slippers, were ill-fitted
to support her. At length, however, he began to feel fatigued, and
anxiously looked out for a place of safety, where they might rest till
an elephant could be found to convey them to the city. They had
observed on their way a temple in a very similar situation to the one
from which they had just escaped. Buxsoo believed that that also was
deserted, although it was not in a very ruinous condition. Being not
far off, they made their way to it. A place of shelter was soon found
within it, and Reginald placing his jacket and Buxsoo his outer robe on
the ground, entreated Nuna to rest while they watched at a little
distance. Faithful, who came in last, lay down in the gateway;
evidently considering that it was her duty to keep a guard over the
premises while her master and his friends occupied them.

Their chief inconvenience arose from want of food; for the provisions
they had brought with them had been exhausted on the previous day, and
Reginald felt that it would be impossible to proceed without some
refreshment. Nuna assured him that she herself was not hungry, as she
had had some supper brought to her soon after nightfall. She had been
treated, she told him, with perfect respect.

They were still apprehensive of being pursued by the mutineers, so as
soon as there was sufficient light they set to work to fortify the
temple, and to close all the openings in the lower part of the building.
This done, Buxsoo and Sambro hastened away to obtain provisions at the
nearest village they could find; intending also to try and procure an
elephant for the convenience of Nuna and Reginald, and, if possible, one
for themselves and Dick.

After his companions had gone, Reginald seated himself by Nuna, and took
the opportunity of recounting his history, and explaining to her who he
was. She listened to him with great astonishment. At length she
answered--

"I now understand why I have been brought up in a manner so different
from the other women of rank in this country. My mother taught me her
own religion, which she was allowed to enjoy; and she charged me, with
her dying breath, should I ever marry, to teach my children the same.
But I fear I really know little of its truths. I must get you, my
brother, to instruct me, and tell me all about the country of our
mother's ancestors."

While they were speaking Dick hurried up, exclaiming--

"Hurrah, sir! I see a body of sepoys with some English