We were all ready to die around Colonel Kirby at any minute.

Even Gooja Singh was ready to do that.
"Does the colonel sahib accept the situation ?" one of the troopers asked.
"Aye, for he must," said Gooja Singh; and I could not deny it.
"Ranjoor Singh went over his head and orders have come from the rear." I could not deny that either, although I did not believe it.
How should I, or any one, know what passed after Ranjoor Singh had been sent for by the Intelligence officers?
I was his half-friend in those days, sahib.

Worse than his enemy--unwilling to take part against him, yet unready to speak up in his defense.

Doubtless my silence went for consent among the troopers.
The end of the discussion found men unafraid.

"If the colonel sahib is willing to be bait," said they, "then so be we, but let us see to it that none hang back." And so the whole regiment made up its mind to die desperately, yet with many a sidewise glance at Ranjoor Singh, who was watched more carefully than I think he guessed in those days.