But the Doctor did not answer. He had already turned away, and was
making for the stairs.
"May I go with you, Doctor?" Isobel Hannay said, following him.
"It is very hot down here."
"Yes; come along, child; but there is no time to lose, for Bathurst
must be near where they are likely to have posted their sentries
by this time."
"Everything quiet, Wilson?" he asked the young subaltern, who, with
another, was on guard on the roof.
"Yes; we have heard nothing except a few distant shouts and noises
out at the lines. Round here there has been nothing moving, except
that we heard someone go out into the garden just now."
"I went out with Bathurst," the Doctor said. "He has gone in the
disguise of a native to the Sepoy lines, to find out what are their
intentions."
"I heard the talk over it, Doctor. I only came up on watch a few
minutes since. I thought it was most likely him when I heard the
steps."
"I hope he is beyond the sentries," the Doctor said. "I have come
up here to listen."
"I expect he is through them before this," Wilson said confidently.
"I wish I could have gone with him; but of course it would not have
been any good. It is a beautiful night--isn't it, Miss Hannay?
--and there is scarcely any dew falling."
"Now, you go off to your post in the corner, Wilson. Your instructions
are to listen for the slightest sound, and to assure us against
the Sepoys creeping up to the walls. We did not come up here to
distract you from your duties, or to gossip.
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