but, so far as we can make out, there is no sign of
movement in their lines. However, they may start at daybreak tomorrow."

"I will go out to see if you like, Major," Bathurst said quietly. "I
can get native clothes from the servants, and I speak the language well
enough to pass as a native; so if you give me permission I will go out
to the lines and learn what their intentions are."

"It would be a very dangerous undertaking," the Major said gravely.

"I have no fear whatever of danger of that kind, Major; my nerves are
steady enough, except when there is a noise of firearms, and then, as
you all saw this morning, I cannot control them, do what I will. Risks
of any other kind I am quite prepared to undertake, but in this matter
I think the danger is very slight, the only difficulty being to get
through the line of sentries they have no doubt posted round the house.
Once past them, I think there is practically no risk whatever of their
recognizing me when made up as a native. The Doctor has, no doubt, got
some iodine in his surgery, and a coat of that will bring me to the
right color."

"Well, if you are ready to undertake it, I will not refuse," the Major
said. "How would you propose to get out?"

"I noticed yesterday that the branches of one of the trees in the garden
extended beyond the top of the wall. I will climb up that and lower
myself on the other side by a rope; that is a very simple matter. The
spot is close to the edge of Mr. Hunter's compound, and I shall work my
way through the shrubbery till I feel sure I am beyond any sentries
who may be posted there; the chances are that they will not be thick
anywhere, except opposite the gate. By the way, Captain Forster, before
I go I must thank you for having risked your life to save mine this
morning. I heard from Mrs. Hunter that it was you and the Doctor who
rushed forward and drew me back."

"It is not worth talking about," Captain Forster said carelessly. "You
seemed bent on making a target of yourself; and as the Major's orders
were that everyone was to lie down, there was nothing for it but to
remove you."

Bathurst turned to Dr. Wade. "Will you superintend my get up, Doctor?"

"Certainly," the Doctor said, with alacrity. "I will guarantee that,
with the aid of my boy, I will turn you out so that no one would know
you even in broad daylight, to say nothing of the dark."

A quarter of an hour sufficed to metamorphose Bathurst into an Oude
peasant.