visited at his
house, what was taking place. He believed, he said, that another khan
of influence residing on the other side of the city had risen, either
with the intention of supporting the rajah or of endeavouring to obtain
the power for himself. Mukund Bhim having marched with all his forces
to attack him, a desperate fight had taken place. The khan had been
defeated, and Mukund Bhim's followers, with the rabble of the city, had
for some hours been engaged in plundering his house and those of his
relatives,--he and all of them having been put to death. Reginald's
anxiety regarding Nuna was in no way relieved, as his host could not
tell what had become of her. Several elephants carrying closed howdahs,
accompanied by a strong party of armed men, had been seen leaving the
southern gate of the city; but where they had gone, he had been unable
to learn.

The first part of the night had passed quietly away, and the old rajah,
after the fatigue and excitement he had gone through, slept soundly.
Before morning, however, he awoke; and calling to Reginald, who occupied
a small room adjoining his, he expressed his wish that when it was
daylight he would go out and ascertain what was taking place.

As soon as their host was on foot, Reginald told him of the rajah's
wish.

"I will send one of my sons instead," he answered. "He will run no
risk; while you, notwithstanding your disguise, may be easily
discovered."

The rajah consented; but some time passing by, and the young man not
returning, he grew impatient, and desired that his horse might be
prepared.

"Your highness will not surely venture to ride forth during daylight,"
said Reginald. "You would certainly be recognised; and though many
citizens might rally round you, Mukund Bhim's party by this time must be
sufficiently strong to cut them to pieces, and you would fall into the
hands of the rebels."

"I wish to be in readiness to join our friends, who, if they come at
all, will ere long be within the city walls; and I even now fancy that I
can hear the tramp of their horses' hoofs," was the answer. "Come, my
friend, let us be prepared to sally forth."

Reginald, though he believed that the rajah was mistaken, nevertheless
obeyed; and having mounted, they sat in the courtyard ready to sally
forth at a moment's notice.

They had not long to wait before their host's son returned with the
announcement that Mukund Bhim, with a large force, was advancing towar