The War Chest Read Online Free Page B

sneak up on the Navy men, Captain sahib, and—’ he mimed slitting his throat.
    Horne shook his head. ‘Not with their firearms, Jingee. It’d be too risky.’ Turning to Bapu, he asked, ‘Is there a back entrance to small houses like that?’
    Bapu knew the house and replied without hesitation. ‘No, sir. It’s called a howdah, like a howdah on the back of an elephant. But instead of four curtains, its walls are grass and wood.’
    ‘Which burn.’
    Bapu looked at the others. ‘I’m afraid so, sir. The heat of one musket ball could set it ablaze.’
    The men exchanged glances.
    By now Kiro, shirtless and wearing only his white Japanese trousers, had joined the group. ‘There are five of us, sir,’ he said. ‘We can cross by the roof tops and drop down on the wagon from both sides.’
    Horne had taken that and other facts into consideration. But apart from being worried about fire, he was also concerned that his men might become too enthusiastic in a rescue attempt. Their loathing of press gangs—coupled with the anticipation of a long-awaited reunion—could easily intoxicate them and turn what should be a minor venture into a wild, excessive blood bath.
    ‘We must remember that if we kill one of them, we’ve got a price on our heads,’ he cautioned. ‘They’re the King’s men, for better or worse.’ Turning to Bapu, he asked, ‘Can you get horses where you work?’
    ‘Four, sir.’
    ‘Fetch them.’
    Before Bapu could move, there was a sudden lull in the shooting. Horne removed his cocked hat and leaned round the corner again. He quickly withdrew his head.
    Keeping his back to the wall, he whispered, ‘Two men are coming this way. One’s a Marine. The other’s Indian. Bapu, look and tell me if you recognise him.’
    Bapu dropped to the ground and peered round the base of the wall. Rising to his feet, he stood beside Horne, saying, ‘Aye, I know him, sir. The dirty Sudra’ sname is Rangi. He hangs around wharfside taverns. There’s no doubt about it, sir. He’s probably the one who betrayed their hideout.’
    ‘Get the horses, Bapu. Bring them back here.’
    When Bapu had departed, Horne began explaining the first steps of his hurriedly improvised plan to the other three men.
    ‘Kiro, you come with me.’
    The Japanese moved to Horne’s side.
    Looking from Jud to Jingee, Horne continued, ‘There’s an alleyway halfway down the street. You two wait here. Don’t move until you see Kiro and me go into the alleyway. Understand?’
    ‘Aye, aye, sir,’ nodded Jud.
    ‘Aye, aye, Captain sahib,’ whispered Jingee.
    Horne beckoned to Kiro. ‘Let’s go.’
    Resettling the cocked hat on his head, he rounded the corner and walked authoritatively toward the two approaching men. Kiro followed a few steps behind him.
    The Royal Marine halted when he saw Horne’s gold-faced uniform. Touching the base of his tall shako hat, he reported, ‘Men resisting the King’s forces here, Captain.’
    Pleased for once that his frock-coat so closely resembled the Royal Navy’s uniform, Horne continued walking towards the Royal Marine, speaking in a firm but low voice so as not to alert the men kneeling behind the cart.
    He demanded, ‘Who’s in charge, Sergeant?’
    The Marine began to reply but Horne’s left arm flew at him, striking his chin. Using the ancient Greek method of open-hand fighting, he cut his other hand into the man’s chest and neck. Kiro used Karate to attack the Indian spy, knocking him unconscious with three deft chops.
    Seeing Horne and Kiro pull the two men into the alleyway, Jingee and Jud raced towards them, pulling off belts and turbans to gag and bind the two victims.
    The four friends quickly tied the men’s hands and feet, then Horne whispered, ‘Jud, you come with Kiro and me. Jingee, you wait here until you see it’s clear to make a dash for the house.’ Readjusting his hat, smoothing his shirt and frock-coat he stepped from the alley, followed by Kiro and Jud.
    As they