"If we do, even supposing there are no Fung waiting beyond the rise, those inside the town will soon catch us on their swift horses.

We must scare them before we bolt, and then those that are left of them may let us alone.

Now listen to me.

When I give the word, you two take the camels outside and make them kneel about fifty yards away, not nearer, for I don't know the effective range of these new explosives; it may be greater than I think.

I shall wait until the Fung are well over the mine and then fire it, after which I hope to join you.
If I don't, ride as hard as you can go to that White Rock, and if you reach Mur give my compliments to the Child of Kings, or whatever she is called, and say that although I have been prevented from waiting upon her, Sergeant Quick understands as much about picrates as I do.