The little wooden bridge, referred to by Carlton, was at length gained.
During the ride he had communicated to Edith the steps he intended to
take on gaining the cover of the old road. Turning sharply to the right
they entered the jungle, and made their way into the stream that crossed
the road, then passing up the centre and under the bridge, they landed
about one hundred and fifty paces higher up on the opposite bank, and,
having dismounted, Arthur sought for, and soon found, the entrance to
the road they were in search of, now overhung with brambles and creeping
plants. Pushing them carefully aside, they entered, and found themselves
in a narrow track, overgrown with soft grass. Assisting Edith to
remount, Carlton threw the bridle of his own horse over the stump of a
tree, then said to her, in a voice hoarse with emotion, and pointing to
a small opening between the bushes, "From this point you can watch the
results of my endeavours for our mutual safety. Should I fall, turn and
fly. This road will lead you to Rutlaum." Then snatching a hasty kiss, he
retraced his steps to the edge of the main road, taking up his position
under the cover of the thick bushes.

The road leading to the bridge was, for about one hundred yards,
perfectly straight, and much narrower than at other points, and the
jungle at both sides was both thick and dense. Rather an awkward place
for cavalry, should there be any infantry lurking in ambush, watching to
give them a hot reception. I have said that Arthur was thoroughly armed;
besides his two revolvers and sabre, he had his double-barreled
tiger-rifle, a breech-loader of the newest pattern, which had only
lately been introduced into India. Arthur had not long to wait for his
foes, for the clattering of the armed hoofs of their troop horses were
soon heard coming along at a rapid pace. There were nine of them, riding
three abreast. As soon as they were within range, Carlton coolly
levelled his rifle and discharged both barrels in rapid succession,