124 PREPARATIONS FOR THE WORST. [ chap . iii . 
I had supplied each of my men with a piece of 
mackintosh waterproof to be tied over the locks of 
their guns during the march. I now ordered the 
drum to be beat, and all the men to form in line 
in marching order, with their locks tied up in the 
waterproof. I requested Mrs. Baker to stand behind 
me, and to point out any man who should attempt 
to uncover his locks, when I should give the order 
to lay down their arms. The act of uncovering the 
locks would prove his intention, in which event I 
intended to shoot him immediately, and take my 
chance with the rest of the conspirators. 
I had quite determined that these scoundrels should 
not rob me of my own arms and ammunition, if I 
could prevent it. 
The drum beat, and the vakeel himself went into 
the men's quarters, and endeavoured to prevail upon 
them to answer the call. At length fifteen assembled 
in line; the others were nowhere to be found. The 
locks of the arms were secured by mackintosh as 
ordered; it was thus impossible for any man to fire 
at me until he should have released his locks. 
Upon assembling in line I ordered them imme¬ 
diately to lay down their arms. This, with insolent 
looks of defiance, they refused to do. “ Down with 
your guns this moment," I shouted, “ sons of dogs! ” 
