North West Frontier Page #2

Yes. They are very fitting wheels.

Gupta, how many miles per hour could

Victoria go pulling just one coach?

- At least 50 miles, sahib.

- 50?

Well, if not 50, then at least 40 miles.

And when it is mended, sahib,

you don't know what speed it will go.

She'll be mended.

The only problem is coal.

- We'll never get enough in there.

- We need five to six times more.

But where can we put it?

Have you a truck?

- Yes, sahib. In the shed.

- Good.

I'll get the sappers.

Tell them what you want.

You will be never sorry

for the judgment you are making.

I hope you're right, Gupta.

I hope you're right.

- (Whistle shrieks)

- And get that fixed!

Yes, sahib. At once.

She is like the lady!

She shouts too much when she is happy!

- You must know one way or the other.

- The rumours must have foundation.

In my experience,

rumour is seldom backed by truth.

- Is the Prince here?

- Yes. That's why they're attacking.

- When the time comes you'll be told.

- Why don't you trust us?

We know they killed the boy's father.

I assure you, I know nothing.

I'm not in a position of authority.

- Sir John wants you.

- Thank heavens. Excuse me.

- He cannot make a statement.

- Why is the city being attacked?

Isn't it because the Prince is here?

This hinges on Prince Kishan.

This province has been loyal to

Prince Kishan's family for centuries.

While he's alive, there's no possibility

of a successful rebellion.

The Governor will make a statement

tomorrow.

It's impossible to get dispatches out.

The wires are cut.

- Then why not tell us the truth?

- Why all the secrecy?

Mr Peters. You wish to go to Kalapur?

It is essential.

I'm expected in Delhi on Friday.

There's a train leaving in an hour.

I hope you can fire those rifles you sell.

The armament industry is impartial.

Your customers out there aren't.

- Will you all sit down?

- There's no need for me to go.

Someone has to be responsible

for the dispatch box.

- I know.

- I've chosen you.

Besides, I know you'll look after my wife.

Heavens, it's not forever. You'll be back.

The whole thing's settled.

Be in the station yard at 11:15.

You'll be in Captain Scott's hands.

He'll explain.

I don't intend to be a schoolmaster

but I'd like to explain the position.

The whole point is the rebels

think that the last train has gone.

They do not know

that we have another engine.

Also, the outer gate on the railway

is in their hands.

And quite obviously shut.

I'm not much of an artist.

We hold the inner gate up here

And between these two gates,

there's a gradient.

Victoria's a wonderful old engine,

but she makes a lot of noise.

Too much.

So although we'll have steam up,

we're going to freewheel.

We ought to get up quite a speed

on this slope.

Enough to smash through

this outer gate

before they know what's hit them.

Well, that's roughly the plan.

I admit that any number of things

can happen.

They may even have blocked

the line to stop reinforcements

but that's something we'll have to face

if and when we get to it.

(Shouting outside)

So it's true. He is here.

Sorry, sir. He came up the back stairs.

- Send this man away.

- Please leave, Mr Van Leyden.

You're going to try to get him out?

Impossible.

- Come on.

- All right, Scott.

Since you've discovered

both salient points,

there's no need to throw you out.

By train with the outer gate

in enemy hands? What a story!

It's hardly likely to reach the papers!

I suppose not.

Unless I was to go on the train also.

It's an idea. I could go on the train.

There are a thousand people

I'd send first.

Of course. You don't like me.

I don't know about you, madam.

I'm Peter Van Leyden.

Now you have your story and no chance

of getting it out, perhaps you'll leave!

It's terrible to think what would

happen to your train if people knew.

They'd tear it to pieces

rather than let it go.

But of course it's a secret.

Nobody could possibly know.

Mr Van Leyden...

It is possible the newspapers

of the world should know.

Oh, no. It's of no importance.

- Mr Van Leyden?

- Yes?

- You may go on the train.

- Why, thank you, Sir John.

Your luggage must be at the yard by 11.

I'll check the dispatch box.

- Where are you going?

- To get my bag.

Yes. That's an excellent idea.

- I see. If I go, I miss the train?

- Yes, Mr Van Leyden.

Then I shall have to travel light.

As a journalist I'm used to it.

I couldn't wish for better company -

the decline and fall of an empire.

Roman, not British.

You haven't given me a chance

to speak to you.

There's nothing left to discuss.

Get your things ready.

They are ready but I'm not going.

This little boy's very, very important,

yet you're prepared to take this risk.

And it is a tremendous risk,

we all realise that.

We can't hold out here, isn't that it?

- We have every hope.

- Hope? Everybody hopes.

- You're going.

- No. I'm staying here with you.

- I have no right to get on...

- Right?!

Right? Haven't I my rights?

Am I Governor of a province for nothing?

- But I can't be so selfish.

- I'm being selfish, my dear.

For once, I'm being selfish.

You're going on the train and that's that.

That's that.

Your luggage has been loaded.

Board the train please?

(Speaks Urdu)

- You've got a complete set of tools.

- Crowbars, pickaxes?

- Everything.

- I wanted these mountings fixed.

- I'm sorry. There wasn't time.

- I hope they keep their distance.

Good luck.

Cheer up. I'm sure those gates

aren't as strong as they look.

It's not that. It's... I'd rather stay behind.

Haserabad doesn't seem

a very good place to be now.

It's my home.

When I shut up my little house

I had a feeling

I'd never see it again.

Satisfied?

- You trying to kill us all?

- We're trying to save you.

The British are incurably optimistic.

- But you're British.

- My passport is.

You really think we can get through?

Would I be trying it if I didn't?

Course you would.

You've been ordered to try it.

Get aboard. Quickly.

- How's the pressure, Gupta?

- Not very forcing to go yet.

It will be forcing in a soon moment.

Oh, do let me.

We'll be off soon.

Will you all lie on the floor please?

It may be uncomfortable but it's

necessary and it won't be for long.

Mr Bridie, turn that lamp out please.

All being well, the train won't stop.

If it does, don't look out

of the windows or leave the carriage,

but put the shutters up and wait for me.

Right.

- How is she now?

- Now it is forcing.

It will be ready to go

only in a soon moment.

Lie down right here.

Mrs Wyatt, there is more room here.

I'm quite happy where I am, thank you.

Never mind, Mr Peters. The Americans

are by tradition isolationist.

Now it is terribly ready, sahib.

Terribly ready.

Is everybody all right? Good.

We're off. For better or worse.

- Ready to move off, sir.

- Good luck, Captain Scott.

Thank you, sir.

Close the fire door, Gupta.

(Whistle shrieks)

Let her go!

Keep down, everybody!

We'll soon be clear.

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