I let my horse edge nearer, not believing--until ears confirmed eyes.

I heard Colonel Kirby speak, very loud, indeed, as a man to whom good news comes.
"Ranjoor Singh!" said he; and he took him by the hand and wrung it.
"Thank God!" he said, speaking from the heart as the British do at times when they forget that others listen.

"Thank God, old man! You've come in the nick of time!" So I was right, and my heart leapt in me.

He was with us before the blood ran! Every man in the squadron recognized him now, and I knew every eye had watched to see Colonel Kirby draw saber and cut him down, for habit of thought is harder to bend than a steel bar.

But I could feel the squadron coming round to my way of thinking as Colonel Kirby continued talking to him, obviously making him an explanation of our plan.
"Join your squadron, man--hurry!" I heard Colonel Kirby say at last, for taking advantage of the darkness I had let my horse draw very near to them.