It would come to the same thing. We might kill
a good many, but in the long run three hundred men would be more
than a match for a dozen, and then the women would be at their
mercy. Well, we had better be moving, or we shall not have time to
go round to the bungalows before the people set out for the Major's."
It was a painful mission that Bathurst had to perform, for he
had to tell those he called upon that almost certain death was at
hand, but the news was everywhere received calmly. The strain had
of late been so great, that the news that the crisis was at hand was
almost welcome. He did not stay long anywhere, but, after setting
the alternative before them, left husband and wife to discuss
whether to try to make down to Allahabad or to take refuge in the
fort.
Soon after nine o'clock all were at Major Hannay's. There were
pale faces among them, but no stranger would have supposed that
the whole party had just received news which was virtually a death
warrant. The ladies talked together as usual, while the men moved
in and out of the room, sometimes talking with the Major, sometimes
sitting down for a few minutes in the veranda outside, or talking
there in low tones together.
The Major moved about among them, and soon learned that all had
resolved to stay and meet together whatever came, preferring that
to the hardships and unknown dangers of flight.
"I am glad you have all decided so," he said quietly. "In the state
the country is, the chances of getting to Allahabad are next to
nothing.
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