As it would probably be attacked, and might have to fight hard, he decided on leaving only thirty Europeans and fifty Sepoys within the fort.

He appointed Doctor Rae to the command of the post during his absence, and placed Charlie and Peters under his orders.
"I wonder whether they will have any fighting," Charlie said, as the three officers looked from the walls of the fort after the departing force.
"I wish we had gone with them," Peters put in; "but it will be a long march, in the heat." "I should think," Doctor Rae said, "that they are sure to have fighting.

I only hope they may not be attacked at night.

The men are very young and inexperienced, and there is nothing tries new soldiers so much as a night attack.

However, from what I hear of their own wars, I believe that night attacks are rare among them.