the enemy were within bayonet reach.

At sunset the troops, worn out by fatigue and hunger, arrived at
the Biana pass; but the enemy brought up their guns, and the
retreat was continued. The confusion in the ranks, which had been
increasing all day, now extended; and the troops broke and fled to
Agra, pursued by straggling parties of the enemy for the greater
portion of the distance.

In consequence of this disastrous affair, it was decided that Lord
Lake should immediately take the field; although the wet weather
still continued, and a large tract of country was under water. Four
weeks after the arrival of Monson, with his fugitives, the army
marched out of their cantonment, and encamped on the right bank of
the river.

The situation was critical. Holkar's army numbered ninety-two
thousand men, of whom sixty-six thousand were cavalry, and he had
with him ninety-two cannon. He had advanced to Muttra, which had
been abandoned at his approach.

Lord Lake sent for Harry.

"I have another dangerous mission for you, Captain Lindsay. I
consider it more than possible that Holkar will make an attempt to
recapture Delhi. Colonel Ochterlony, in command there, must be
warned of the probability of an attack. He may be in ignorance of
what is passing here. You will bear this despatch, urging on him to
do all that he can to place the town in a state of defence, and to
summon to his assistance as many irregulars as possible from the
neighbouring chiefs. The distance is a hundred and twenty miles. I
leave it to you whether to go in uniform, or in disguise."

"I think, sir, that I had better disguise myself as, doubtless,
Holkar's cavalry are spread all over the country intent on
plundering and, should I fall in with them, I ought to have no
difficulty in passing myself off as one of themselves. I will leave
my uniform here, to be brought on with the baggage. They might take
it into their heads to search my saddlebags."

"I think that would be the wisest plan," the general said. "You
will, of course, remain at Delhi till reinforcements arrive there.
The despatches will be ready for you, in an hour's time."

There was no difficulty in obtaining dye at Agra, and Harry stained
himself from head to foot, put on the disguise in which he had
ridden with the news of Assaye and, after receiving the despatch,
started at once. The direct road lay through Muttra but, as
Holkar's main body was at this town, he rode to the northeast as
f