"Ugh!" I shuddered; "how horrid!"

"Yes. You will know the danger if ever you have to take your men across
a ford."

A couple of days later we were anchored in the great stream in front of
the city of palaces, and I was gazing with eyes full of wonder and
eagerness at the noble buildings, the great flights of steps leading
down to the water, the constant procession of people to and fro, with
huge elephants gaily caparisoned and bearing temple-like howdahs, some
filled with Europeans, more often with turbaned chiefs or people of
importance. The white garments and turbans of the natives gave a light
and varied look in the bright sunshine, while amongst them were the
carriages of the English residents, the handsome horses of officers, and
the gay uniforms of the English and native troops, from whose weapons
the dazzling sunshine flashed.

"Yes; plenty of the military element," said Captain Brace, pointing out
different figures in the busy scene. "Take my glass," he continued.
"That's a sepoy regiment. You can see their dark faces."

"Yes, I see," I cried eagerly.

"Do you see those two mounted men in white, with lances?"

"Yes; who are they?"

"Sowars of the native cavalry; and that little half troop behind--you
can tell what they are?"

"They look like English hussars," I said.

"Right. Part of the eighth, I should say. They are stationed here."

"But they are not the East India Company's men."

"No. Part of the regular army. Those sowars are some of ours, and--Ah,
you are in luck," he cried, taking back the glass and using it quickly,
before lending it again. "Look: there are some of the horse brigade."

"Artillery?" I cried excitedly.

"Yes; and in review order. A troop of our horse artillery with their
guns."

My hands trembled so that I could hardly bring the glass to bear upon
the long line of men, but at last I had it correct, and excitedly saw
them file by at a distance, the sun glancing on their polished brass
helmets with long trailing plumes of red horsehair; their blue heavily
braided jackets looking as if suddenly cut off by the men's white
breeches, and then again by their heavy black boots.

It was to me a gallant show, and I drew a long, deep breath as I counted
the guns with the men mounted upon the limbers, and watched attentively
till they passed out of sight.

"Well," said my companion, "what do you think of our brigade?"

"Oh!" I ejaculated, "I wish I belonged."

A v