carcely able to sit their horses. The leaders
were therefore compelled to restrain their eagerness, to assure those
who, they knew, were anxiously waiting for them of their safety; and
they returned at a slow pace, having to keep watch on the movements of
the enemy, in case, regaining their courage, they might again advance to
the attack. The beaten foe, however, showed no inclination to do this,
and were seen continuing their retreat to Allahapoor. Probably the news
of the successes already achieved by the British forces had reached
them, and they had by this time abandoned the high hopes they had
entertained of driving the Feringhees from the country.

As Reginald and Burnett arrived at the spot where the hardest fighting
had taken place, they were grieved to see that so many of their party
had fallen. Reginald dismounted from his horse, for the purpose of
ascertaining whether any of those who lay scattered about on the field
still breathed. At that moment Faithful came trotting up to him, and
looked up in his face, as if to receive his approval of her conduct
during the day. Not till then did he recollect the momentary glimpse he
had obtained of Captain Hawkesford's uplifted sword and the tigress
flying at his throat. Could the unhappy man, influenced by
disappointment and rage, have really intended to take his life? If so,
he had paid dearly. Advancing a few steps, Reginald caught sight of his
body. Near it lay his head, severed by a sharp tulwar. Several other
bodies lay about treated in the same manner, so that it was impossible
to say whether the tigress had killed him. Probably some of the enemy,
who had passed backwards and forwards over the spot, had committed the
act of barbarity. Of all those who had fallen, none were found alive.

Again mounting, Reginald rejoined Burnett, who had been similarly
engaged, and together they rode back to the fort.

It is scarcely necessary to describe the joyful welcome they met with.
Poor Nuna quickly recovered her spirits; and their success gave new life
to all in the fort. A strong party of natives was sent out to bury the
dead, and foes as well as friends were placed in one common grave.

The garrison had still many weeks of anxiety to endure. The only roads
by which they could hope to reach either of the English provinces were
blocked up by the enemy; who also occupied numerous posts on the Ganges,
which would effectually prevent them from descending that