They had held their tongues while Juggut Khan was there, because
they happened to know Brown too well to do otherwise. He would have
snubbed any man who dared to question him before the Indian. But,
now that the Indian was gone, curiosity could stay no longer
within bounds.

"What is it, Sergeant? Anything been happening? What's the news?
What's that I heard him say about rebellion? They're a rum lot, them
Rajputs. D'you think he's square? Tell us, Sergeant!"

"Listen, then. Rebellion has broken out. The native barracks at
Jailpore have been burned, and all the English officers are killed--
or so says Juggut Khan. He's riding on, to carry the news to General
Baines. He says that the mutineers are planning to come along this
way some time within the next few hours!"

"What are we going to do, then?"

"That's my business! I'm in command here!"

"Yes, but, Sergeant--aren't you going back to Bholat? Aren't you
going to follow him? Are you going to stay here and get cut up?
We'll get caught here like rats in a trap!"

"Are you giving orders here?" asked Brown acidly. "Fall in! Come
on, now! Hurry! 'Tshun--eyes right--ri'--dress. Eyes--front. Ri'--
turn. By the left--quick--march! Silence, now! Left! Left! Left!"

He marched them back toward the crossroads without giving them any
further opportunity to remonstrate or ask for information.