t back again, by their headman. The sentry would only have to
let us know what night he would arrange for them both to be on
guard, together, behind the hut; then we should be able to manage
it well."

"It would be a capital plan that, Meinik, if it could be arranged.

"Well, it is a great comfort to know that the fruit has got in
safely. The limes, especially, will be a great help to my cousin.
Next time you see the man, you must try and get him to find out how
he is going on."

For a fortnight, Stanley remained in the forest. Meinik met the
soldier every other day, and sent in fruit and, at the end of the
ten days, he heard that the prisoner had recovered his senses. It
was said that, as soon as he was well enough to move, he was to be
sent to Ava.

"Now you had better begin to sound the man, as to his willingness
to aid him to escape."

"I have very little doubt about it, master, for I have already
learned that his home is on the other side of the hills. He went
down with Bandoola; and returned after his defeat, with a number of
others, travelling up the bank of the Pegu river. If they had not
had their military chief with them, they would have started
straight for home. But they were marched here, and have been kept
on duty in the town, ever since. He has heard how well off the
people are on the other side of the hills, under English rule; so I
feel sure that he will be glad to escape, if he sees a chance of
getting off."

"That is good. In the first place, let him know that the other
English officer, who was at the village with the one they captured,
had said that he would be ready to pay well anyone who would aid in
his escape. If he says that he would willingly do so, if he also
could get away, tell him that one man would be of no use but that,
if he could get another to join him, so that they could both go on
guard together behind the house, it could be managed.

"But say that, in the first place, I must myself speak to the white
officer, and learn exactly how he is, and whether he can endure a
journey as far as this tree, or the temple--whichever we may decide
upon as best. When I have seen him, I will send for the other men
from the village. I am in no hurry to get him away, for the longer
he stays quiet, the better. But at any moment the governor may
decide that he is sufficiently recovered to be carried, and may
send him off to Ava, under a strong escort. Therefore, although we
will put off moving