"And what was the state of things then?" Lieutenant Tomkins asked. "How
long could they hold out? We know that it will be another three weeks
before Havelock can hope to get there."

"Another three weeks!" Ned said. "That is terrible. They were hard pushed
indeed when we left; the enemy were driving mines in all directions; the
garrison were getting weaker and weaker every day, and the men fit for
duty were worked to death. It seems next to impossible that they could
hold out for another four or five weeks from the time we left them; but if
it can be done, they will do it. Do you happen to have heard of our
father?"

"The man that brought the news about you said he was all right and hearty,
and the troop was doing good work in scouring the country round Cawnpore.
Now will you ride back and report yourself to General Wilson?" So saying,
he ordered two of the troopers to dismount and walk back to camp.

Ned had thrown down the wig when he took it off; but before mounting Dick
picked it up, rolled it up into a little parcel, and said:

"It is my first effort in wig-making, and as it has saved our lives I'll
keep it as long as I live, as a memento; besides, who knows? it may be
useful again yet."

Quite an excitement was created in the camp behind the Ridge by the
arrival of the Guide cavalry with two Englishmen in native dress, and the
news that they were officers from Lucknow quickly spread.

The cavalry drew up at their own lines, and then dismounting, Lieutenant
Tomkins at once sent an orderly to the general with the news, while the