ine his thoughts. "Care not for me, sahib," he
whispered in a low voice, that the rajah might not hear. "The One, I
trust, whom you worship, will preserve me. Inquire for the house of
Dhunna Singh; tell him where you have left Wuzeer Singh, and he will
find the means of coming to my assistance. You may trust him, for he is
one who worships the true God, and, if you require aid, will risk his
life in your service."

Reginald, greatly surprised at the way in which the man spoke, for he
had supposed him to be an ordinary sepoy, promised to follow his
directions. But on reaching the stables they found that, though most of
the horses had been carried off, four or five had been left in the
further wing of the building. Their harness was hung up on the walls,
and the rajah and Reginald, well accustomed to the task, quickly saddled
and bridled three of the best.

"You seem to take great interest in my follower," said the rajah,
observing the assistance Reginald was affording the wounded man.

"He has fought bravely for your highness, and is wounded and suffering,"
answered Reginald. "I am simply doing my duty."

"May you be rewarded for your charity," answered the rajah. "And now
let us mount and sally forth into the streets. The gates will be closed
ere long, and should my followers not have entered the city, my only
safe course will be to try and join them, and wait for a favourable
opportunity of regaining what I have lost."

Reginald having assisted the rajah to mount, next helped Wuzeer Singh to
get on horseback, though it was with difficulty the poor man could keep
his seat; he himself then vaulted into the saddle, and the rajah, with
the mantle which had before served to disguise him over his head, rode
forth from the palace, followed closely by Reginald and the sepoy. The
darkness which now reigned over the city favoured their proceedings. At
the same time, it was but too likely that the gates would be closed; and
if so, their friends would be prevented from entering. Already the
streets were deserted, and no one appeared from whom, directly or
indirectly, they could obtain information. The more peaceable
inhabitants had, it was clear, wisely retired to their houses; while the
fighting-men and rabble were evidently collected in a distant part of
the city, bent on some mischief or other.

Reginald kept close alongside Wuzeer Singh, to assist him in sitting his
horse, for so great was his weakness that