He warned me to be very careful, if I travelled with strangers, for that these men travel in all sorts of disguises.
"So I think that, as far as that goes, we could boldly put on our uniforms and badges again, and ride into Savandroog.

The disadvantage of doing so is, however, plain.

The commander would remain with us all the time.

We should get no opportunity of speaking privately with any of the soldiers, and, taking us to be in Tippoo's confidence, he would, as before, shirk the question of prisoners.

On the other hand, if we can get in as traders we shall be able to move about unwatched--to go to the soldiers' huts and offer goods to their wives, and be able to find out, to a certainty, if there is a prisoner there, and, if so, where he is kept.