Colonel Starr found himself hoping even more that the boy should stand firm than that he should speak.

Colonel Starr began to say softly within himself, 'I am a brute.' The fifth minute was up.

'Will you speak ?' asked the Colonel.
'Burra sahib, no,' said Sunni.
At that instant Lieutenant Pink galloped up to the door of the tent.
'They've come to their senses at last, sir.

Six mounted men have just left the north gate, signalling for a parley.' The Colonel jumped to his feet and gave half a dozen orders without stopping.

The last one was to Sunni.