carried to
the guardroom, and their wounds dressed, in order that the names of
their employers might be obtained from them.

In the meantime, Charlie's lieutenants had hastily formed a body of
their soldiers together, and these at once fell upon a number of men
who were crowding up the steps to the palace, with shouts of "Death to
the Englishman." A few volleys poured among these effectually
scattered them, and they broke and hurried down the steep road,
through the gates to the town, the sentries on the way offering no
opposition, but many falling under the fire from the parapet of the
fort.

In ten minutes, all was over. The gates were again closed, and a
strong guard placed over them, and the attempted insurrection was at
an end.

The native surgeon, who attended Charlie, pronounced that none of the
five wounds he had received, although for the most part severe, were
necessarily fatal; and that there was every chance of his recovery.
Hossein's wounds, three in number, were pronounced to be more
dangerous, one being a deep stab in the body, given by a man who had
rushed at him, as he was guarding the blow of another. Tim's wounds
were comparatively slight, and he suffered more from the bruises he
had received, when hurled backwards down the stone staircase. However,
with one arm in a sling, and his head bandaged, he was able to take
his place by his master's bedside.

Having heard, from him, that it was entirely due to Hossein that
Charlie's life had been saved, the rajah directed that every attention
should be paid to him; and several times, during the night, Tim stole
away to his bedside to press his hand, and call down blessings upon
him.

The stanching of his wounds, and the application of strong
restoratives, presently caused Charlie to open his eyes.

"The Lord be praised, Mr. Charles," Tim said, "that you're coming to
yourself again. Don't you trouble, sir. We've done for the murdhering
rascals; and, plase God, you'll soon be about again. Jist drink this
draught, yer honor, and go off to sleep, if you can. In the morning
I'll tell you all about it.

"You're in the rajah's own room," he continued, seeing Charlie's eyes
wander wonderingly around him, "and all you've got to do is just to
lie still, and get well as soon as you can."

It was a fortnight before Charlie, still very weak and feeble, was
able to totter from his room to that in which Hossein was lying. He
himself knew nothing of what had pas