or shook his head.

"Can you do nothing, Doctor?" Bathurst said, in a low tone.

"Nothing; he is weaker this morning, still the change of air may help
him, and he may have strength to fight through; the wound itself is a
serious one, but he would under other circumstances have got over it.
As it is, I think his chance a very poor one, though I would not say as
much to her."

After three hours' travel they reached the river. Here two large native
boats were lying by the bank. The baggage and sick were soon placed
on board, and the Europeans with the native servants were then divided
between them, and the Rajah's son and six of the retainers took their
places in one of the boats. The Doctor and Captain Doolan had settled
how the party should be divided. The Major and the other sick men were
all placed in one boat, and in this were the Doctor, Bathurst, and four
civilians, with Isobel Hannay, Mrs. Hunter, and her daughter. Captain
Doolan, his wife, Mrs. Rintoul, and the other three ladies, with the six
children who had alone survived, and the rest of the party, were in the
other boat.

Por Sing and his companions were thanked heartily for the protection
they had given, and Bathurst handed them a document which had been
signed by all the party, testifying to the service they had rendered.

"If we don't get down to Allahabad," Bathurst said, as he handed it to
him, "this will insure you good treatment when the British troops come
up. If we get there, we will represent your conduct in such a light that
I think I can promise you that the part you took in the siege will be
forgiven."

Then the boats pushed off and started on their way down the stream.

The distance by water to Cawnpore was over forty miles. It was already
eleven o'clock, and slow progress only could be made with the heavy
boats, but it was thought that they would be able to pass the town
before daylight began to break next morning, and they therefore pushed
on as rapidly as they could, the boatmen being encouraged to use their
utmost efforts by the promise of a large reward upon their arrival at
Allahabad.

There was but little talk in the boats. Now that the strain was over,
all felt its effects severely. The Doctor attended to his patients;
Isobel sat by the side of her uncle, giving him some broth that they had
brought with them, from time to time, or moistening his lips with weak
brandy and water. He spoke only occasionally.

"I don't much think