The court in front of the palace was already filling with a menacing
crowd of armed men; but as they gathered they held back from the troop
and seemed to be awaiting leaders, not knowing what it would be best to
do.
But there was no indecision on the part of Wyatt. He rode at once to
where Hulton was seated, in uniform once more, consulted with him for a
few moments, and then, in answer to an order, the six guns were
unlimbered and run into position so that their muzzles were ready to
pour forth a radiating discharge, and the effect was to make the
gathering crowd fall back.
This done, a detachment about thirty strong was formed up, opened out,
and rode slowly forward, pressing back the crowd; and as the great space
was cleared, the Rajah's guards took up position to keep the people from
returning.
Wyatt was right; they had their work cut out that night, and, through
the apparently interminable long watches, it seemed as if again and
again the moment of encounter had come.
But it did not. For it was as Wyatt said:
"It's like this, Dick, lad--we began by being ready; they were all
unready. Friends and enemies were all mixed up into a confused mass,
and no one trusted his neighbour. Then they seemed to have no leaders
at first, or else all their loaders were in the wrong places. We've got
ahead of them so far without bringing the guns to bear, but how much
longer we can get on by making evolutions no one can tell. But we must
keep it up."
And they did, hour after hour, thoroughly mastering the great mob which
eddied and seethed round the precincts of the palace, always on the
point of making a rush, but invariably driven back helter-skelter by the
charges made by the horse artillery-men and their allies.
For they soon began to be strengthened through the efforts of the chiefs
of the Rajah's guard, who were indefatigable. As they caught sight of
friends of the cavalry they called to them, had them in past the
vedettes and sentries, and then a few words sufficed to send them away
again to give the word to others; and in a short time there was a
constant accession of mounted men coming in from far enough away through
the crowd in twos and threes and half-dozens, well-mounted and armed,
and ready in the Rajah's defence to take up their positions alongside of
the artillery-men, till towards morning fully a thousand troopers were
in the open space before the palace, setting the mounted artillery-men
free to join their comrades at the guns, and making the position more
secure.
Time after time inquiries were made as to the Rajah's state, but the
news Doctor Robson sent was always bad, and hope seemed to be dying out.
At last the sun rose upon the position, and by that time something like
cohesion and order were asserting themselves, the two parties having
gradually separated, with the supporters of the Rajah close up to the
east end of the palace, those of the Ranee on the west; and the new day
had come with the prospect of a pitched battle on the point as to which
side was to have the supremacy--the Rajah's followers with their English
allies, or the Ranee's backed up by the priests.
It had been their intention to make a bold stroke to get rid of the
English invited by the Rajah--a mad and reckless blow, for retribution
would have been certain to fall--but the accident to their plans had
upset everything, and, just at the time appointed for their rising, they
were confronted with the news that the Rajah was stricken down, and the
Ranee and their chief conspirators were prisoners; while, though they
had been in readiness to take advantage of the confusion that must ensue
when it was found that the chief officers of the artillery were dead,
their advance was completely frustrated by Wyatt's prompt action and the
confusion into which they were thrown by the rush made for the palace by
the Rajah's admirers, and their bold front.
The latter readily consulted with Wyatt as to what should be done, and
at once accepted his counsel.
"Keep on the defensive," he said, "and in every way possible draw in all
who are faithful to the Rajah. If they attack, let them find us ready;
for, whatever misfortune comes in regard to the Rajah, we must hold the
place. To let his enemies get the upper hand means massacre for us
all."
Richard Darrell watched the faces of the cluster of officers as Wyatt
spoke out clearly in their tongue, and saw them lighten up, while
glances passed between them full of good omen; and as soon as his
brother-officer had done speaking, they pressed round him to signify
their determination to die sooner than give up, declaring that they had
perfect faith in the English, and that they would carry out their
gallant young Rajah's wishes to the end.
So intent were they upon the little council of war which they were
holding in front of the guns, that they had noted nothing of what was
going on elsewhere, and they turned as one man and stared in wonder as a
hoarse shout was uttered, and even Dick imagined that a horse had
suddenly turned restive on seeing Stubbs come tearing at them, sword in
hand, shouting, and waving the steel.
But the next moment they saw that he was pointing, and wheeled round to
defend themselves, for, from the enemies' side, a body of about fifty
horsemen were charging at full gallop, in a bold dash to cut down or
take prisoners the leaders of the Rajah's force.
It was so sudden that scarcely anything was done. The matchlock-men
were unprepared, the irregular cavalry were away behind, and the
artillery, fully ready as they were, with men at the trail and others
standing linstock in hand, could not fire for fear of sweeping their own
officers and their friends away.
It was a wild dash, and the first help likely to come was from the
little knot of horse artillery-men mounted by the guns, who spurred
forward at a word from Hulton.
The enemy came upon the group of officers like a whirlwind, taking them
at a terrible disadvantage; and, for the first time in his life, Richard
Darrell found himself in the midst of a fierce melee where discipline
went for naught, and all depended upon the strength of a man's arms and
his skill in the use of the sword he bore.
