it is, although
you refused to believe my word when I assured you I was not a rebel, and
that you had been deceived, I am ready to receive your apologies; and I
must now request you to assist in making immediate arrangements for the
conveyance of the young lady to Allahapoor, where her grandfather is
anxiously awaiting her return."

Burnett, however, undertook that task, and despatched a party of his
horsemen to the nearest place where elephants were to be found, to bring
one with a proper howdah for the conveyance of the young ranee; while he
also sent off another party to Allahapoor, to announce her recovery to
the rajah.

Captain Hawkesford volunteered to remain in the meantime, with his men,
for her protection. But Burnett politely declined his offer; observing,
in a somewhat sarcastic tone, which he could not restrain, that she was
as perfectly safe, guarded by his troopers, as she would be with the
sepoys and the corporal's guard he had brought with him.

"Well, then," said Captain Hawkesford, "if my services are declined, it
is my duty, I conceive, to rejoin the main body of the force sent to the
assistance of the rajah. I will inform Colonel Ross that we were
deceived by the information given us by the Brahmin, and that the
supposed rebel was no other than Mr Hamerton, who was escorting the
young lady home whom he had so gallantly rescued from imprisonment."

"Colonel Ross, did you say?" asked Reginald.

"Yes, sir. He is in command of the troops marching to Allahapoor; and
he and his daughter--who accompanies him--will be much interested on
hearing of your gallant exploit."

Reginald hesitated what remark to make. The news he had just heard gave
him great pleasure, as he hoped that he might soon again meet Violet.
At the same time, he felt sure that Captain Hawkesford would give a
false colouring to what had occurred, and would try to make her jealous
of the ranee and suspicious of his conduct. He was much inclined to
explain the true state of affairs to Captain Hawkesford, so that he
might be prevented from making out a story to his prejudice. Captain
Hawkesford, however, saw very clearly that Burnett did not wish for his
presence; so desiring his syce to bring up his horse, he hastily
mounted, and ordering his men to march, rode off--the dead body of the
unfortunate corporal being carried by some of the sepoys, whose low
caste allowed them thus to employ themselves.

Dick Thuddichum, who had bee