The lower part of the
hill was, wherever ascent seemed possible, protected by walls, one
behind the other. The natives had regarded the fort as absolutely
impregnable, until it was stormed by the troops under Lord Cornwallis.
Dick looked with intense interest at the great rock, with its numerous
fortifications. The damages committed by the British guns could not be
seen at this distance, and it seemed to him well-nigh impossible that
the place could have been captured. They rode on, until they neared an
entrance in the wall that encircled the fort, at the side at which,
alone, access was considered possible.
They were challenged as they approached. Ordering the troopers to
remain behind, Dick and Surajah rode forward.
"We are the bearers," Surajah cried out, as they reined in their
horses within twenty yards of the gate, "of an order from the sultan
for our admittance, and of a letter to Mirzah Mohammed Bukshy, the
governor."
"I will send up word to him," an officer on the wall replied. "I can
admit no one, until I have received his orders to do so."
"How long will it be before we receive an answer?"
"An hour and a half, at the earliest. I regret that your Excellencies
will be inconvenienced, but my orders are absolute.
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