tell why he has allowed so many of our unfortunate
countrymen and countrywomen to perish miserably. It may be that he
intends to give an important lesson to the survivors, and to remind us
that our Government has not ruled this country as a Christian people
ought to have done, or taken effectual means to spread his Word among
the benighted inhabitants."

"That idea has occurred to me more than once," said Reginald. "I have
been ready enough to support and trust to the Christians, but I have
done nothing to spread the gospel among them; but if I ever again have
the power, I will try to do so."

"We may have the power some day," exclaimed Violet. "If we cannot do so
in person, we may afford support to the missionaries who are ready to
venture their lives among the heathen for the sake of carrying to them
the blessed gospel. I am sure that we shall be bound to do our utmost
with the means which may be placed at our disposal."

Neither Reginald nor Violet forgot this conversation.

Day after day went by without any news of the approach of the rebels.
At length many in the fort began to hope that the enemy would not
appear. Some even proposed that they should abandon the fort, and,
making their way to the Ganges, descend the river to the nearest post
occupied by the British. To this, however, Colonel Ross was strongly
opposed. From the information he received, he knew that the whole
country swarmed with rebels; and these would certainly attack them in
the open country, even if they were not followed by the insurgents in
boats from the city. The idea, therefore, was abandoned, and every
effort was made to strengthen the fortifications.

Captain Hawkesford still exhibited his ill-feeling towards Reginald.
Whether or not he knew anything of the recovery of the casket, it was
impossible to say; but, unabashed by Violet's indifference, if not
disgust, he continued to pay her attention whenever he got an
opportunity, as if he still entertained some hope of displacing Reginald
in her affections. She could not feel otherwise than offended; but she
knew it was important, at that time, not to create any ill-feeling among
the few officers who surrounded her father, and she therefore did not
complain to him, as she might otherwise have done.

At length, one day one of the scouts, who had gone out in disguise in
the direction of the city, came hurrying in with the intelligence that a
large force was marching northward, pr