t take our chance of a
shot."

It took them some hours' work but, at last, the passage was
cleared, and the bodies all thrown outside. The fire was lighted in
the next room; and Stanley, bidding two men listen attentively for
any movement, went up again to Harry--to whom he had paid a flying
visit, as soon as the Burmese drew off.

"We cannot risk having a light here, Harry," he said. "I don't want
them to have any idea that this chamber, which is nearly fifty feet
above the entrance, is in any way connected with the rooms below.
If such an idea struck them, they might lower men from above by
ropes, and so take us in the rear."

"Did you say that we are regularly shut up, in front, by that
stockade?"

"Yes; there is certainly no getting out, that way. Behind, you
know, it is a sheer wall of rock; and the only possibility, that I
can see, is that we may clear a staircase which runs up through the
rock, from a ledge on the level of this room, to the ruins of a
building above. At present, the upper part is entirely choked up
with blocks of stone and rubbish, and it will be a very awkward job
to get through it; but so far, it seems to me, it is that or
nothing."

"What are they going on chopping down trees for?"

"I believe their general is doing it to bring large numbers of his
troops close up to the stockade; partly perhaps to keep up the
spirits of the front line, by their company; partly to render
impossible any attempt, on our part, to make our way out by a
sudden rush. Of course, they don't know what our strength is; but
they have had so sharp a lesson, today, that they will take every
precaution, in future.

"Well, what is it, Meinik?"

"We have been talking together, master; and we think that, if we
were to call out that they might take the bodies away, without any
interference by us, they would do so. Several officers of rank have
fallen there, and it is our custom always to carry off the dead,
when it is possible."

"It would be worth trying the experiment, anyhow, Meinik. But we
must all stand to arms, while they are doing it; as they might make
a sudden rush. However, we would risk that, for those bodies have
been worrying me very much, and I would give anything to have them
taken away. I will go down with you."

Meinik accordingly went down to the entrance, and shouted out:

"Peace, peace! I am ordered, by the English officer, to say that he
would wish those who have fought so bravely to be hon