Remembering the mishap with Major Endicott up the river, he got Fazl to protect the engine and the petrol cans by slinging a number of iron plates under the chassis of the aeroplane. By means of these he hoped to reduce risk from the enemy’s rifles when he should start on his reconnaissance. The Kalmucks northward had had no experience of the dynamite bombs, unless indeed some of those whom Bob had chased down the track were among them. But even without any definite fear of the aeroplane they would recognise it as a means of intelligence to the garrison of the mine, and would certainly be eager to put it out of action. Bob on being awakened at once agreed to Lawrence’s suggestion of a reconnaissance. "I’d like to go myself," he said, "but we can’t both go, and I’d better stick to my job. Take Fazl with you. You may have to bombard them if you find the guns close at hand." "If I do, that will be your best chance of occupying your breastwork again." "Undoubtedly. I’ll lower the drawbridge and have my party ready; and if I hear any explosions I’ll make a rush for it. But let us have a clear understanding. You won’t drop any bombs unless you find the guns close at hand, or unless the enemy are up to something that looks threatening. There’s very little dynamite left. Besides, at this stage it’s no good merely to frighten the enemy. It’s war now. I shall take it that your explosions mean serious business." "All right. In any case I shall be back in an hour." CHAPTER THE TWENTY-THIRD CAPTURING A GUN The aeroplane with Lawrence and the Gurkha on board was soon flying down the river, at a much greater height than usual--a wise precaution on Lawrence’s part, as was proved in a few moments. Even before it came above the bend it was assailed with a volley, and as it passed Bob was alarmed at the continuous crackle of rifles. It lasted only half a minute, but it was so loud as to smother altogether the hum of the propeller, and he almost repented of having allowed his brother to go when he realised the danger to which he was exposed. He had lost sight of the aeroplane; the fusillade had ceased; and the only indication, and that a negative one, that the machine and its occupants had not been brought to the ground was the absence of clamour beyond the bend. If the enemy had been successful, he thought, surely they would have hailed their triumph with shouts of delight. Reassured by the comparative silence, he remained behind the parapet, and informed Gur Buksh of his intention to reoccupy the breastwork on the farther bank. "It is well, sahib," said the veteran quietly. "Will the men follow me?" asked Bob anxiously. "To the jaws of the pit, sahib. Where the sahib leads they will follow: even the men who ran away are now eager to wipe out their disgrace." "Then I will go and form my party. We shall not move until the chota sahib gives a signal."