e wore.

At a second command, they sprung to their feet, and, obeying orders with
alacrity, they were drawn up in line, where Brace once more addressed
them, announcing that they would be treated without mercy if they
attempted to escape.

Then poor Craig's litter was pointed out to them, and four raised the
handles to their shoulders, while the others were placed in front. A
guard was detailed to keep watch over them, and armed with carbines,
with orders to shoot down the first man who tried to escape.

A minute later our men were in their places; the order was given, and we
left the tope on the side farthest from the city, and descended toward
the low, cultivated ground, marched steadily toward the village where
Brace and I had passed the night, there to take up the track made by the
wheels of our limbers, guns, and tumbrils, a long, wearisome task we
felt; for the enemy had many hours' start, and they were mounted, while
we were on foot.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

My toilsome marches through a country that was generally deserted, we
came to village after village in following the track of those guns; and
generally it seemed as if the force of mutineers frightened the simpler
ryots away from their tiny farms and rice-grounds; for the villages were
generally empty. When they were not, our appearance was sufficient to
send man, woman, and child flying; for already the land was being
delivered up to the horrors of war. Ny Deen's men plundered as they
went, and helped themselves to all they required; while we, in turn,
were forced to follow their example; and where food was not given, we
were obliged to take it.

Our marches ought to have been made by night, so as to avoid the heat of
the sun; but this was impossible, for the track of the guns would have
been lost, and hence we had to journey on by daylight, rarely finding
any difficulty, for the wheels made distinctive marks in the dusty
roads; while in the open country, where Ny Deen made short cuts, the
deep ruts were so plain that, had we been mounted, we could have
galloped after them.

It was very rarely that we could get any information from a native; but
when we did, it was invariably to learn that the enemy was a full day
ahead; and, in spite of our efforts, he always keep that distance.

I remember that terrible broiling march with a shudder, for our men
suffered horribly from heat and thirst, often from want of food, while
our constant dread was lest a