The Major shouted to the others in the house
to hold their fire but be on their guard.
After a pause the flag advanced, borne by a coolie. It was followed by a
group of men; and Dermot through the glasses recognised the Rajah and
Chunerbutty accompanied by several Brahmins. They advanced timidly towards
the bungalow and stopped a hundred yards away. After some urging
Chunerbutty stepped to the front and called for Daleham to appear.
Fred came through the house from the back verandah, where his place was
taken by Sher Afzul. He looked over the barricade. Chunerbutty came nearer
and shouted:
"Daleham, the Rajah gives you one more chance to surrender. You see your
case is hopeless. You can have a quarter of an hour to think things over.
If at the end of that time you and your sister don't come out, we'll rush
the bungalow and finish you all."
Standing under the white flag he drew out his watch.
"Thank you," said Daleham; "and our reply is that if in a quarter of an
hour you're still there, you'll get a bullet through you, white flag or no
white flag."
He turned to Dermot whose arm was around Noreen as she crouched beside him.
"Well, Major, it's fifteen more minutes of life, that's all."
"Yes, it's nearly the end now. I've only two cartridges left."
"We're all in the same box. Getting near time we said good-bye.
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