It took an hour's preparation; for, although Ned's toilet was quickly
made, needing in fact nothing but a coating of mud, it took some time to
sew Dick up in the skin, the opening being sewn up by means of the small
blade of the knife and some string. It was by this time quite dark, and
the operation had been completed so perfectly that once Ned was dressed
they had no fear whatever of interruption.

"Now, Ned, before we go I will set fire to the straw. I don't suppose any
one will go down and. make any discoveries, but they may be looking for
wood, so it's as well to prevent accidents. We will throw that big piece
of matting over the opening in the floor, so the light won't show till we
get well away."

He ran down the ladder, struck a match, lit the straw, and then ran
quickly up again. The mat was dragged across the opening, and then the
boys went boldly out into the yard, Ned striding along, and Dick trotting
on all-fours beside him. The night was dark, and although there were many
men in the yard, sitting about on the ground round fires, no one noticed
the boys, who, turning out through a gateway, took the road into the heart
of Lucknow.




CHAPTER XVII.

OUT OF LUCKNOW.