The communication was effected by a
shoulder which, starting from a point halfway up the rock, joined the
hill behind it. Along this shoulder were walls and gateways. An enemy
attacking these would be exposed to the fire from the summit of the
rock. From the point where the shoulder joined the rock, a zigzag road
had been cut, with enormous labour, in the face of the rock, to the
summit.
"It is a strong place," Charlie said to Tim Kelly, who was walking by
his horse's head; "and should be able to hold out against anything but
starvation. That is to say, if properly defended."
"It's a powerful place, surely," Tim said; "and would puzzle the ould
boy himself to take. Even Captain Clive, who is afeard of nothing,
would be bothered by it."
As they rode up the valley, two horsemen were seen spurring towards
them, from the town. They drew rein before Charlie; and one, bowing,
said:
"My master, the rajah, sends his greeting to you, and begs to know if
you are the illustrious soldier, Nadir Ali, for whom his heart has
been longing."
"Will you tell your lord that Nadir Ali is here," Charlie said, "and
that he longs to see the face of the rajah."
One of the horsemen at once rode off, and the other took his place by
the side of Charlie; and, having introduced himself as captain of the
rajah's bodyguard, rode with him through the town.
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