y be very
useful now. There may be a great deal to do, and if there is, my lad,"
he said, smiling, "I am going to try not to be such a coward as to
shrink from that duty; though you thought me one, because I would not
fight the man who, perhaps, has had much to do with the rising."

"Oh, Brace," I faltered, "I don't think I ever thought you a coward."

"You did," he said quietly. "Most people in your place, and educated as
you have been, would have judged me in the same hard way. Perhaps I am
one, Gil; but I shall not show it, and I shall not shrink from anything
I have to do."

"You think, then, that there is a wider trouble than that at the
station?"

"I am obliged to think so. The doctor is right. I fought against it,
telling myself I was panic-stricken, but I felt the same. You see the
rajah knew of it, and--I am speaking plainly now--if matters turn out
very bad, and I am not near you, try to get a horse and make for
Nussoor. It is a very long journey, but the way may be open, and the
trouble not spreading in that direction. At present your white face may
command help and shelter, but don't tarry on the way--the great
north-west road, mind, and--"

"I shall keep with you," I said quietly. "Let's wait and know the
worst."

In another couple of hours we were at the rajah's, and as the elephants
halted and knelt down, Brace turned to their owner, who was conversing
with a couple of horsemen.

"Now, sir," he said, "I am not addressing the enemy, but the old friend
and companion. You will let us have these two elephants as far as
Rajgunge?"

"It is impossible, Captain Brace. I would help you, but I should bring
down destruction on myself and people."

"Then you will lend us a dhooly for this man, and people to carry him?"

"No. They would not carry him, or, if they did, they would halt on the
road and attack you when you were not prepared. An evil spirit for you
and yours has been going through the land for months, and now the fire
has sprung up all round."

Brace turned from him, and his face looked fixed and stern.

"Listen," said the rajah, laying a hand upon his arm; "it would be
madness to move that man. Ask the doctor. The man would be dead before
you were half-way there."

"I'm afraid so," said the doctor, sadly.

"Leave him, then, with me. I give you my word that I will protect him.
I sent for you all to come here, so that you might be safe. Stay."

Brace was silent for a few