orsemen at length of necessity pulled rein, to
breathe their panting steeds; and information having been passed along
from the rear that the enemy were no longer in pursuit, they now rode on
more leisurely, talking loudly of coming back with an overwhelming force
to annihilate the audacious rebels. Ere long, however, Reginald's worst
apprehensions were realised. Before them appeared a narrow valley, with
gorges running into it on either side. The rajah, who had recovered his
presence of mind, here ordered a halt, and directed his men to see that
their saddle-girths were tight and their arms loaded.

"We must pass through yonder valley as fast as our horses' feet can
touch the ground," he exclaimed. "Forward!"

Scarcely had he spoken, and made his horse bound onward, when the
hilltops were seen bristling with spears, and hundreds of dark warriors,
with bows and arrows or javelins in hand, appeared ready to rush down
upon the invaders of their territory. The rajah now hesitated.
Reginald advised him to dash on at once; to remain where they were would
only encourage the foe, and the troopers with their firearms might clear
the heights, and most, if not all, of their party might escape. But the
rajah did not follow his advice. Then the mountaineers, instead of
wisely remaining in an impregnable position, were seen descending the
heights, believing from their previous success that they might destroy
the rajah and his whole force. A few only remained on the summit of the
precipice. Down came from either side a thick stream of savage
warriors, throwing themselves upon the horsemen; and again and again
they were driven back. The old rajah showed himself brave enough now,
fighting as fiercely as any of his guard. Reginald and Dick did their
best, too; while Faithful sprang from side to side, bringing many a
mountaineer to the ground. Still, several horsemen had fallen; and
numbers coming on, the party were completely hemmed in, a dense mass
collected in front precluding all possibility of escape, unless a way
could be cut through them; while the troopers who fell were immediately
hacked to pieces by their enraged foes.

It was now too late for Reginald to mourn his folly in having
accompanied the old chief. Brave as he was, he could not help believing
that he and all with him would be cut to pieces. Still, a way might be
forced through the foe; so, shouting to those in the rear, he ordered
them to close up. "Now