ll have it hot, some of 'em."

"What do you mean?" I said, getting interested.

"Oh, nothing pertickler, mate; only been arranging for promotion for
some of 'em, since I can't get it myself I took the head out of one keg,
and emptied it by the others, and made a train to where I've set a
candle burning; and when that candle's burnt out, it will set light to
another; and that will have to burn out, when some wooden chips will
catch fire, and they'll blaze a good deal, and one way and another
there'll be enough to burn to last till, say, eight o'clock this
morning, by which time the beauties will have got into the place; and
then let 'em look out for promotion, for there's enough powder there to
startle two or three of 'em."

"That's what you wanted the matches for, then?" I said.

"That's it, matey; and what do you think of it, eh?"

"You've done wrong, my lad, I'm afraid, and--" I didn't finish; for just
then, behind us, there was a bright flashing light, followed by a dull
thud; and looking back, we could see what looked like a little
fire-work; and though plenty was said just then, no one but Measles and
I knew what that flash meant.

"That's a dead failure," growled Measles to me as we went on. "I
believe I am the unluckiest beggar that ever breathed. That oughtn't to
have gone off for hours yet, and now it'll let 'em know we're gone, and
that's all."

I did not say anything, for I was too weak and troubled, and how I kept
up as I did, I don't know to this day.

The morning broke at last with the knowledge that we were three miles to
the right of the tank Captain Dyer had meant to reach. For a few
minutes, in a quiet stern way, he consulted with Lieutenant Leigh as to
what should be done--whether to turn off to the tank, or to press on.
The help received from old _Nabob_ made them determine to press on; and
after a short rest, and a better arrangement for those who were to ride
on the elephant, we went on in the direction of Wallahbad, I, for my
part, never expecting to reach it alive. Many a look back did I give to
see if we were followed, but it was not until we were within sight of a
temple by the roadside, that there was the news spread that there were
enemies behind; and though I was ready enough to lay the blame upon
Measles, all the same they must have soon found out our flight, and
pursued us.

The sun could never have been hotter nor the ground more parched and
dusty than it was now. We wer