The Keepers of the People

1258“But I don’t fear that. They will see the palace from the pass, and sure that it is the seat of government, they will march for it at once: I know their leader. Our first position across the highway will show our desire to defend it. Besides, look you, advancing this way, their left flank is always covered by the mountain wall.”

1259“Well, it is a good plan, a very good plan. Of course, plans on paper fail; the thing is to work them out,” said Colonel Sayers.

1260“Yes; the only thing that upsets it is that they should march for the centre of the country. But we don’t take much risk; four thousand men can hold eight thousand long enough,” said Prince Ralph. “Or to make sure, we will have two more regiments, picked regiments, out here with the cavalry. We shall be able to drive back any reconnaissance in force.”

1261“Yes; that will be better,” said the old Prince.

1262“Now, I think, we may go and set about it,” said Prince Ralph, rising. He went out with Colonel Sayers, Lord Lisdor along with them. The old Prince, Althea, Ruth, and Vashti went to the top of the central tower, and watched the plain below. The picked regiments lay encamped in it; and very soon they broke up their camp, and three of them marched away to the left, followed by the two batteries; two of them with five Maxims marched across the plain to join the cavalry who were lying above the pass. They saw Prince Ralph, Colonel Sayers and the staff ride down the highway; watched the marching regiments for a while; and went down to their mid-day meal.

1263Ruth and Althea talked little; they were oppressed by a deep anxiety; and the thought of the thousands of men doomed to die soon was heavy on them. Ruth too was in a great, growing fear for Prince Ralph, which was not shared by Althea. She knew that, since the welfare of the people hung by the thread of his life, he would run no risks; moreover, she believed in the good fortune of the Princes of Varandaleel. In the afternoon they went back to the tower. The three regiments, who had marched to the left, were already encamped behind the belt of woods; three miles down the highway behind the belt of woods on the right of the plain, another camp was being pitched by regiments coming up from the pass. This was the second Varandal position. Along the highways in the middle of the country came long, crawling trains of waggons, herds of oxen, and droves of sheep. When they tired of watching, they came down to the Golden Rooms. Ruth was unnerved and restless from anxiety; Althea left her pacing slowly the garden, and went to the Pavilion of Wonderful Delights.