ed chief dashed in, shouted some
fresh orders, and directly after, quite in confusion, a regiment of
sepoys doubled in through the gateway, and were then hurried in at an
open doorway, opposite to where I stood watching.

They had hardly disappeared before another regiment in better order
marched in; and they too passed in through the same door, my doubts as
to their object being soon at an end, for I heard them doubling along
the roof, evidently manning it as a rampart; while, from a glimpse I
caught through an open window, it was evident that the floor on a level
with mine was also occupied by troops who were stationed at windows
looking out upon the road.

Another regiment, and directly after quite a mob of armed men came
hurrying through the gateway to occupy every room and window looking
outwards, while a strong force partially filled the court, the numbers
being rapidly increased as the firing and cheering came nearer.

It was all plain enough now; the rajah's troops were being driven back,
and were ordered to make a stand here at the palace, which lent itself
well for the purpose, one side being protected by the river, while, as
far as I knew, the entrance was only through the gateway, which could
easily be blocked and held.

"Till Brace came with the guns," I thought.

I had wished to see something of the fight; now I regretted my desire,
for I foresaw that there was going to be a desperate struggle. The
light of the fire was rapidly increasing, and a very short time had
elapsed before there was a sudden rush, and a disorderly mob of fighting
men came tearing through the gateway, wild, excited, torn, and yelling
furiously.

Then, as another volley was fired, I knew that the rajah's men had been
driven in, for a tremendous fire was opened from the roof away to my
right, and I could see the smoke rising in a dense cloud.

As this firing was kept up, the court gradually grew more packed. I
could see mounted men come in, and before long I was able to make out
the rajah, as he seemed to be giving orders, which resulted in a body of
men rushing into the palace and returning bearing loads, which they
piled up within the gateway, forming a breastwork, from behind which the
men kept up a furious fire.

Outside, the replies had quite ceased, and I found what it meant; the
infantry were under cover, and the guns had been ordered up to batter in
the gateway, and send its defenders flying before a rush was made.