Dick took, from the saddlebag of the horse Ibrahim was leading, the bottle of liquid with which he was in the habit of renewing his staining every few days, and darkened his father's face and hands.

Then they took off their costumes as merchants, and put on their peasants' attire.

Dick directed Ibrahim to make a detour, so as to avoid the town and come down on the road half a mile beyond it, and there wait until they rejoined them--for his father was to accompany Ibrahim.
It was growing light as Dick and Surajah entered the town, and in half an hour the streets became alive with people.

After some search, they found a man who had several horses to sell, and, after the proper amount of bargaining, they purchased three fairly good animals.
Another half hour was occupied in procuring saddles and bridles, and, after riding through quiet streets to avoid questioning, they left the town, and soon rejoined their companions.
"Now, Surajah," Dick said, "we will be colonels again for a bit." The saddlebags were again opened, and in a few minutes they were transformed.
"Why, where on earth did you get those uniforms ?" Captain Holland asked, in surprise.

"Those sashes are the signs that their wearers are officers of the Palace, for I have seen them more than once at Kistnagherry; and the badges are those of colonels.