"I have much news to tell you. The fighting is over here. The Nana sent in
a messenger to the English sahibs, to say that if they would give up the
place, with the guns and treasure, he would grant a free passage for all;
and the Nana and his Hindoo officers have sworn the sacred oath of our
religion, and the Mohammedans have sworn on the Koran, that these
conditions shall be observed. Boats are to be provided for them all. They
leave to-morrow at dawn. Her highness the ranee will shelter you here if
you like to stay; but if you wish it you can go at daybreak and join your
countrymen."

With many thanks for the ranee's offer, the boys at once decided to join
their countrymen; and accordingly next morning after a kind farewell from
their protectress, they started before daybreak under charge of their
driver of the day before, and, still in their disguises of native women,
made their way to a point on the line of route outside the town. There
were but few people here, and, just as day broke the head of the sad
procession came along. The women and children, the sick and wounded--among
the latter Sir H. Wheeler, the gallant commander of the garrison--were in
wagons provided by the Nana; the remnant of the fighting men marched
afterward. Hastily dropping their women's robes, the boys slipped in among
the troops, unnoticed by any of the guards of Nana's troops who were
escorting the procession.

A few words explained to their surprised compatriots that they were
fugitives who had been in shelter in the town, and many a word of welcome
was muttered, and furtive handshakes given. In return the boys were able
to give the news of the arrival of the British before Delhi, and the
commencement of the siege, all of which was new to the garrison, who had
been for twenty-two days without a word from the outer world. At last the
column reached the ghat, or landing-place, fixed upon for their