of the big towns, perhaps; and if they reach it, our
chance has gone."

"Don't let Brace hear you say that," I whispered; but from hints the
captain dropped that night, I was certain that he was thinking something
of the kind.

It was toward evening, after a fearfully hot day, during part of which
we had been forced to rest, while Dost had gone on in advance to
investigate, that we were toiling on through a very beautiful part of
the country--all green, and a succession of park-like patches and
plains, that were wonderfully refreshing after weary tramps over brown
deserts of dust, that we were suddenly checked by our advance men
announcing a native some distance ahead.

But as we reached the front, the distant figure held up its turban in a
peculiar way, and I exclaimed--

"Dost!"

The order was given to advance; and before we had gone far, the man, who
was hurrying to meet us, signed to us to bear off to the left; and five
minutes later, when we met, he pointed to a beautiful patch of forest,
into which we filed.

"Well, Dost, what now?" said Brace, gloomily.

"They are halting, sahib, only a short distance in front."

"Is there a town there?"

"No, sahib; only a large village at the end of a wide plain. We can get
round to the end, and perhaps see them."

"But are you sure it is the party we are tracking?" I cried excitedly.

"Oh yes, sahib. There are all the horses and guns. They were drawn up
in front when I came away."

"Ready to start once more," said Brace, eagerly. "Let's get on and see
if anything can be done."

Leaving Haynes in charge of the men who were allowed to rest in the
grateful shade of the forest edge, Brace called to me to accompany him,
and with Dost for our guide, we threaded our way among the trees for
nearly an hour, when Dost suddenly stopped short, as a shout fell upon
our ears, followed by a familiar trampling sound, with the jingle of
accoutrements, and rattle of gun and limber.

"They are going," said Brace, quickly; and hurrying forward, he made for
a spot where the forest looked lighter; and in another minute we had to
stoop down and shelter ourselves, for where we were the trees ended, and
a wide plain spread out far as eye could reach, while on the right was a
large village with a temple just on the banks of a river, whose bright
waters looked welcome in that thirsty land.

But we had no eyes for river or plain with such a scene between us and
the village as gr