as so accurate that, after
sweeping a little dust over the joint, the opening was quite
imperceptible to any one not aware of the hiding place. The cushions
of the divans were taken down here, as well as the furniture, and all
the less valuable carpets, rugs and hangings, while the costlier
articles were rolled up into bales, for transport.

The silver cups and other valuables were packed in boxes, and were,
during the night, carried by coolies down to the boats, over which a
guard was placed until morning. Provisions for the journey down the
river were also placed on board. The palace was astir long before
daybreak. The cushions that had been slept on during the night were
carried down to the boats, the boxes of wearing apparel closed and
fastened, and a hasty meal was taken.

The sun was just rising when they started. One boat had been fitted up
with a bower of green boughs, for the use of the two ladies and their
four attendants. The other two carried the baggage.

After seeing them push off, the Rajah, his sons, and Dick returned to
the palace. Here for a couple of hours he held a sort of audience, and
gave his advice to the townspeople and others who came, in
considerable numbers, to consult with him. When this was done they
went into the courtyard, where all was ready for their departure.

The troop had, during the past week, been raised to two hundred men,
many of the young cultivators coming eagerly forward, as soon as they
heard that the Rajah was going to increase his troop, being anxious to
take a share in the adventures that might be looked for, and to avenge
the sufferings that had been inflicted on their friends by Hyder's
marauders. They were a somewhat motley troop, but this mattered
little, as uniformity was unknown among the forces of the native
princes.

The majority were stout young fellows. All provided their own horses
and arms, and although the former lacked the weight and bone of
English cavalry horses, they were capable of performing long journeys,
and of existing on rations on which an English horse would starve.

All were well armed, for any deficiency had been made up from the
Rajah's store, and from this a large number of guns had, three days
before, been distributed among such of the ryots as intended to take
to the hills on the approach of the enemy. Ammunition had also been
distributed among them. Every man in the troop carried a shield and
tulwar, and on his back was slung a muske