I should say they would be willing enough to give terms, but probably
they are overruled by the Sepoys, and perhaps by orders from Nana Sahib.
I know several of them personally, and I think I could influence Por
Sing, who is certainly the most powerful of the Zemindars of this
neighborhood, and is probably looked upon as their natural leader; if
you approve of it, Major, I will go out in disguise, and endeavor to
obtain an interview with him. He is an honorable man; and if he will
give his guarantee for our safety, I would trust him. At any rate, I can
but try. If I do not return, you will know that I am dead, and that no
terms can be obtained, and can then decide when to end it all."

"It is worth the attempt anyhow," the Major said. "I say nothing about
the danger you will run, for no danger can be greater than that which
hangs over us all now."

"Very well, Major, then I will do it at once, but you must not expect me
back until tomorrow night. I can hardly hope to obtain an interview with
Por Sing tonight."

"How will you go out, Bathurst?"

"I will go down at once and break in the roof of the gallery," he said;
"we know they are close round the wall, and I could not hope to get out
through any of the breaches."

"I suppose you are quite convinced that there is no hope of relief from
Lucknow?"

"Quite convinced. I never had any real hope of it; but had there been a
force disposable, it would have started at once if Forster arrived there
with his message, and might have been here by this time."

"At any rate, we can wait no longer."

"Then we will begin at once," Bathurst said, and, taking a crowbar and
pick from the place where the tools were kept, he lighted the lamp and
went along the gallery, accompanied by the Doctor, who carried two light
bamboo ladders.

"Do you think you will succeed, Bathurst?"

"I am pretty sure of it," he said confidently. "I believe I have a
friend there."

"A friend!" the Doctor repeated in surprise.

"Yes; I am convinced that the juggler is there. Not once, but half a
dozen times during the last two nights when I have been on watch on the
terrace, I have distinctly heard the words whispered in my ear, 'Meet me
at your bungalow.' You may think I dozed off and was dreaming, but I
was as wide awake then as I am now. I cannot say that I recognized the
voice, but the words were in the dialect he speaks. At any rate, as soon
as I am out I shall make my way there, and shall wait