"You can see them plainly now?" said Brace. "Oh yes; quite plainly," I replied, as I saw the limbers brought out, each by its six horses, and the men drawn up ready, some on foot, the rest mounted, and holding the horses of the dismounted gunners, two of whom, however, would in each case mount to their seats on the limber. "Where is the rajah?" said Brace, impatiently. "I can't see him. Can you?" "No." "Then those scoundrels of sepoys must have reached the place, and, instead of their coming out to drill to-day, they will retreat once more." Just then came the squealing and trampling of the horses again, and I had to run back and help poor Dobbs, whose face was scarlet. "I can hardly hold them, sir. The flies are beginning to worry them, too." "Only a little longer, Dobbs," I said. "Pray--pray try and keep them quiet." I tried hard to soothe my restive charger, which whinnied after me impatiently as I went away again, just as if the poor brute felt disappointed because I had not mounted and ridden him off. But they were pretty quiet when I left them, and I rejoined Brace, who was trembling with excitement. "It must be nearly an hour now," he said to me appealingly. "Yes, it must be," I replied. "And Haynes ought to be ready. It will take a few minutes, too, which will all be in their favour. But the scoundrels don't come out; and, though I can see the rajah's Arab, I can't see him. Take the glass and try yourself." I caught the glass from his hand, and swept the ground, to see that the six guns were all out in front, the long line of horses ready with their riders, and the drivers already seated, waiting for the limbering up, each team of glossy creatures breaking up the regularity of the line. "No," I said, returning the glass. "I can't see him." "But you could make out his horse?" "Yes, plainly." "Gil," said Brace, after a pause, "our hour must be up; and we could act at once if they came out. But there is something wrong." "I hope not." "And I; but I'm afraid. Is your pistol charged?" "No," I said. "Then load, man, load. Heaven knows I don't want to destroy life; but we are fighting for our queen and country, and for the thousands of women and children who may soon be at the mercy of these men." I hastily dragged my cartouche-box round, and charged my pistol, and when this was done, looked at Brace, as if asking for further commands. "Is your sword sharp?" "Yes, very," I replied. "Good. Recollect, lad, that you may have to use it; and then you must strike or give point--do so with vigour. Your life or mine may depend upon it." "I'll try, and do my best," I said huskily. "I know you will, Gil; and may God help us!" There was another long period of watching before he spoke again.