"We have abundance of ammunition, and our waggons and elephants. Moving out as soon as it is dark." "They will not let us move; and it would be murderous for my poor lads to carry on a hand-to-hand fight in these narrow lanes." "More murderous to be shut up in that residency, to be attacked day after day by a force that will always be increasing, while we grow weaker." "Unless help comes.--But you would move out?" "Yes." "And what then? Retreat and leave these scoundrels in possession?" "No; they will think we are retreating, and follow us. We can keep on retiring till you have got into a good position, when I can literally mow them down from a distance." "Unless their cavalry take your guns." "I am not afraid of that, sir," said Brace, with a laugh. "And they will be six or seven to one," said the colonel. "The odds were greater at Plassy," said Brace, quietly. "Depend upon it, if we get them out on fair ground--which we will--they will receive a tremendous check." "What do you say?" said the colonel, turning to his brother-officer, the major. "I side with Captain Brace, decidedly. If we shut ourselves up, we are crippling a dashing troop of artillery; and, worse still, letting the scoundrels think they are our masters. That they must never think. No: retreat, but as a ruse. We are their masters still, and we will show them we are." "Yes," said the colonel, firmly. "I shrink from it, as being a very grave responsibility, weak as we are; but I quite agree with you both. We shall be stronger in the field; and if we are not attacked before night, we will march out." "Why wait for the darkness, and the confusion it will cause?" said Brace. "I was of the opinion that we might retreat under cover of the darkness, but I think now it would be best to dash out and give battle at once." "Yes," said the colonel, drily; "that's easy enough for you and your troop. You can rattle out at full gallop; but we have got to march, and fight our way step by step." "Exactly. But I can take up a position at once and cover you; and I will." The colonel bowed and stood frowning and thoughtful for a few moments. Then I saw his face clear, and he held out his hand. "It is good advice," he said; "and I shall look for your co-operation to its fullest extent. Ah! what's this?" For at that moment a bugle rang out; and, as I turned, I saw a sowar officer advancing with a trumpeter, and one of his men beside him, bearing a white flag on his lance, while several followers rode behind. CHAPTER TWENTY SIX. Brace and the infantry officers passed between the guns, and took a few steps forward to meet the bearer of the flag of truce, who came forward alone and saluted them, but with a haughty, contemptuous look. "Well, sir," said the colonel, "have you a despatch or message?"