Draw Swords! Part 59

The lad wanted to cry off, for his shoulder ached violently, but he bore all without a grimace, and drew a deep breath full of relief when he was at last alone with Wyatt, walking their horses towards where Captain Hulton was seated with the guns.

"I couldn't get at you, of course, my lad," said Wyatt, "but I did my best. I'm afraid two or three poor fellows will never fight again. It was every man for himself, eh? We had no business, though, to be surprised like that."

"No," said d.i.c.k. "How was it?"

"Want of proper vedettes, my lad. These people know nothing about war.

But they can fight."

"But I mean, how was it you rode away and left the troop?"

"Because I couldn't help myself, my dear boy. By the time I had whipped out my sword about twenty of the beggars were round, cutting at me and giving me all my work to guard myself; but I managed to get in a few points."

"Are you wounded?"

"It would have gone hard with me if some of our friends, seeing what a mess I was in, had not made a dash to help me."

"But are you wounded, Wyatt?"

"They charged splendidly, and took off some of the black-looking rascals' attentions, and this gave me a chance to make a few more points, for I dared not attempt to cut."

"But I asked you if you were wounded?" said d.i.c.k anxiously.

"Then there we were at it in a regular running fight, in which I was carried right away, growling savagely at being cut off from my friends.

I'd have given anything to have had you and old Stubbs there with his long reach. You were better out of it."

"Are you going on like this to annoy me or to keep something back?"

"Neither," said Wyatt sharply. "It seemed such a position for the captain in command of the troop to be carried right away like that, leaving his men to take their chance, but it was impossible to cut my way out till that firing began. Did you give the order?"

"No," said d.i.c.k shortly. "Once more--and I won't ask you again--are you wounded?"

"Don't think I am, old fellow; but I got two heavy cracks on the helmet, and my uniform is horribly cut in several places."

"Oh, never mind your uniform," said d.i.c.k.

"But I do. It's my best. I didn't know we were coming in for such a scrimmage as this. If I had I'd have put on my worst things."

"But you are not hurt, Wyatt?"

"But I am, my lad. I must be bruised terribly, and my right arm feels quite numbed."

"Never mind; we've won the battle," said d.i.c.k earnestly.

"Fight or skirmish, my lad; the one out yonder was more of a battle.

Well, I suppose we have got it pretty well our own way. Our friends did wonders. They'd make splendid light cavalry if they were only trained.

Here's Hulton.--How are you, old fellow?"

"Glad to see you back safely," said Hulton, shaking hands warmly. "I could do nothing to help you till just now."

"And then you did wonders. But how many of our lads are hurt?"

"Three have slight cuts. But about yourself?"

"Skin not broken anywhere, thank goodness. Now, what about the Rajah?"

"I have had no news for some time. Go in, both of you, and see. You will be admitted sooner than I should."

"Come, then, Darrell," said Wyatt, signing to one of the men; and they rode up to the entrance, dismounted, handed their reins to the man, and the guards saluted them, uttering a low murmur as their officer came to them open-handed, smiling as if proud of their prowess.

"A brave fight," he said; "and we had to stay and do nothing."

"Yes," said Wyatt, smiling back; "but some of us are obliged to look on.

How is the Rajah?"

"The Rajah? Ah, yes; I do not know. We were watching the fight."

"We will go up to him, then," said Wyatt; and they ascended to the sufferer's room, where the first person they encountered was the Ranee, who looked at them wildly, her lips parting to ask a question.

But she did not speak. She could read the endors.e.m.e.nt of the defeat of her followers in the young officers' faces.

"How is he?" whispered Wyatt as the doctor joined them.

"He has just dropped asleep," was the reply. "We could pretty well tell that you drove off the enemy by the firing. Everything has gone well, has it not?"

"Yes, they are thoroughly routed. Hist! he is not asleep."

"No," said the Rajah firmly as he turned his drawn face towards the group; "I have heard all you said. I shall get better now."

"If you are very quiet, sir," said the doctor; "but you must sleep and leave everything to others."

"Yes.--You will stay here, of course, Captain Wyatt?--And you, Mr Darrell? Come to me when I have slept."

"I will, sir," said d.i.c.k quietly.

"Doctor," said the Rajah then, "the pain is less. I shall not die."

"Not now," said the doctor quietly; "the strength of the poison is pa.s.sing off fast. But you must be silent, and rest."

"Yes; but you will watch over me?"

"Rest a.s.sured of that," said the doctor gravely. "Nothing shall be given to you that I have not examined. Try and rest in the full confidence that you are safe."

The Rajah shuddered, and just then he saw the Ranee approaching, and he closed his eyes.

She paused for a moment, but came on to his side to kneel down and whisper, the officers drawing back.

"Have I not sworn to you that this was not my doing?" she said reproachfully.