Then gradually the plan was elaborated, until it finally was definitely
arranged as afterward carried into execution.

The night passed quietly, but fires could be seen blazing in many
directions over the plain, and occasionally a distant sound of drums, or a
wild shout, came faintly on the still air. Next morning Major Warrener
started early, with half a troop, to reconnoiter the country toward
Bithri. The party got to a spot within two miles of the castle, and had a
look at it and its surroundings, and were able to discern that a great
deal of bustle was going on around it, and that considerable numbers of
horse and footmen were gathered near the gate. Then they rode rapidly back
again, having to run the gantlet of several bodies of natives, who fired
at them. One party indeed had already placed themselves on the road, about
a mile from the village; but Captain Kent, seeing with his glass what was
going on, rode out with his troop to meet the little reconnoitering party,
and the enemy, fearing cavalry on the open, fell back after a scattering
fire, but not quickly enough to prevent the horse from cutting up their
rear somewhat severely.

At eight o'clock large bodies of men could, be seen approaching the
village. These, when they arrived within gunshot, discharged their long
matchlocks at the walls, with much shouting and gesticulation. Major
Warrener's order was that not a shot should be returned, as it was
advisable to keep them in ignorance as to the long range of the Enfield
carbine.

"Let all get their breakfasts," he said, "and let the horses be well
groomed and attended to; we shall want all their speed to-morrow."

At eleven some elephants, surrounded by a large body of horse, could be