You will
gather what is said in the town, can listen to the Sepoys, and
examine the Subada Ke Kothee. If you like I will go there with you
now. My daughter shall come with us; she may be useful, and will
be glad to be doing something."
They went out from the city towards the prison house, which stood
in an open space round which were several other buildings, some of
them surrounded with gardens and walls.
The Subada Ke Kothee was a large building, forming three sides of
a square, a strong high wall forming the fourth side. It was low,
with a flat roof. There were no windows or openings in the outside
wall, the chambers all facing the courtyard. Two sentries were at
the gate. They were in the red Sepoy uniform, and Bathurst saw at
once how much the bonds of discipline had been relaxed. Both had
leaned their muskets against the wall; one was squatted on the
ground beside his firearm, and the other was talking with two or
three natives of his acquaintance. The gates were closed.
As they watched, a native officer came up. He stood for a minute
talking with the soldiers. By his gesticulations it could be seen
he was exceedingly angry, and the men took their muskets and began
to walk up and down. Then the officer knocked at the gate. Instead
of its being opened, a man appeared at a loophole in the gate tower,
and the officer handed to him a paper. A minute later the gate was
opened sufficiently for him to pass in, and was then closed behind
him.
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