Harry and his men had dismounted, and were still standing by their horses.
The rajah sprang from his saddle as he rode up.
"The gods be thanked that I see you safely here, my friend!" he said.

"When I arrived at your house, I feared that all was over, for these rebels had gained possession.

You must not blame me for not arriving sooner.

When the firing was heard, I feared that the rabble of the town, aided perhaps by many of my soldiers, were attacking you; although, until the officer who commanded the guard I had placed there returned, I did not dream how serious the business was.

Then I got my soldiers together; but this occupied some time, as many of them were in the town.