was on the way, and sprang to their places,
when Brace ordered the three horses to be saddled and bridled.

This was quickly done, and by that time, and while they were being
tethered to the nearest trees, the men had buckled on their belts, and
taken the carbines from their rustic stand among the undergrowth.

Then there was a dead silence, and Brace signed to me, and then marched
off Haynes towards the edge of the forest, while I followed.

When we got to the border, and stood by the plain with the rajah's town
on our right, and the level extending to the left, till the forest swept
round about a mile away, Brace pointed out a spot in the curve of
verdure, where some half-dozen large trees towered up.

"You see those, Haynes?" said Brace.

"Yes."

"March all the men to that spot, and form an ambush at the foot of those
trees. Be quite ready for us when we join you."

"What are you going to do?"

"Silence, and listen to my orders," said Brace sternly. "You will march
the men there in single file by keeping just at the edge of the forest,
where it is more open; but the greatest care will be necessary so that
you are not seen from the town. If you are, the plan is spoiled."

"Right; I'll be careful. I understand. When am I to attack?"

"When I or Vincent give the word. You ought to be at that spot in less
than an hour, in spite of dense growth."

"Yes; I'll be there."

"Keep your men hidden, and whatever you see take place, don't stir, even
if we are taken prisoners."

"Well--I'll obey orders, sir."

"That is good. Now then, back to your men; and, mind, it is of vital
importance that you carry out my orders to the smallest item."

"You may trust me," said Haynes, quietly; and it was the soldier
speaking now to his superior. The friendly, easy-going ways of
brother-officers were gone, and we stood together watching him till he
disappeared among the trees.

For a few moments Brace made no movement, but stood as if plunged in
thought. Then, turning suddenly, he moved to the very edge of the
forest, and leaning forward gazed intently at the town, whose houses
looked bright in the morning sun, and among which were throngs of
white-clothed people emerging here and there. We could see the guns too
glistening in the sun, but no sign of armed men excepting the sentries,
whose swords glittered as they walked to and fro.

"Why, Gil," said Brace, drawing a long breath, "how satisfied they seem
of their