venture, for that same
evening we were thinking it time for a halt when the advance-guard
galloped back to announce the coming of what seemed to be a regiment of
native lancers.

The elephants were sent into the rear instantly, with a guard to ensure
us against flight on the part of the mahouts; and, quick as thought, the
guns were unlimbered and loaded, while we anxiously waited to see
whether these were friends or enemies. But we were not kept long in
doubt, for their confused, disorderly advance proved that they were
without English officers, and they came on at a gallop, evidently in
chase of our advance-guard, their lance-points glittering as they were
brought down to the charge, the dust in front raised by our men partly
hiding us till they were well within range, and one shot would have torn
through their line and littered the dusty road with struggling men and
horses.

But the word was not given, for no sooner did the front men grasp the
peril into which they were galloping, than they raised a loud yell of
warning, wheeled off to right and left, wheeled again, and scattered in
wild flight, leaving us to pursue our way in peace, for there was
nothing to be gained by pursuit, a duty reserved for the light cavalry.

It was another warning, though, of the state of the country, this being
evidently one of the native cavalry regiments which had mutinied, and,
perhaps, slain their European officers, though of course we could not be
sure; and to have fired upon them when they first advanced might have
been a grievous error.

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR.

Bajgunge proved to be strongly occupied by the enemy, and after due
reconnoitring, Brace felt that nothing could be done there, and
determined to strike off across country for Arbagh, a town where one of
the queen's foot regiments was stationed, so as to form a junction with
the infantry, and co-operate in holding the place, or marching with them
to one of the larger towns, or to some place where help might be
required.

Five days were taken up in hot, weary marches, but the men were all full
of eagerness, and looking longingly forward to having a brush with the
enemy.

We passed village after village, sometimes to be well received, at
others meeting with heavy, sullen looks, which told too plainly of the
disaffection spreading everywhere, and the knowledge in the country that
an attempt was being made to throw off the English rule.

It was toward the evening of