am afraid too true. The rebellion is widespread; but
what of that? We must put it down. England is not going to have her
great conquests wrenched from her hands like this."

"Put it down?" I faltered.

"Yes, man. If you and I and a trumpeter could do such a thing as we did
at a hint from our brave sergeant yonder, don't you think that the many
regiments of Englishmen here in India, with all our magnificent troops
of horse artillery, moved by the combined brain-power of our most
gallant officers, will be able to restore order through the country?"

"Yes, I suppose so," I said, but in an unconvinced tone of voice.

"You are getting hungry, Gil, my lad," he said merrily. "You will not
be depressed like this when we have halted at Arbagh, scattered those
dogs, and had a good meal. For we must fight first," he cried fiercely.
"Gil," he said, sinking his voice, "I was never meant for a soldier--
this blood-shedding is abhorrent to me. I shrink from using my sword;
but since I have heard the horrors these wretches are perpetrating--
slaying English ladies, murdering sweet innocent children, my nerves
thrill as I grasp my blade, and I feel as if I would gladly aim every
gun, and send the grape and canister hurtling amongst the hounds--no, it
is an insult to a dog to call them so--these savage, bloodthirsty
tigers. Come, lad, you must set aside compunction, and be ready to
strike--for you can."

"You do not understand me," I said sadly.

"Oh yes, I think I do, Gil. I have studied you pretty well. You were
thinking that we shall be beaten, after listening to Dost's account of
the rising at this town. Ah, if I had only known of this when we met
that regiment of sowars! Why, Gil, they _must_ be the scoundrels who
murdered their European officers here."

"I'm afraid so," I said.

"Then we must strike, and strike hard now, Gil. I am not unmerciful,
but for the sake of home, and our English kindred, we must be stern as
well as just. Come, you are better already."

"No," I said gloomily, "I am horribly troubled."

"About what?"

"Nussoor."

"Ah! where your father's regiment is stationed?"

"Yes. My mother and sister are there. Oh, Brace, if my father has been
surprised as these people were here, and--"

I stopped short--the words choked me.

"My dear Gil!" cried Brace, gently, "I see now. Yes; such thoughts are
enough to chill any one. I had not thought of them. But come, come; we
have enough to