Wyatt shouted to him, but in the wild rush and concussion his words were
inaudible. Whether it was to follow him or save himself he did not
know, and he wanted no orders then, for he was nearly unseated by the
shock, one of the friendly officers having his horse driven against
Burnouse, making him plunge violently, bound three or four yards, and
then rear up, saving his master from a savage cut delivered from the
left, which passed within a few inches of his neck as a horseman swept
by. Still, it was from Scylla into Charybdis. Dick kept his seat, but
received a blow from a man on his right, who rose in his stirrups and
struck downward at the lad's head.
There was a sharp, ringing clang as the blow fell upon the young
officer's helmet, glanced off, and the man fell forward over his
saddle-bow.
"Well cut, sir!" yelled a hoarse voice a short distance away; but Dick's
blood was up, and he hardly realised the fact that the words were meant
for him. He had the Rajah's keen tulwar in his hand, and he had long
tried hard to become a master in the use of the sword, so that it was
almost instinctively that he cut with all his might from his left
shoulder, his blade flashing in the morning sunshine, with terrible
effect upon the back of his enemy's neck, his horse bearing him on to
meet another attack.
For another horseman rode at him following his fellow's tactics of
rising in his stirrups to deliver a cut at his young enemy's head.
It was a fierce blow, but Dick's guard was ready, his hilt close up to
his right ear, blade perpendicular, and edge outward--that thin, keen
edge which seemed so slight a defence from a cut which might have meant
death by an active swordsman--instant decapitation.
There was a loud, jarring ring as Dick received the blow on the forte of
his sword, whose back struck against the side of his helmet with a sharp
rap, and the next moment the man was by, giving the young officer's
sword-arm a slight jerk before he sank backward with his arms extended,
sword and reins falling from his nerveless hands.
For, like lightning, after receiving the jarring cut on his guard,
Dick's keen blade dropped to the horizontal and he delivered a fierce
thrust.
Another was at him as Burnouse bounded forward, and he, too, rose to cut
at the English lad, who was bringing forward his blade to the recovery
in a long, sweeping stroke which had, with the strength of the wielder's
arm, the swift bound of his horse to give it impetus, so that the
swarthy horseman received the blow full on his sword-arm, and passed on
helpless.
A cut at the lad's bridle-arm missed, and the man who delivered it
escaped with a sharp prick in the ribs in retaliation; and the next
moment Dick was borne clear of the fierce struggle, but only to turn and
gallop forward to join half-a-dozen of his own men, who were together
forcing double their number back as they laid about them with their long
sabres, used with the full strength of their muscular arms.
Half-blind with excitement now, Dick was riding at a dark, turbaned
horseman when the trumpet rang out, and his charger followed the example
of those in a line with him. The next moment there was the dull roar of
a gun, so close that the horses of the enemy were thrown into a state of
confusion, while the artillery-men's stood passive from the familiarity
which breeds contempt.
For the opportunity had come at last, and a second gun sent forth its
white puff of smoke, the sequence to the charge of grape which tore a
lane through the enemy's body of horse, now coming on at a gallop to
follow up the daring attack made by the first body, which had caused
such dire confusion.
This second gun checked the advance, and created havoc amongst a crowd
of matchlock-men coming up behind the horse; while a third discharge
seemed to be the signal for a retreat to commence.
There was a pause before the fourth gun could be fired with effect.
Then it and the fifth and sixth were fired in rapid succession, while
the Rajah's horsemen now saw their opportunity, and dashed after the
scattering enemy in a disorderly but brilliant charge, whose effect was
to drive the enemy fleeing for their lives into the narrow streets of
the city; and the rout was continued till fully half had poured over the
bridge to make for the open country, while the rest sought shelter in
the bazaars and lanes.
The little battle was only a matter of a few minutes, and as nothing
more was to be done there, the artillery had limbered up ready to
pursue; but Hulton saw that before he could get out into the open the
enemy would be beyond his reach, and he halted his men where they stood,
leaving the Rajahs horsemen to complete the rout.
"I couldn't get to you, sir--I couldn't get to you," cried a fierce
voice full of reproach, and Sergeant Stubbs rode up to Dick's side.
"Don't say you're hurt, sir--don't say you're hurt!"
"No, Stubbs, I won't," replied Dick. "Yes, I am," he added hastily.
"My head."
He let his sword fall to the extent of the knot, and took off his
helmet.
"Quiet, Burnouse!" he cried, as the horse snorted and tore up the ground
with his off forefoot. "My head's all jarred and aching. My word!
That's saved me from an awful cut."
The sergeant leaned forward to take the bright helmet from the lad's
hand, looking down at a deep, dinted bruise, and then at its owner.
"That saved your life, sir," said Stubbs rather huskily. "Hurt anywhere
else?"
"Right shoulder feels a bit dragged," replied Dick. "But where's
Captain Wyatt?"
As he spoke the captain came into sight, riding back with about a dozen
of the Rajah's horsemen, who came up flushed with triumph, cheering
after their fashion and crowding round Dick, all eager to shake hands.
