ersationally. He was a plump, well-cared-for little man, hampered
by half a dozen boys and girls clamouring for education at home, and
was beginning to lose his taste for scratch picnics across the Border.
"This sort of thing sets one hankering for the hills. I suppose you
won't be doing wonders up Tibet way this year, Lenox? Metal more
attractive, and all that sort of thing, eh?"

"Yes, I shall stick to the Battery for the present," Lenox answered,
ignoring the playful allusion: and Richardson, detecting annoyance in
the tone, put in his own oar deftly enough.

"Unwin's the lucky beggar. When do you sail, old chap?"

"To-day fortnight, praise the powers! No more dancing attendance on
Waziris for eighteen good months to come." He stretched his cramped
legs contentedly. "Those Johnnies on the wall seem to be getting bored
with our show. We ought to have brought a couple of banjos along to
amuse their majesties!"

It was true. Gradually, by twos and threes, the villagers were melting
away: and Desmond, who was leaning against a tree trunk close to
Norton, helmet tilted over his nose, apparently half asleep, touched
the civilian's arm.

"I say, Norton," he said under his breath. "Take your oath it's all
square?"

Norton looked round sharply.

"My dear man, we've eaten their food. Ever know a Pathan commit a
breach of hospitality?"

"No. But it looks queer."

For by now their audience had practically disappeared. The village
wall was empty, save for one crouching figure, that sprang suddenly and
silently to its full height, and brandished a bared sword: the blade
flashing like a helio in the strong light.

"What's the _mutlub_[3] of that theatrical interlude?" Richardson
demanded with a laugh; and was answered by a signal shot from the
watch-tower behind.

In a flash all eight of them were on their feet: Montague and Lenox
shouting to their men to 'fall in.'

The order was obeyed with incredible promptness. But the Waziris had
the advantage of playing a prepared game; and before the officers had
time to disperse a murderous fire was poured upon them from all sides
at once: from the village, the watch-tower, and the huts on the left.
Swift as magic the walls bristled with picked marksmen, armed with
matchlocks, Winchesters, and Martini Henry's stolen from Border
sentries: and it was clear that the enemy held the nullah in great
strength.

"Massacre, by God!" Desmond muttered between his teeth