This was the spirit if not the letter of Bob’s appeal, and the whole assembly responded with cheers and passionate ejaculations of loyalty. The Sikhs, some of whom understood English and knew that the Babu had interpolated a good deal, had listened gravely, their inveterate contempt of the unwarlike Bengali yielding to their appreciation of the effect he aimed at. Later on, Ganda Singh spat, and said to Gur Buksh that any one would know the Bengali for a coward, because his words were so big. The more simple miners were as impressible to high-sounding eloquence as any ignorant mob all the world over; and when the Babu, at a word from Lawrence, wound up his speech with the announcement that Major Endicott had sent some service rifles and a large stock of ammunition for their use, they cheered again and again. Those timid ones who had fled from the breastwork earlier in the day shouted the loudest, to ease themselves of their shame. The Appletons never knew that after the assembly had been dismissed Ditta Lal, in a private audience of some of the Pathans, indulged his fancy in announcements that were quite unauthorised. "Tidings of our prowess and valour," he said, "will be spoken in the ear of the King-Emperor over the black water, and the august majesty of our great prince will deal bountifully with us and shower his graciousness upon us. He will take the sahibs our masters by the hand and lift them up the steps of his throne, speak them words of comfort and set them on his right hand among his lords; and furthermore, the humblest of us shall be exalted and be bounteously rewarded. A lakh of rupees will be distributed among those who quit themselves well, and we shall be satisfied with a feast of fat things." As the brothers returned to the house, Bob said: "I’m very much inclined to make another attempt to hold our breastwork. It’s bad tactics to let the enemy have free course between the bend and the bridge. Probably if I lead a detachment myself the men will follow readily enough." "I daresay you’re right on the point of tactics, but you ought to have a good sleep before you try it. You look very fagged; I suppose you’ve been up all night." "Pretty nearly." "Well, go and lie down. I’ll take charge. I had a good night’s rest at the frontier house. It’s clear the enemy are waiting for their guns, and you ought to be able to get at least six hours’ sleep before there’s any danger. Of course I’ll wake you if they make a move." "Then I’ll take your advice. The trouble will begin at night, and there’ll be no chance of sleep then."