garrison under the direction of Major Collingwood and act as he deemed
best in the coming struggle. He was well mounted and thoroughly armed,
and likewise carried a double-barreled tiger-rifle, slung
carbine-fashion to his saddle, and was as formidable a cavalier as one
could meet with in the country. Giving his last instructions to Pedro,
who, by this time, had returned, he rode out of the compound and took
his way to the Bungalow, where all that he held most dear in life was,
perhaps, sleeping, all unconscious of the impending danger. When he was
near the house, a few shots were fired, and a hubbub was heard within
the Sepoy lines.

"I am almost too late," thought Arthur, as he dashed up to the door.
Edith, who had seen his approach met him in the verandah. A few words
sufficed to explain how matters stood, and she hurried away to put on
her riding habit, and gather together what valuables belonged to her.
Arthur lost no time in causing to be saddled one of the best horses in
the stable, and had it led round to the front of the Bungalow, where, in
a very short time, he was joined by Edith, fully equipped for any
emergency.

Placing her quickly and firmly on her saddle, and carefully examining
every strap and buckle, and finding everything secure, he sprang lightly
on his own steed. One glance at the space in front of the Bungalow, was
quite sufficient to realize, to a practical mind like Arthur's, the
imminent dangers that would beset them, should they attempt to cross the
open plain in the direction of the Fort. The only chance was in a rapid
flight. There was no time to arrange any definite plan of action, for a
very few minutes would elapse before the mutineers would surround the
Bungalow, and cut off all means of escape; so passing directly to the
rear of the compound, they sought the cover of the jungle that skirted