force?"

"My cousin, Tasatat Maharajah."

"And when will he start?"

"In about four weeks, I hope."

The officer shook his head.

"That would be much longer than we can allow. Your force is to join my
detachment, and I am starting at latest in a fortnight from now."

"You are asking what is impossible. At present we have not a sufficient
number of horses, and I do not know where to procure two thousand camels
in such a short time; and I have not nearly enough ammunition for the
infantry."

"The requisite ammunition can be provided by the arsenal at Mooltan and
debited to your account, Highness. As for the horses and camels,
you will, no doubt, be able to furnish them in time, if you take the
trouble. I repeat that in a fortnight all must be ready. Do not forget
that the punctual execution of these orders is in a way an earnest of
your fidelity and zeal. Every unwarranted delay and all equivocation on
your part will be fatal to you."

The emphasis with which these words were spoken showed how seriously
they were meant, and the Maharajah, whose yellow skin had for a moment
become darker, silently inclined his head.