would in each case mount to their seats on the limber.

"Where is the rajah?" said Brace, impatiently. "I can't see him. Can
you?"

"No."

"Then those scoundrels of sepoys must have reached the place, and,
instead of their coming out to drill to-day, they will retreat once
more."

Just then came the squealing and trampling of the horses again, and I
had to run back and help poor Dobbs, whose face was scarlet.

"I can hardly hold them, sir. The flies are beginning to worry them,
too."

"Only a little longer, Dobbs," I said. "Pray--pray try and keep them
quiet."

I tried hard to soothe my restive charger, which whinnied after me
impatiently as I went away again, just as if the poor brute felt
disappointed because I had not mounted and ridden him off.

But they were pretty quiet when I left them, and I rejoined Brace, who
was trembling with excitement.

"It must be nearly an hour now," he said to me appealingly.

"Yes, it must be," I replied.

"And Haynes ought to be ready. It will take a few minutes, too, which
will all be in their favour. But the scoundrels don't come out; and,
though I can see the rajah's Arab, I can't see him. Take the glass and
try yourself."

I caught the glass from his hand, and swept the ground, to see that the
six guns were all out in front, the long line of horses ready with their
riders, and the drivers already seated, waiting for the limbering up,
each team of glossy creatures breaking up the regularity of the line.

"No," I said, returning the glass. "I can't see him."

"But you could make out his horse?"

"Yes, plainly."

"Gil," said Brace, after a pause, "our hour must be up; and we could act
at once if they came out. But there is something wrong."

"I hope not."

"And I; but I'm afraid. Is your pistol charged?"

"No," I said.

"Then load, man, load. Heaven knows I don't want to destroy life; but
we are fighting for our queen and country, and for the thousands of
women and children who may soon be at the mercy of these men."

I hastily dragged my cartouche-box round, and charged my pistol, and
when this was done, looked at Brace, as if asking for further commands.

"Is your sword sharp?"

"Yes, very," I replied.

"Good. Recollect, lad, that you may have to use it; and then you must
strike or give point--do so with vigour. Your life or mine may depend
upon it."

"I'll try, and do my best," I said huskily.

"I know you will, Gil; and may God he