‘Then make sure that your brother realises that as well as you do.’ Sir John nodded. ‘That’s right, I’ve done a little research on you too, Colonel. Your brother Richard has been on the Board of Control for a few years now, hasn’t he?’

‘Yes, sir, that’s right.’

‘Then I urge you to make him aware of the dangers facing us here. God knows I have tried my best to wake London up to the situation, but perhaps a family connection might make a difference.’

‘Trust me, sir. Richard knows how important India is to England’s interests. But I will keep him abreast of events here, as I see them,’ he added carefully.

‘Very good. I appreciate that.’ Sir John spoke with quiet sincerity.‘Now then, I imagine you’ll want to make arrangements for your men?’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘For the present the 33rd is to be accommodated here in the fort. Barracks have been prepared for them.When I say prepared, I mean that they have been emptied.You will of course have to spend a little time and effort to make them . . . habitable. But I would not make them too comfortable if I were you, Colonel.’ Sir John smiled slightly as Arthur gave him a searching look.

‘Sir?’

‘Let’s just say that the 33rd might well be afforded the chance to get to grips with the enemy sooner than you think. I can’t give you the details yet, but you will be told in good time. Now, if you’ll forgive me I have some tedious correspondence that demands my attention.’

‘Yes, sir.’ Arthur rose from his chair. ‘Thank you, sir.’

Sir John looked at him for a moment in silence before he concluded. ‘India might not be every Englishman’s cup of tea, Wesley. But you’re young and you look healthy enough. Who knows, India might be the making of you.After all, this is the land of the pagoda tree. Shake it hard enough and a fortune will be yours.There’s plenty of money and fame for the taking for those with the courage, and the good fortune, to seize it.’

‘Iqbal.’ Arthur smiled.

‘That’s right. Iqbal. It means everything here. Make sure you have it.’

Arthur shrugged. ‘Frankly, sir, I don’t believe in luck. It is simply too fickle to trust. I place my faith in myself. I aim to make my own success, and leave fate to others.’

‘Really? Nevertheless, I wish you good luck, Colonel Wesley.’ He glanced down at his papers, and Arthur was turning to leave when the Governor General suddenly looked up. ‘Oh! I forgot to say, welcome to India.’

‘Thank you, sir.’

Sir John laughed. ‘You might thank me now. But I promise you there will be times when you curse the moment you ever set foot here. When that happens, and it will, then you will find yourself reflecting that you really are welcome to India.’

Chapter 24