his horse up towards where they stood, a floor above him, stuck the paper on the point of the lance he carried, and held it up to Hulton.

"Look out," said Wyatt quickly. "Treachery, perhaps. He may thrust."

"It means his death if he does," said Hulton firmly, for two sentries had run up and caught the horseman's reins.

As he spoke he took the paper from the point of the lance, unrolled and read it aloud to his companions:

"'To Captain Hulton.--My spies bring word Rajah Singh with strong force approaching fast.--Doon.'"

"That's plain English," said Hulton sharply. Then to one of the sentries he shouted the one word, "Trumpeter!"

The men were already on the alert, the dashing in of the messenger having brought them out from barrack-room and stable, and there was no need to search for the youth whose presence was needed. Foreseeing that his services might be required, he had been to fetch his instrument, and now came running across the courtyard, received his orders--and the messenger's dark eyes flashed with excitement as he sat up like a bronze statue, keenly watching everything. Then the trumpet sounded its call, making the walls echo, the first blast seeming to electrify the place, as it drew forth sounds even from the stables, where the horses whinnied, snorted, and began to stamp.

"Now, gentlemen," said Hulton sharply, "I want the Rajah to see how quickly we can turn out."

To one unaccustomed to such a scene, it would have been marvellous in its celerity and freedom from confusion. A few minutes had scarcely elapsed since the coming in of the messenger before the horses, already harnessed, were being led out and attached to the gun-limbers, and the officers' chargers were being hurried by the syces to the flight of steps leading up to their quarters.

But the buzz of preparation was not confined to the old palace, for already there was the trampling of horses in the streets outside, and armed footmen were hurrying by the gate as if to a gathering of troops elsewhere.

"The alarm comes soon, Wyatt," said the captain, buckling on his sword, "and it is a pity that we are so strange. The Rajah has generals, I suppose; and we know nothing of where the attack is expected."

"Of course you will act quite independently of the Rajah's men, and as seems best."

"Of course," said the captain, going once more to the window, as he drew the chin-strap of his helmet beneath his chin.--"Capital!" he exclaimed.