Part 73 (1/2)

”Yes,” said Wyatt sternly, ”with fresh men; and if the Wazir's folk can see them where they are now, we shall be attacked again from front and rear.”

This appearance of a fresh body of the enemy seemed to completely overset the plans just made, for the prospect of reaching the city now that the way was blocked seemed small indeed.

”I don't like it--I don't like it, d.i.c.k,” growled Wyatt as he rode alongside of his brother-officer at a gentle pace, in full marching order now with all their wagons, of which, however, they were prepared to disembarra.s.s themselves in time of need.

”Neither do I,” said d.i.c.k, ”for my head is dreadful.”

”Poor old lad! I am sorry; but you must grin and bear it. I say, though, what about the Wazir's sword? We ought to have brought that.”

”I told one of the men to take it, sheath, belt, and all, and put it in the wagon with Bob Hanson. He ought to have it.”

”Humph!” growled Wyatt, and he was silent for a few moments as he rode on, watching the approaching enemy.

”How many are there of them?” said d.i.c.k.

”Seven or eight hundred, my lad. Plenty of work cut out. I say, I told you I was spoiling for a fight.”

”You did.”

”Well, I've had all I wanted for one day, and I'm getting stiff, but we shall have to go through the rest of it. We've only one chance.”

”What's that?”

”To go at them and let them see the stuff we're made of. We shall be all right again as soon as we get warm.”

They rode steadily on a little farther, with the long column of hors.e.m.e.n coming on in excellent order, very different from those who had followed the Wazir and his chiefs, and Wyatt's face grew darker.

”I say, little one,” he said suddenly, ”if you don't feel equal to this next scrimmage, you had better stop in the rear with the wagons when we go into action.”

”Thank you,” said d.i.c.k quietly. ”Will you stop and keep me company?”

Wyatt laughed softly, and leaned over to grip his companion's arm.

”Feel giddy now?”

”No; getting clearer.”

”Well, sit fast, lad, and take care of yourself. I'll tell old Stubbs to keep an eye on you. I can't stop near.”

”You let Stubbs see to his men. He has enough to do. Burnouse will take care of me. I wish I knew how Bob Hanson was getting on.”

”No time now. Hah! at last.”

For the trumpet called a halt, the wagons were cast off again, and, with every man he could muster, Hulton gave the word and the troop went off at a canter, to reach a knoll a few hundred yards away, where the guns were unlimbered, loaded, and the horses rested while the enemy was awaited, the intention being to give them two or three rounds to throw them into confusion as they formed up, and then gallop away.

Anxious glances were directed back at the rugged elevations they had now left far behind, but not one of the Wazir's men could be seen.

”Not one, d.i.c.k,” said Wyatt, closing his gla.s.s. ”So I don't mind so much. We shall have time to devote ourselves to our fresh visitors,” he said grimly.

”They're startled already,” replied d.i.c.k. ”They're halting.”