The hills were about a mile and three-quarters above the level of the Indian Ocean, and frequent showers of rain made the climate so raw that Heideck rode with his cloak on, and Edith flung a dragoon’s long cloak over her shoulders to protect herself against the cold.

The officers were commissioned to search the Government buildings for important legal documents and papers, which the English Government might have left behind in Simla, and which were of importance to the Russian Government.

Heideck had to examine the seven handsome blocks of Government offices, especially the buildings set apart for the Commander-in-Chief, the Quartermaster-General, the general railway management, and the post and telegraph offices.

He found none but subordinate officials anywhere until he came to the office of the Judge Advocate General.  Here he found a dignified old gentleman, sitting so quietly in his armchair that Heideck was involuntarily reminded of Archimedes when the Roman soldiers surprised him at his calculations.

As the officer entered, accompanied by the soldiers, the old gentleman looked at them keenly out of his large, yellowish eyes.  But he neither asked what they wanted, nor even attempted to prevent their entrance.  Heideck bowed politely, and apologised for the intrusion necessitated by his duty.  This courteous behaviour appeared to surprise the old gentleman, who returned his greeting, and said that there was nothing left for him but to submit to the orders of the conqueror.

“As there seems nothing to be found in these rooms but legal books and documents,” said Heideck, “I need not make any investigation, for we are simply concerned with military matters.  I should be glad if I could meet any personal wishes of yours, for I do not think I am mistaken in assuming that I have the honour of speaking to a higher official, whom special reasons have obliged to remain in Simla.”

“As a matter of fact, my physicians were of opinion that it would be beneficial to my health to spend the winter in the mountains.  You can imagine how greatly I regret that I took their advice—­I am Judge-Advocate-General Kennedy.”

“Is your family also in Simla?” asked Heideck.

“My wife and daughter are here.”

“Sir, there is an English lady with our column, the widow of an officer who was killed at Lahore.  Would you be disposed to let her join your family?”

“An English lady?”

“She is the victim of a series of adventurous experiences, as to which she can best inform you herself.  Her name is Mrs. Irwin.  Would you be disposed to grant her your protection?  If so, I should certainly be the bearer of welcome news to her.”

“My protection?” repeated the old gentleman in surprise.  “My family and I need protection ourselves, and how can we, in the present circumstances, undertake such a responsibility?”

“You and your family have nothing to fear from us, sir.  On the contrary, we intend to maintain quietness and order.”