The lad wanted to cry off, for his shoulder ached violently, but he bore
all without a grimace, and drew a deep breath full of relief when he was
at last alone with Wyatt, walking their horses towards where Captain
Hulton was seated with the guns.
"I couldn't get at you, of course, my lad," said Wyatt, "but I did my
best. I'm afraid two or three poor fellows will never fight again. It
was every man for himself, eh? We had no business, though, to be
surprised like that."
"No," said Dick. "How was it?"
"Want of proper vedettes, my lad. These people know nothing about war.
But they can fight."
"But I mean, how was it you rode away and left the troop?"
"Because I couldn't help myself, my dear boy. By the time I had whipped
out my sword about twenty of the beggars were round, cutting at me and
giving me all my work to guard myself; but I managed to get in a few
points."
"Are you wounded?"
"It would have gone hard with me if some of our friends, seeing what a
mess I was in, had not made a dash to help me."
"But are you wounded, Wyatt?"
"They charged splendidly, and took off some of the black-looking
rascals' attentions, and this gave me a chance to make a few more
points, for I dared not attempt to cut."
"But I asked you if you were wounded?" said Dick anxiously.
"Then there we were at it in a regular running fight, in which I was
carried right away, growling savagely at being cut off from my friends.
I'd have given anything to have had you and old Stubbs there with his
long reach. You were better out of it."
"Are you going on like this to annoy me or to keep something back?"
"Neither," said Wyatt sharply. "It seemed such a position for the
captain in command of the troop to be carried right away like that,
leaving his men to take their chance, but it was impossible to cut my
way out till that firing began. Did you give the order?"
"No," said Dick shortly. "Once more--and I won't ask you again--are you
wounded?"
"Don't think I am, old fellow; but I got two heavy cracks on the helmet,
and my uniform is horribly cut in several places."
"Oh, never mind your uniform," said Dick.
"But I do. It's my best. I didn't know we were coming in for such a
scrimmage as this. If I had I'd have put on my worst things."
"But you are not hurt, Wyatt?"
"But I am, my lad. I must be bruised terribly, and my right arm feels
quite numbed."
"Never mind; we've won the battle," said Dick earnestly.
"Fight or skirmish, my lad; the one out yonder was more of a battle.
Well, I suppose we have got it pretty well our own way. Our friends did
wonders. They'd make splendid light cavalry if they were only trained.
Here's Hulton.--How are you, old fellow?"
"Glad to see you back safely," said Hulton, shaking hands warmly. "I
could do nothing to help you till just now."
"And then you did wonders. But how many of our lads are hurt?"
"Three have slight cuts. But about yourself?"
"Skin not broken anywhere, thank goodness. Now, what about the Rajah?"
"I have had no news for some time. Go in, both of you, and see. You
will be admitted sooner than I should."
"Come, then, Darrell," said Wyatt, signing to one of the men; and they
rode up to the entrance, dismounted, handed their reins to the man, and
the guards saluted them, uttering a low murmur as their officer came to
them open-handed, smiling as if proud of their prowess.
"A brave fight," he said; "and we had to stay and do nothing."
"Yes," said Wyatt, smiling back; "but some of us are obliged to look on.
How is the Rajah?"
"The Rajah? Ah, yes; I do not know. We were watching the fight."
"We will go up to him, then," said Wyatt; and they ascended to the
sufferer's room, where the first person they encountered was the Ranee,
who looked at them wildly, her lips parting to ask a question.
But she did not speak. She could read the endorsement of the defeat of
her followers in the young officers' faces.
"How is he?" whispered Wyatt as the doctor joined them.
"He has just dropped asleep," was the reply. "We could pretty well tell
that you drove off the enemy by the firing. Everything has gone well,
has it not?"
"Yes, they are thoroughly routed. Hist! he is not asleep."
"No," said the Rajah firmly as he turned his drawn face towards the
group; "I have heard all you said. I shall get better now."
"If you are very quiet, sir," said the doctor; "but you must sleep and
leave everything to others."
"Yes.--You will stay here, of course, Captain Wyatt?--And you, Mr
Darrell? Come to me when I have slept."
"I will, sir," said Dick quietly.
"Doctor," said the Rajah then, "the pain is less. I shall not die."
"Not now," said the doctor quietly; "the strength of the poison is
passing off fast. But you must be silent, and rest."
"Yes; but you will watch over me?"
"Rest assured of that," said the doctor gravely. "Nothing shall be
given to you that I have not examined. Try and rest in the full
confidence that you are safe."
The Rajah shuddered, and just then he saw the Ranee approaching, and he
closed his eyes.
She paused for a moment, but came on to his side to kneel down and
whisper, the officers drawing back.
"Have I not sworn to you that this was not my doing?" she said
reproachfully.
"Yes," he said in the same low tone; "you, my mother, could not have
been guilty of such a horror. But I know--I cannot be deceived--it was
the work of your friends, and it was meant for mine."