r, but they will not
venture to do more. Neither they nor Nana Sahib dare at this moment
affront the people of Oude.

"There are Sepoys round Lucknow, but it is the men of Oude who are
really pressing the siege. If you are firm, they will not dare to break
with you on such a question as the lives of a score of Europeans. If you
will give me your word and your honor that all shall be spared, I will
come out in the morning with a flag of truce to treat with you. If not,
we will defend ourselves to the last, and then blow ourselves into the
air."

"And you think," Por Sing said doubtfully, "that if I agreed to this, it
would be taken into consideration should the British Raj be restored."

"I can promise you that it will," Bathurst said. "It will be properly
represented that it is to you that the defenders of Deennugghur, and the
women and children with them, owe their lives, and you may be sure that
this will go a very long way towards wiping out the part you have taken
in the attack on the station. When the day of reckoning comes, the
British Government will know as well how to reward those who rendered
them service in these days, as to punish those who have been our foes."

"I will do it," Por Sing said firmly. "Do not come out until the
afternoon. In the morning I will talk with the other Zemindars, and
bring them over to agree that there shall be no more bloodshed. There is
not one of us but is heartily sick of this business, and eager to put an
end to it. Rujub may report what he likes to the Nana, I will do what is
right."

After a hearty expression of thanks, Bathurst left the tent. Rujub was
awaiting him outside.

"You have succeeded?" he asked.

"Yes; he will guarantee the lives of all the garrison, but he seemed to
be afraid of what you might report to Nana Sahib."

"I am the Nana's agent here," Rujub said; "I have been working with
him for months. I would I could undo it all now. I was away when they
surrendered at Cawnpore. Had I not been, that massacre would never have
taken place, for I am one of the few who have influence with him. He is
fully cognizant of my power, and fears it."

They made their way back without interruption to the clump of bushes
near the house.

"When shall I see you again?" Bathurst asked.

"I do not know," replied Rujub, "but be sure that I shall be at hand to
aid you if possible should danger arise."

CHAPTER XVIII.

As soon as Bathurst began to remove the cove