“The fire looks cheerful,” Colonel Warrener
said, as, after seeing that the men had properly picketed
their horses, and had made all their arrangements,
the little group of officers returned to it. A
trooper had already prepared their meal, which consisted
of kabobs, or pieces of mutton—from a couple
of sheep, which they had purchased at a village where
they halted in the morning—a large bowl
of boiled rice, and some chupatties, or griddle cakes;
a pannikin of tea was placed by each; and spreading
their cloaks on the ground, they set to with the appetite
of travelers. Dinner over, a bottle of brandy
was produced from one of Major Dunlop’s holsters,
the pannikin was washed out, and a supply of fresh
water brought in, pipes and cheroots were lighted,
and they prepared for a cheerful evening.
“I am very sorry Manners is not here,”
Dick said; “it would have been so jolly to be
all together again. However, it is a satisfaction
to know that his wound is doing well, and that he
is likely to be all right in a few months.”
“Yes,” Colonel Warrener said, “but
I believe that he will have to leave the service.
His right leg will always be shorter than the left.”
“I don’t suppose he will mind that,”
Ned said. “I should think he must have
had enough of India to last for his life.”
“Mr. Latham,” Dick said presently to the
officer in command of the cavalry, “will you
tell us your adventures? We know all about each
other’s doings.”
So they sat and talked until ten o’clock, when
Mr. Latham went round to see that the sentries were
properly placed and alert. When he returned the
door was shut, to keep out the damp air, and the whole
party, rolling themselves in their cloaks, and using
their saddles for pillows, laid up for the night.
Dick was some time before he slept. His imagination
was active; and when he at last dozed off, he was
thinking what they had best do were they attacked
by the enemy.
It was still dark when with a sudden start the sleeping
party in the tomb awoke and leaped to their feet.
For a moment they stood bewildered, for outside was
heard on all sides the crack of volleys of musketry,
wild yells and shouts, and the trampling of a large
body of cavalry.
“Surprised!” exclaimed the colonel.
“The sentries must have been asleep!”
There was a rush to the door, and the sight that met
their eyes showed them the extent of the disaster.
The moon was shining brightly, and by her light they
could see that a large body of rebel cavalry had fallen
upon the sleeping troopers, while the heavy musketry
fire showed that a strong body of infantry were at
work on the other side of the mosque. Lieutenant
Latham rushed down the steps with his sword drawn,
but fell back dead shot through the heart.
