ked,
as late in the evening they sat together on some sandbags in a corner of
the terrace.

"I think that if we get past Cawnpore in safety there is not much to
fear. There is no other large place on the river, and the lower we get
down the less likely the natives are to disturb us, knowing, as they are
almost sure to do, that a force is gathering at Allahabad."

"After what you heard of the massacre of the prisoners at Cawnpore, whom
the Nana and his officers had all sworn to allow to depart in safety,
there is little hope that this scoundrel will respect the arrangements
made here."

"We must pass the place at night, and trust to drifting down
unobserved--the river is wide there--and keeping near the opposite
shore, we may get past in the darkness without being perceived; and even
if they do make us out, the chances are they will not hit us. There are
so few of us that there is no reason why they should trouble greatly
about us."

"I am sorry to say, Bathurst, that I don't like the appearance of the
Major's wound. Everything has been against him; the heat, the close air,
and his anxiety of mind have all told on him, he seems very low, and I
have great doubts whether he will ever see Allahabad."

"I hope you are wrong, Doctor, but I thought myself there was a change
for the worse when I saw him an hour ago; there was a drawn look about
his face I did not like. He is a splendid fellow; nothing could have
been kinder than he has been to me. I wish I could change places with
him."

The Doctor grunted. "Well, as none of us may see Allahabad, Bathurst,
you need not trouble yourself on that score. I wonder what has become
of your friend the conjurer. I thought he might have been in to see you
this afternoon."

"I did not expect him," Bathurst said; "I expect he went as far as he
dared in what he said at the Durbar today. Probably he is doing all he
can to keep matters quiet. Of course he may have gone down to Cawnpore
to see Nana Sahib, but I should think it more probable that he would
remain here until he knows we are safe on board the boats."

"Ah, here is Wilson," said the Doctor; "he is a fine young fellow, and I
am very glad he has gone through it safely."

"So am I," Bathurst said warmly; "here we are, Wilson."

"I thought I would find you both smoking here," Wilson said, as he
seated himself; "it is awfully hot below, and the ladies are all at
work picking out the things they are going to take with them a