I requested Mrs.Baker to stand behind me and point out any man who should attempt to uncover his locks when I should give the order to lay down their arms.

The act of uncovering the locks would prove his intention, in which event I intended to shoot him immediately and take my chance with the rest of the conspirators.
I had quite determined that these scoundrels should not rob me of my own arms and ammunition, if I could prevent it.
The drum beat, and the vakeel himself went into the men's quarters and endeavored to prevail upon them to answer the call.

At length fifteen assembled in line; the others were nowhere to be found.

The locks of the arms were secured by mackintosh as ordered.

It was thus impossible for any man to fire at me until he should have released his locks.
Upon assembling in line I ordered them immediately to lay down their arms.