said:

"I think we had better turn, Dick. These scowling scoundrels would be only
too glad to put a knife into us, and we might be buried away under ground
in one of these dens, and no one be ever any the wiser for it. I have no
doubt when we have finished with the fellows, and get a little time to
look round, there will be a clear sweep made of all these slums."

The lads turned to go back, when Dick said, "Listen!"

They paused, and could hear a confused sound of shouting, and a noise as
of a tumult. They listened attentively.

"Ned," Dick exclaimed, "I am sure some of those shouts are English. Some
of our fellows have got into a row; come on!"

So saying, he dashed off up the narrow street, accompanied by his brother.
Down two more lanes, and then, in an open space where five or six lanes
met, they saw a crowd. In the midst of it they could see sabers flashing
in the air, while British shouts mingled with the yells of the natives.

"This is a serious business," Ned said, as they ran; "we are in the worst
part of Cawnpore."

Three or four natives, as they approached the end of the lane, stepped
forward to prevent their passage; but the lads threw them aside with the
impetus of their rush, and then, shoulder to shoulder, charged the crowd.

Expecting no such assault, the natives fell aside from the shock, and in a
few seconds the boys stood by their countrymen. There were six in all--