tory has been won. Not that one victory would
settle the matter, for the Mahratta force consists almost entirely
of cavalry and, as we have only a handful, they would, if beaten,
simply ride off and be ready to fight again, another day. If we had
pushed on and occupied Poona, directly we landed--which should have
been easy enough, if the baggage train had been left behind, for it
is but forty miles from Panwell to the Mahratta capital--the
position would have been altogether different. The Mahrattas would
not have had time to collect their forces, and we should probably
have met with no opposition and, once in Poona, could have held it
against the whole Mahratta force. Besides, it is certain that some
of the chiefs, seeing that Rugoba was likely to be made Peishwa,
would have come to the conclusion that it would be best for them to
side with him.

"Of course, the baggage should all have been left at Panwell and,
in that case, the force could have entered Poona three days after
landing, instead of delaying from the 25th of November until today,
the 7th of January; and even now, at their present rate of advance,
they may be another fortnight before they arrive at Poona. I don't
think there has been so disgraceful a business since we first put
foot in India.

"At any rate, I shall send Mary and the child down to Bombay,
tomorrow. It is all very well to have her with me, when everything
is peaceable; but although I do not think there is any actual risk,
it is as well that, in turbulent times like these, with nothing but
a force under such incompetent leading between us and a powerful
and active enemy, she should be safe at Bombay."

Just before daybreak, next morning, there was a sudden shout from
one of the sentries; who had for the first time been posted round
the camp. The warning was followed by a fierce rush, and a large
body of horse and foot charged into the camp. The escort were, for
the most part, killed as they issued from their tents. The major
and his friend were shot down as they sallied out, sword in hand.
The same fate befell Mrs. Lindsay.

Then the Mahrattas proceeded to loot the camp. The ayah had thrust
the child underneath the wall of the tent, at the first alarm. A
Mahratta seized her, and would have cut her down, had she not
recognized him by the light of the lamp which hung from the tent
ridge.

"Why, cousin Sufder," she exclaimed, "do you not know me?"

He loosed his hold, and stood back and