CHAPTER 16: The Journey.
The syce brought out his horse, as soon as he saw Dick approaching.
"You need not wait up for us, after nine o'clock," Dick said, as he mounted.

"It is possible that we may be detained, and shall not return until tomorrow evening.

If we come, we shall certainly be back by nine at the latest, and we shall not be back before seven, at any rate, so that until then you are free to do as you like." He rode quietly off, and did not quicken his pace until he had got beyond the fort.

Then he touched the horse with his heel, and cantered down to the ford.

Surajah was halfway across the river, when he reached it.