anions, he
immediately despatched a native to bring in a portion of a sheep to
satisfy her craving appetite. In the meantime he eagerly opened the
casket, the key of which he had about his person. The papers were safe;
and he found another document secured to the bottom of the case. It was
in Hindostanee, and charged any one who found it to carry the casket to
Reginald, with the promise of a handsome reward for doing so.

Besides this, there was a long account of the way in which the casket
had been rescued by the writer at the burning of the palace. He
expressed an evident regard for him, and assured him that there were
many who entertained the same feeling; warning him, at the same time,
that it would be dangerous for him to return to the city. Though the
paper was not signed, Reginald at once knew that it must have come from
his Christian friend, Dhunna Singh. In smaller characters--so as, if
possible, to escape the observation of an ordinary reader--was a further
piece of intelligence. The writer had also rescued Faithful from the
palace, and had kept her, he said, at his house, till it was important
to send her off. He had great difficulty, however, in feeding her;
notwithstanding which she had remained as gentle as usual, apparently
understanding the object he had in view. "And now the time has
arrived," he added. "It is well known where you are; and an expedition,
consisting of horse and foot, with several guns, is about to set out to
attack you. Knowing the bravery of your companions, however, I do not
despair of your being able to defend yourselves; and if I can hear of
any of your friends in the neighbourhood, I will send them word of your
situation, and urge them to come to your relief."

Although Reginald would have waited till the next morning to announce to
Colonel Ross his extraordinary recovery of the casket, the warning he
had received of the intended attack he considered to be too important to
be neglected for a moment. Leaving the casket in the hut, therefore,
under the charge of Faithful, being very sure that no one would enter to
carry it off,--he hastened to Colonel Ross's quarters. In a few words
he narrated what had occurred, and gave the important information he had
received. The colonel having congratulated him warmly on the recovery
of his papers, next turned to the consideration of the best mode of
receiving the expected attack.

"Did we but possess an ample supply of powder,