There seemed nobody in sight; but that is a bold guess in
Delhi, where the shadows all have eyes.
He gave a quiet order, and trooper number one passed his reins to
number two.
"Go and try that door. Kick it in if you can--but be quick, and try
not to be noisy!"
The trooper swung out of the saddle and obeyed, while Warrington and
the other man faced back to back, watching each way against surprise.
In India, as in lands less "civilized," the cavalry are not allowed
to usurp the functions of police, and the officer or man who tries it
does so at his own risk. There came a sound of sudden thundering on
teak that ceased after two minutes.
"The door is stout. There is no answer from within," said the trooper.
"Then wait here on foot," commanded Warrington. "Get under cover and
watch. Stay here until you're relieved, unless something particularly
worth reporting happens; in that case, hurry and report. For
instance"--he hesitated, trying to imagine something out of the
unimaginable--"suppose the risaldar-major were to come out, then give
him the message and come home with him. But--oh, suppose the place
takes fire, or there's a riot, or you hear a fight going on inside--
then hurry to barracks--understand?"
The wet trooper nodded and saluted.
"Get into a shadow, then, and keep as dry as you can," ordered
Warrington.
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