At this point, which was on the side furthest from that upon which was the
main camp of the enemy, a clump of trees and bushes grew close to the wall
outside; behind them a hole in the wall, wide enough and high enough for a
horse to pass through easily, had been made, and the ditch behind had been
filled up with rubbish. There was no word spoken; every one had received
his orders, and knew what to do; and as silently as phantoms the troop
passed through, each man leading his horse. Once outside the bushes, they
formed fours and went forward, still leading their horses-as these were
less likely to snort with their masters at their heads.

Ten minutes' walking convinced them that they had little to fear, and that
no guards had been set on that side. It was regarded by the enemy as so
certain that the English would not abandon their horses and fly on foot,
only to be overtaken and destroyed the next day, that they had only
thought it necessary to watch the gateway through which, as they supposed,
the British must, if at all, escape on horseback.

The troop now mounted, and trotted quietly away, making a wide detour, and
then going straight toward Bithri. The moon had risen; and when, about a
mile and a half in front, they could see the castle, Major Warrener, who
with Captain Kent and the native guides was riding ahead, held up his
hand. The troop came to a halt.

"There are some bullock-carts just ahead. Take the mufflings off your
horse's feet and ride on by yourself," he said to one of the native
guides, "and see what is in the wagons, and where they are going."

The man did as ordered, but he needed no questions. The wagons were full
of wounded men going to Bithri. He passed on with a word of greeting,
turned his horse when he reached a wood a little in front, and allowed