In the eagerness of pursuit but small heed had been paid to the rajah's
course, and hence it was that my father, who knew little of this side of
the city, had been so taken by surprise as to its being so near. And
now, when every pulse was throbbing with agony, and one wish only was in
his breast, he was forced to call a halt, and wait for three or four
hours till the heat of the day was past, and the men had rested and
refreshed their horses by a huge tank covered with lotus, and whose cool
dark waters were evidently deep.
He had kept on for a long time, but the halt was forced upon him by the
terrible heat. Men were staggering in the ranks, one poor fellow
dropped from his horse, and he unwillingly gave the word as we reached
the tank where the men threw themselves down, while others schemed all
kinds of contrivances to keep off the scorching heat. "We must rest for
a few hours," said my father.
"It would be like courting defeat to throw the poor fellows against the
rajah's mob utterly exhausted by a twelve-miles' walk through this
fearful sun."
It was agreed that it would be madness for the infantry; but Brace
proposed at a little council that was held, that he should hurry on with
his troop, and that the officer in command of the cavalry should go with
him in support.
I saw my father hesitate for a few moments, while all eyes were turned
upon him, and then he rose.
"Yes," he said; "it will create a diversion, and give hope to the poor
creatures who are making so brave a struggle. What do you say, Brooke?"