ds
that part of the city, breaking open the houses, and capturing all those
who were suspected of being favourable to the rajah. "There is still
time to escape by the northern gate; and though there may be great risk
of falling into the hands of the rebels, it may be the safest course to
pursue," he observed.

Reginald was of the same opinion, and urged the rajah to adopt it. By
the advice of their host, the rajah wound a common turban round his
head, the ends of which hung down so as to conceal his features; and as
there was not a moment to be lost, the gates were thrown open, and Ali
Singh, followed by Reginald, dashed out and made his way through some
narrow lanes, now entirely deserted, towards the northern gate. As they
came in sight of it they saw a number of people--some on horseback, and
others on camels or on foot--hastening out to escape from the
barbarities of Mukund Bhim and his fierce soldiery. They made their way
amid the frightened multitude, and had already got outside the walls
when they heard loud shouts raised behind them, when Reginald, looking
back, saw a party of horsemen issuing from the gate, and trampling under
foot or cutting down all who impeded their progress. He at once
suspected that their flight had by some means or other been discovered,
and that the horsemen were in pursuit of them.

"We must ride for our lives," he exclaimed, telling the rajah what he
had seen.

Fortunately the road in front was tolerably open, and putting their
horses into a gallop they dashed forward. Mukund Bhim's horsemen had by
this time discovered them, and now came on in hot pursuit. Their
chances of escape appeared small indeed. They were well mounted,
however, and their good steeds behaved faithfully, straining every
muscle as if aware of the importance of exerting themselves. Their
pursuers, fully aware of the prize in view, galloped on even faster, and
were evidently gaining on them,--firing as they did so, regardless of
those they might kill or wound. More than once Reginald turned his
head, and at length saw a further party of horsemen and numerous
elephants issuing from the gate. His own horse kept up well, but the
rajah's at length stumbled and nearly came to the ground; and Reginald
feared that in a few minutes more they would be overtaken by their
merciless foes. Still, there was a possibility of escaping, if they
could gain the wood which they were now fast approaching. Just as they
re