everywhere to-morrow. Remember what our orders are;" and he paused for a
moment to choke down the sob which would come when he thought of who had
given the order, and how it was given. "We were to make for Meerut. Be
strong and brave, girls, as father would have had you. I have gone over
the course on the district map, and I think I can keep pretty straight for
it. We need not change our clothes now; we can do that when we halt before
daylight. We must walk all night, to be as far as possible away before the
search begins. We know this country pretty well for some miles round,
which will make it easier. Come, girls, take heart; it is possible yet
that some of the officers have cut their way out, and our father may be
among them. Who can say?"

"I knew that he had talked over with Dunlop and Manners the very best
course to take whenever they might be attacked," Dick said in a more
cheerful tone, "so they were sure to keep together, and if any one has got
away, they would." Neither of the boys had at heart the least hope, but
they spoke as cheerfully as they could, to give strength and courage to
the girls. Their words had their effect. Kate rose, and taking her
cousin's arm said:

"Come, Rose, the boys are right. There is still some hope; let us cling to
it as long as we can. Now let us be moving: but before we go, let us all
thank God for having saved us from harm so far, and let us pray for His
protection and help upon the road."

Silently the little group knelt in prayer, and when they rose followed
Ned--who had naturally assumed the position of leader--out into the open
country beyond the grove, without a word being spoken. The moon was as yet
quite young, a favorable state for the fugitives, as it afforded light
enough to see where they were going without giving so bright a light as to