be a squadron of bloodthirsty sowars, and if so
my minutes were numbered.

"What folly!" I said to myself, with a sigh; "it is the rajah's
escort." And a few minutes later the advance rode in through an opening
among the trees at the far end, bringing the blood rushing to my heart
as I recognised the long white dress of a native cavalry regiment, one
that had joined the mutineers, and, as I fancied then, that which had
been stationed at Rajgunge. Immediately after, as they drew off to
right and left, the rajah himself rode in, turning his horse toward the
tent, dismounting and throwing the rein to one of his escort, he was
about to enter, but Salaman and the four bearers stepped up salaaming
profoundly, and the chief turned in my direction, to stride across the
opening, with the sun flashing from the jewels and brilliant arms he
wore.

By the time he reached my couch, the men, horse and foot, had withdrawn,
so that we were alone as he bent down, offering his hand, but without
any response from me, and the smile on his handsome face died out to
give way to a frown.

That passed away as quickly, and with his countenance quite calm, he
said in excellent English--

"Not to the enemy, but to your host."

"I beg your pardon, rajah," I said; and I could feel the colour coming
into my cheeks as I felt how ungrateful I was to the man who had saved
my life, and was sparing nothing to restore me to health.

My hand was stretched out as I spoke, but it remained untouched for a
few moments.

"It will not be a friendly grasp," he said coldly.

"Indeed it will," I cried; "for you have saved those who love me from a
terrible time of sorrow."

"Those who love you?" he said, taking my hand and holding it.

"Yes; mother, father, sister."

"Ah, yes," he said; "of course. You have friends at home in England?"

"No: here," I said.

He did not speak for a few moments, and still retaining my hand, sank
down cross-legged on the carpet close to my pillow, gazing at me
thoughtfully.

Then, with the smile coming back to light up his face in a way which
made me forget he was a deadly enemy, he said cheerfully--

"I am glad to see this. I knew you were better, and now you must grow
strong quickly."

He held my hand still, and let the other glide on my arm, shaking his
head the while.

"This will not do," he continued. "You always were slight and boyish,
but the strength has gone from your arm, and your cheeks are all su