f the Bombay Infantry," replied the colonel in a hollow
tone. "We had six yesterday, but if this account be true----"

"Don't delay a moment," shouted Sir Arthur; "prepare for the defense,
colonel, and see that the steamer is ready in case it comes to the
worst."

The governor's condition was now truly pitiable. He was trembling with
fright.

"There is indeed but little time," said Guy. "There is danger at your
very door. I see many Arabs and Somalis in the town."

"True, true," groaned Sir Arthur, and, turning over the despatches with
trembling hands, he added, "I am instructed to order troops from Cairo
and Suakim. What madness! What madness!"

Sir Arthur continued to talk in a rambling, excited way until Colonel
Carrington assumed control of affairs.

"Your steamer is here now?" he said to the captain. "Then you must make
haste to Aden, and bring us what troops you can. I doubt, though, if we
can resist a heavy attack for twenty-four hours. And you, gentlemen, you
will return on the steamer?"

"No, we will remain," Guy and Melton replied almost in one voice.

The colonel glanced at them approvingly.

"You are brave men," he said. "Stop!" he added suddenly. "You say you
left Berbera at sunset last night, and were delayed by an accident. Were
there any camels there?"

"A caravan of two thousand arrived two days ago," replied Melton.

The colonel's face paled.

"Then the enemy are due here now," he said huskily. "On camels they
could traverse the sixty miles in from fifteen to twenty hours. It is
already dark," and he pointed out through the window.

At this Sir Arthur groaned aloud, and tossed down three or four glasses
of champagne in rapid succession.

"To your steamer, quick!" cried the colonel, addressing Captain Waller;
"and you, gentlemen, since you decide to throw your fate in with ours,
come with me, and we will inspect the fortifications, and do what little
we can."

They had risen to their feet, and were giving a hasty look to their
arms, when a bright flash lit up the gloom from without, followed by a
sharp report, and at the same moment, from all quarters of the town,
rose a continuous rifle-firing, a violent uproar and shouting, and a
deep beating of drums.

Sir Arthur sprang to his feet, crying frantically, "To the steamer, to
the steamer--it is our only hope;" but before he could take a step the
outer doors were burst open, shouts were heard in the hall, and then,
through the curtain