From time to time, from a door some distance
along the side of the house, opening on to the wall, a white figure
came out, stretched himself as if unable to sleep, looked for a while
over the parapet down into the valley, appeared to listen intently,
and then sauntered into the house again.
It was the cook, Hossein. It was his custom. Successive sentries had,
for many nights past, seen him do the same; but in a country where the
nights are hot, a sleepless servant attracts but little attention.
Upon the occasion of one of these visits to the parapet, he stood in
an attitude of deep attention, longer than usual. Then he carelessly
sauntered back. It was but a moment later that his face appeared at
the window next to that of Charlie's bedroom. He stretched his head
out, and again listened intently. Then he went to Tim, who was
sleeping heavily on a couch placed there, and touched him. He put his
hand on his lips, as Tim sprang up.
"Take arm," he said, in Hindostanee. "Bad man coming."
Tim understood the words and, seizing a sword and pistol which lay
close to the bedside, followed Hossein, who had glided up the stairs,
with a drawn tulwar in his hand. At the moment he did so, there was a
noise of heavy bodies dropping, followed by a sudden shout from
Charlie.
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