One room had been apportioned to the ladies, and others to officers and sepoys, but all the Europeans came together to cheer their rescuers. Colonel Woodburn was now well enough to greet his future son-in-law, whose exciting story all gathered round to hear. Jim told it simply.
"Well, for a gang of double-dyed traitors commend me to the Guides and their English and native officers!" exclaimed Munro, his eyes twinkling with delight at the thought of the trick.
"All Bahram Khan's idea," laughed Jim. "We'd sent scouts ahead, and yesterday we heard of the arrival of the 138th and learned that they possessed artillery. I felt that I'd no right to risk my handful against such overwhelming odds, so I consulted the ressaidar[8]. That gentlemen also thought the task hopeless at first, then he suddenly burst out into a demoniacal laugh.
"'Why, Captain Sahib,' said he,'why shouldn't we mutiny? We could kill you and make friends with the poorbeahs. Then I'd take command of the rebels--the curs will only be too glad to have me--and I could get possession of the guns and post the men as I choose. With our men at the guns and behind the guns, we can sweep the poorbeahs from off the earth!'
"It was a glorious idea; we explained it to the men, who took it in like so many school-boys. Those little Gurkha fiends turned somersault as they thought of the pandies[9] being taken in; and they laughed till the tears rolled down their smooth cheeks. I stained my face and put on one of the men's uniforms, whilst Bahram Khan squeezed himself into mine, and everything worked beautifully."
[9] A nickname for rebels. Mongul Pandy was the name of the first noted mutineer.
"And did no one suspect?" asked the major.
"Not a soul! You see, there never were such rabid haters of the British as we have been for the past twenty-four hours! We were quite willing to eat you all, either cooked or raw; no half-measures with the Guides!"
"You disgustin' treacherous brutes!" chirped our ensign, who was in a state of wild and gleeful excitement.
Bahram Khan stood by, grinning, well pleased with his handiwork, as were all these stalwart soldiers of the Guide Corps. Jim Russell's story ended, the deputy-commissioner passed his arm through Munro's, and, announcing that he wished to consult him with respect to granting a reward to the loyal Rajputs, he led the major from the room. The remark was accompanied by a significant look, and, taking the hint, the remaining officers made some excuse to leave.