ou had any
orders about him, but stand carelessly by. The fellow will tell us
nothing, but it is likely enough that he will speak to one of his
own countrymen."

"I understand, sir."

Stanley went into his house and told Meinik what he was wanted to
do.

"I will find out," Meinik said confidently and, a minute or two
later, went out and strolled along past the prisoner. As he did so
he gave him a little nod and, returning again shortly, saluted him
in Burmese. The third time he passed he looked inquiringly at the
sentry, as if to ask whether he might speak to the prisoner. The
soldier, however, appeared to pay no attention to him; but stood
with grounded musket, leaning against the wall, and Meinik went up
to the man.

"You are in bad luck," he said. "How did you manage to fall into
the hands of these people?"

"It matters not to you," the Burman said indignantly, "since you
have gone over to them."

"Not at all, not at all," Meinik replied. "Do you not know that
there are many here who, like myself, have come in as fugitives,
with instructions what to do when our people attack? I am expecting
news as to when the soothsayers declare the day to be a fortunate
one. Then we shall all be in readiness to do our share, as soon as
the firing begins."

"It will be on the fourth day from this," the Burman said. "We do
not know whether it will be the night before, or the night after.
The soothsayers say both will be fortunate nights; and the
Invulnerables will then assault the pagoda, and sweep the
barbarians away. The princes and woongees will celebrate the great
annual festival there, two days later."

"That is good!" Meinik said. "We shall be on the lookout, never
fear."

"What are they going to do to me. Will they cut off my head?"

"No, you need not be afraid of that. These white men never kill
prisoners. After they are once taken, they are safe. You will be
kept for a time and, when our countrymen have destroyed the
barbarians and taken the town, they will free you from prison.

"There are some of the white officers coming. I must get away, or
they will be asking questions."

As he walked away, the sentry put his musket to his shoulder and
began to march briskly up and down. A moment later the general
stepped up to him.

"What are you doing, my man? Who put you on guard over that
prisoner?"

"I don't know his name, sir," the sentry said, standing at
attention. "He was a young staff officer. He came to