ntinels
gave no alarm, they did not consider it necessary to go and ascertain
the cause.

Next morning, when the rajah came to muster his men, he discovered that
several of those who had been seen after they had escaped from the
mountaineer, were missing, among them being two or three chiefs of rank.
On making inquiries, he ascertained that they had moved off,--for the
purpose, as they said, or obtaining better fodder for their horses, and
provisions for themselves.

"Whatever their intention was, they went without my permission!"
exclaimed the rajah in an angry tone. "They have gone to rob and murder
the people, as is their wont. No wonder my subjects are ever ready to
rebel--I must get you, my friends, to assist in reforming the abuses of
my government," he continued, turning to Reginald and Burnett, "I have
written to the Company, begging them to send me a resident and a
regiment or two of sepoys, to help me to keep order among all ranks.
Let the princes and nobles grumble as they will, all those cities are
the most prosperous which are under the protection of the English."

"Your words are full of wisdom," answered Captain Burnett. "I will,
with your permission, report the state of affairs at Allahapoor; when
the Company, I have no doubt, will attend to your wishes."

The shattered remnant of the gallant force which had marched to the
mountains was now in motion, and dashed on. Before evening they reached
the fortified camp, where, as soon as the loss they had suffered was
made known, they were received with loud wailings and lamentations,--
wives mourning for their husbands, and children for their parents. The
missing cavalry had not yet appeared, and Burnett began to entertain
serious apprehensions that they had been cut off.

A couple of days were spent at the camp, which was then broken up, and
the march was continued for Allahapoor. At the end of three days they
reached an ancient palace, with a temple near it, belonging to the
rajah. It was in a somewhat ruinous condition; but still it afforded
accommodation for him and his suite. His attendants quickly cleaned out
some of the rooms, and fitted them up with tent-hangings and carpets,
while a foraging party was sent through the surrounding country to
collect provisions.

The rajah seemed in no hurry to return to Allahapoor, and to all the
trouble and cares of government; and Burnett suggested that things might
be getting worse at his capital.