But the six men relaxed their limbs.

They had expected the loud note of the Pathan war-cry to swell sonorously, and with intervals shorter and shorter until it became one menacing and continuous roar.
"It is someone close under the walls," said Luffe, and as he ended a Sikh orderly appeared at the entrance of a passage into the courtyard, and, advancing to the table, saluted.
"Sahib, there is a man who claims that he comes with a message from Wafadar Nazim." "Tell him that we receive no messages at night, as Wafadar Nazim knows well.

Let him come in the morning and he shall be admitted.

Tell him that if he does not go back at once the sentinels will fire." And Luffe nodded to one of the younger officers.

"Do you see to it, Haslewood." Haslewood rose and went out from the courtyard with the orderly.