The moonshee went down to the bazaar, and purchased
the clothes which would be necessary for the disguises; and Charlie
found, in his company, four Sepoys who willingly agreed to accompany
him, in the character of his retainers, upon his expedition. As to
their costume, there was no difficulty. When off duty, the Sepoys in
the Company's service were accustomed to dress in their native attire.
Consequently, it needed only the addition of a tulwar, or short curved
sword; a shield, thrown over one shoulder; a long matchlock; and two
or three pistols and daggers, stuck into a girdle, to complete their
equipment.
Charlie himself was dressed gaily, in the garb of a military officer
in the service of an Indian rajah. He was to ride, and a horse,
saddle, and gay housings were procured. He had, at last, given in to
Tim's entreaties; and that worthy was dressed as a syce, or horse
keeper.
Both Charlie and Tim had had those portions of their skin exposed to
the air darkened, and both would pass muster, at a casual inspection.
Charlie, in thus concealing his nationality, desired only to hide the
fact that he was an officer in the Company's service. He believed that
it would be impossible for him to continue to pass as a Bheel.
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