barracks, and within an hour or two they will start along this road
for Bholat, which they have a mind to loot likewise. My advice to
you is retire at once. Get me another horse from somewhere, that
I may carry warning. Then follow me as fast as you and your men
can move."

"Bah!" said Brown. "They'll find General Baines to deal with them
at Bholat."

"Who knows yet how many in Bholat have not risen? Are you positive
that the garrison there has not already been surrounded by rebels?
I am not! I would not be at all surprised to learn that General Baines
is so busy defending himself that he can not move in any direction.
And--does your honor mean to hold this guardroom here against
five thousand?"

"I mean to obey my orders!" answered Brown.

"And your orders are?"

"My orders!"

"Would they preclude the provision of another horse for me?"

"There's a village about a mile away, down over yonder, where I think
you'll find a decent horse--along that road there."

"And your honor's orders would possibly permit a certain payment for
the horse?"