Each marched backward and forward some eight paces to the right, and as
much to the left, of the tent, halting occasionally. When both marched
right and left at the same time, they were in sight of each other except
during the time of passing before and behind the tent; when they walked
alternately, the tent hid them altogether from each other.

"I suppose there is no chance of our being able to gag that fellow, Ned?
It's horrid to think of killing a man in cold blood."

"There is no help for it, Dick. If he were alone, we might gag him; as it
is, he must be killed. These scoundrels are all mutineers and murderers.
This regiment has, no doubt, like the others, killed its officers, and all
the men, women, and children at the station. I would not kill the man
unless it could be helped, but our father's life depends upon it; and to
save him I would, if there were no other way, cut the throats of the whole
regiment while they were asleep! This is no ordinary war, Dick; it is a
struggle for existence; and though I'm sure I hate the thought of it, I
shall not hesitate for an instant."

"I shan't hesitate," the midshipman said; "but I wish the fellow could
make a fight of it. However, as he would kill me if he had a chance, he
mustn't grumble if I do the same for him. Now, Ned, you tell me exactly
what I am to do, and you may rely on my doing it."

Every minute detail of the scheme was discussed and arranged; and then, as
the sun set, the boys lit a fire in a nullah and boiled some rice, and ate
their food with lighter hearts than they had done since they left
Sandynugghur, for the knowledge that their father had escaped death had
lifted a heavy burden from their hearts. As to the danger of the
expedition that they were about to undertake, with the happy recklessness