re our masters. That they must never think. No:
retreat, but as a ruse. We are their masters still, and we will show
them we are."

"Yes," said the colonel, firmly. "I shrink from it, as being a very
grave responsibility, weak as we are; but I quite agree with you both.
We shall be stronger in the field; and if we are not attacked before
night, we will march out."

"Why wait for the darkness, and the confusion it will cause?" said
Brace. "I was of the opinion that we might retreat under cover of the
darkness, but I think now it would be best to dash out and give battle
at once."

"Yes," said the colonel, drily; "that's easy enough for you and your
troop. You can rattle out at full gallop; but we have got to march, and
fight our way step by step."

"Exactly. But I can take up a position at once and cover you; and I
will."

The colonel bowed and stood frowning and thoughtful for a few moments.
Then I saw his face clear, and he held out his hand.

"It is good advice," he said; "and I shall look for your co-operation to
its fullest extent. Ah! what's this?"

For at that moment a bugle rang out; and, as I turned, I saw a sowar
officer advancing with a trumpeter, and one of his men beside him,
bearing a white flag on his lance, while several followers rode behind.

CHAPTER TWENTY SIX.

Brace and the infantry officers passed between the guns, and took a few
steps forward to meet the bearer of the flag of truce, who came forward
alone and saluted them, but with a haughty, contemptuous look.

"Well, sir," said the colonel, "have you a despatch or message?"

As the colonel spoke, I saw that a larger party of cavalry had collected
behind the little group which accompanied the officer, and one of the
infantry men at a window above my head whispered down to me that there
were more behind.

This put me on the watch; and I spoke to my men not to make the
slightest movement, but to be ready.

All this was almost momentary, and the next instant, as I kept a keen
eye on the enemy, I was listening to the sowar officer speaking.

"His Highness the Maharajah Ny Deen, who has with him now an army, many
as the sands of the holy river, surrounding you on all sides, bids you
lay down your arms and surrender."

"Yes; and what then?"

"His highness will treat you as prisoners, but kindly; and your lives
will be spared. But you must lay down your arms at once, and march
out."

"For his bloodthirsty band of cut-t