sibly take place. The events he
speaks of have not actually occurred, and we may hope that something may
have prevented the expected outbreak. If we hasten back to Allahapoor,
we may arrive in time to frustrate the plans of the conspirators. With
the body of trusty followers you have with you, and those who still
remain faithful in the city, we shall be able to overcome your foes,
even should the rebellion have begun."

Burnett's remarks had the effect of reviving the spirits of the rajah,
and he immediately issued orders for a picked body of his cavalry to get
ready for a move that very night, a small number only being left to
guard the women and camp-followers. Adopting Captain Burnett's advice,
he purposed pushing on towards the city as fast as their steeds could
carry them; while the rest of the party were to move forward at their
usual slow rate, beyond which it was impossible to advance. Even the
rajah and his party could not perform more than thirty or forty miles
each day, as their horses required food and rest; and they had fully
three days' march before them.

The rajah could only talk of the vengeance he would take should the
rebels have succeeded; and he vowed that the streets of the city should
run with the blood of his foes as soon as he had succeeded in
overpowering them. Burnett, who knew very well that he would carry out
his threats, and anxious to prevent the hideous cruelties which would be
committed, endeavoured to pacify the old chief, and reminded him that
possibly the expected resident might have arrived with the British
sepoys, whose presence would disconcert the plans of the rebels, and
probably induce them to abandon their design.

Reginald was anxious on his own account. The services he had rendered
the rajah merited the best return which could be made, and he had had
great hopes that his wish would be complied with; but should the rajah
be hurled from power, he would be unable to grant him his request. As
far as he could ascertain, the rajah was the only man possessed of the
important secret he wished to obtain, so that should the old chief lose
his life Reginald would be deprived of the only clue which might lead to
its elucidation. He determined, therefore, to take the first favourable
opportunity of telling the rajah who he was, and entreating him to give
him the information that was of such vital importance to his future
interests. Reginald had been led to believe that the raj