off.

"I have been thinking it over. We have all got bullets in our
pockets, to drop into our guns over the shot, in case of necessity.
But these smooth-bore fowling pieces are of no good, except at
close quarters; while the Afghan matchlocks will carry straight, a
long way. Therefore, if we had to make a running fight of it, we
should get the worst of it; for these fellows could keep up with
us, easily--besides, there are the servants. Therefore, if a shot
is fired, my advice is that we should make a dash at the chief's
house. Seize that, and hold it."

"Yes, that would be a good plan," Fortescue said, for they were all
sobered now, by Will's gravity; and convinced that there must be
good grounds for his belief in danger.

"Look here, Gale, we are all senior to you in the date of our
commissions, but you have seen no end of service and adventure;
therefore I vote that you shall be commanding officer, until we get
back to camp."

The others willingly agreed.

"Very well," Will said, "I will do my best.

"Hammond, will you tell your servant to get ready for a start, at
once. Speak to him quietly and carelessly. Then, as the men move up
more towards the ponies, tell them--in Hindustanee--to go about
their work quietly but, in case of any trouble with the Afghans, to
out with their swords, and join us in a rush at the chief's house."

Hammond carried out his instructions. The two Beloochees were not
taken by surprise; for they, as well as Yossouf, had been feeling
uneasy at the disappearance of all women and children from the
scene. The other men looked startled; but they were stout fellows
and, as all the native servants, were armed with swords, to enable
them to resist sudden attacks by the country people; and as they
had unbounded faith in their masters, they went about the work of
packing up the plates and dishes, and preparing for a start,
quietly enough.

As the Syces began to put the saddles on the tats, the Afghans
spoke quickly and angrily together. Two or three minutes later,
Yossouf arrived. He had evidently been running, for his breath came
quick; but he now walked forward in a leisurely way.

"Two large parties are coming, master; one down the valley, and the
other across the hills. They have got flags with them, and I am
sure they are going to attack us."

Just at this moment an Afghan lad joined his seniors, and spoke
rapidly to them. Will judged at once that he also had been placed
on the wa