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. "Come on!" he called to the other man.

And a second later he was charging through the street as if he rode
with despatches through a zone of rifle fire. Behind him clattered a
rain-soaked trooper and two horses.

Colonel Kirby stepped out of his bathroom just as Warrington
arrived, and arranged his white dress-tie before the sitting-room
mirror.