but even suppose this trouble takes the very worst
form possible, I do not think you will come so very badly out of it as
you anticipate. Even assuming that you are unable to do your part in
absolute fighting, there may be other opportunities, and most likely
will, in which you may be able to show that although unable to control
your nerves in the din of battle, you possess in other respects coolness
and courage. That feat of yours of attacking the tiger with the dog whip
shows conclusively that under many circumstances you are capable of most
daring deeds."

Bathurst sat looking down for some minutes. "God grant that it may
be so," he said at last; "but it is no use talking about it any more,
Doctor. I suppose Major Hannay will keep a sharp lookout over the men?"

"Yes; there was a meeting of the officers this afternoon. It was agreed
to make no outward change, and to give the troops no cause whatever to
believe that they are suspected. They all feel confident of the goodwill
of the men; at the same time they will watch them closely, and if the
news comes of further trouble, they will prepare the courthouse as a
place of refuge."

"That is a very good plan; but of course everything depends upon
whether, if the troops do rise in mutiny, the people of Oude should join
them. They are a fighting race, and if they should throw in their lot
against us the position would be a desperate one."

"Well, there is no doubt," the Doctor said, "that the Rajah of Bithoor
would be with us; that will make Cawnpore safe, and will largely
influence all the great Zemindars, though there is no doubt that a
good many of them have been sulky ever since the disarmament order was
issued. I believe there are few of them who have not got cannon hidden
away or buried, and as for the people, the number of arms given up was
as nothing to what we know they possessed. In other parts of India I
believe the bulk of the people will be with us; but here in Oude, our
last annexation, I fear that they will side against us, unless all the
great landowners range themselves on our side."

"As far as I can see," Bathurst said, "the people are contented with the
change. I don't say what I may call the professional fighting class,
the crowd of retainers kept by the great landowners, who were constantly
fighting against each other. Annexation has put a stop to all that, and
the towns are crowded with these fighting men, who hate us bitterly; but
the peasants,