d others narrowly escaped with their lives. The
whole population are up in arms. Loud cries are raised against the
English and those who support them. `Down with the foreign rajah!' is
the cry of every one; while they swear that should you return they will
destroy you and all your friends. The armed men broke into the prison,
and liberated all the prisoners. Among these were Khan Cochut and the
slave Bikoo, who did their utmost to increase the tumult. The khan
declared that the old rajah had made him his successor; and he began to
address the people, promising them freedom from all taxes, and universal
liberty. A considerable number sided with him, and he was marching in
triumph to take possession of the palace, when a strong party of chiefs
and others who knew he spoke falsely attacked him, whereupon his
followers were put to flight, and he himself cut to pieces. Seeing how
things were going on, and fearing that you might return unprepared, I
disguised myself as you see me, and galloped off to bring you the
intelligence."

After Reginald had held a consultation with Colonel Ross, it was agreed
that any attempt to enter the city would be madness; while it would be
impossible to defend themselves in the residency, or in any part of the
cantonments. The colonel inquired whether there was not some strong
building in the neighbourhood, of which they might take possession and
fortify it; where, if provisions could be obtained, they might hold out
till relieved by a British force.

"There are several towards the south," replied Buxsoo; "but the rebels
swarm in that direction, the whole population being up in arms."

There was, however, a hilly district a few miles to the north, he said,
inhabited by a tribe who were neither Mohammedans nor Hindoos, and to
whom consequently the chupatties had not been sent. They had always
remained faithful to the rajah of Allahapoor, and would certainly
receive the young rajah with open arms. If they could reach that
district, they would there be able to throw up fortifications, and
defend themselves for any length of time against such a force as the
enemy were likely to assemble in that quarter.

The plan proposed was their only alternative, and Colonel Ross at once
agreed to it.

Guided by Buxsoo, the party immediately directed their course northward.
Burnett's insurgent cavalry had disappeared, and none of the mutinous
sepoys were in sight, so they advanced as rapidly as th