Rabda can take the two corners at the feet. We can
change about when we like."

Isobel had lost greatly in weight since the siege of Deennugghur began,
and she was but a light burden for her three bearers, who started with
her at a speed considerably greater than that at which she had walked.

"Which way are you taking us, Rujub?" Bathurst asked presently; "I have
lost my bearings altogether."

"I am keeping near the river, sahib. I know the country well. We cannot
follow the road, for there the Rajah's troops and the Sepoys and the
Oude men are gathered to oppose your people. They will fight tomorrow
at Dong, as I told you, but the main body is not far from here. We must
keep far away from them, and if your people take Dong we can then join
them if we like. This road keeps near the river all the way, and we are
not likely to meet Sepoys here, as it is by the other road the white
troops are coming up."

After four hours' walking, Rujub said, "There is a large wood just
ahead. We will go in there. We are far enough off Cawnpore to be safe
from any parties they may send out to search. If your people take
Dong tomorrow, they will have enough to think of in Cawnpore without
troubling about an escaped prisoner. Besides," he added, "if the Rajah's
orders are carried out, at daybreak they will not know that a prisoner
has escaped; they will not trouble to count."

"I cannot believe it possible they will carry out such a butchery,
Rujub."

"We shall see, sahib. I did not tell you all I knew lest we should fail
to carry off the lady, but I know the orders that have been given. Word
has been sent round to the butchers of the town, and tomorrow morning
soon after daybreak it will be done."

Bathurst gave an exclamation of horror, for until now he had hardly
believed it was possible that even Nana Sahib could perpetrate so
atrocious a massacre. Not another word was spoken until they entered the
wood.

"Where is the river, Rujub?"

"A few hundred yards to the left, sahib; the road is half a mile to the
right. We shall be quite safe here."

They made their way for some little distance into the wood, and then
laid down their burden.

They had taken to the spot where Rabda remained when the others went
forward towards the prison a basket containing food and three bottles of
wine, and this Rujub had carried since they started together. As soon as
the hammock was lowered to the ground, Isobel moved and sat up.

"I am rest