he would
at their head charge the mutinous infantry, while if they joined the
mutineers he would ride into the fort. It was also arranged that he
should bring in word should the Sepoys obtain news of what was going on
and rise before morning.

All felt better and more cheerful after having taken some coffee.

"It is difficult to believe, Miss Hannay," Richards said, "that this
is all real, and not a sort of picnic, or an early start on a hunting
expedition."

"It is indeed, Mr. Richards. I can hardly believe even now that it is
all true, and have pinched myself two or three times to make sure that I
am awake."

"If the villains venture to attack us," Wilson said, "I feel sure we
shall beat them off handsomely."

"I have no doubt we shall, Mr. Wilson, especially as it will be in
daylight. You know you and Mr. Richards are not famous for night
shooting."

The young men both laughed.

"We shall never hear the last of that tiger story, Miss Hannay. I can
tell you it is no joke shooting when you have been sitting cramped up
on a tree for about six hours. We are really both pretty good shots.
Of course, I don't mean like the Doctor; but we always make good scores
with the targets. Come, Richards, here is another lot of things; if they
go on at this rate the Sepoys won't find much to loot in the bungalows
tomorrow."

Just as daylight was breaking the servants were all called together, and
given the choice of staying or leaving. Only some eight or ten, all of
whom belonged to the neighborhood, chose to go off to their villages.
The rest declared they would stay with their masters.

Two of the party by turns had been on watch all night on the terrace
to listen for any sound of tumult in the lines, but all had gone on
quietly. Bathurst had been working with the others all night, and
after seeing that all his papers were carried to the courthouse, he
had troubled but little about his own belongings, but had assisted the
others in bringing in their goods.

At daylight the Major and his officers mounted and rode quietly down
towards the parade ground. Bathurst and Mr. Hunter, with several of the
servants, took their places at the gates, in readiness to open and close
them quickly, while the Doctor and the other Europeans went up to the
roof, where they placed in readiness six muskets for each man, from the
store in the courthouse. Isobel Hannay and the wives of the two Captains
were too anxious to remain below, and we