ophole of his cell commanded a
view of it, so that a prisoner could hold no conversation with the
guard below.

Presently another man came up on to the walls, and approached the
group there. He was, like the others, dressed in a small white
turban, a short jacket made of unbleached hemp; underneath which
was a loose tunic, bound at the waist with a sash, and coming down
to the knees. He carried a spear and matchlock, and across his
shoulder a small shield was slung. The others did not turn round
and, when a few yards from them, he looked up at Harry; and the
latter saw, to his delight, that he was Abdool.

Harry dared not make any gesture that might be noticed; but he
nodded his head slightly, and walked to the other side of the
platform, where he remained for a short time, and then returned.
Abdool looked again in his direction; but continued to talk with
the others as to the attack upon the town, and agreed with them
that Holkar would make short work of its defenders.

Presently the whole party descended to the courtyard, together.
Some of them went down to the lower wall, to talk to their comrades
there; but whether Abdool accompanied them, or was still in the
fort, Harry could not make out. He did not, indeed, remain long on
the platform but, after looking towards Delhi for some little time,
he went down to his room.

It was evident that Abdool had enlisted in the rajah's service; and
had, no doubt, been engaged by the governor of the fort. The rajah
would be uneasy in his mind, and would assuredly take on any men
that presented themselves; in order to strengthen himself, if
Holkar failed to take the town; and also to gain the latter's
approbation, by joining him with as large a force as possible.
Probably Abdool had only enlisted on the previous day; and would,
of course, need time to acquaint himself with the fortifications,
the position of the guards, and the manner in which he could best
communicate with him.

Harry's meals were brought up twice a day, at seven o'clock in the
morning and at nightfall. Hitherto he had been quiet and patient,
as there was nothing to be done but to await the course of events.
Now that he knew Abdool was there, and would certainly endeavour to
open communications with him, it was difficult for him to keep
quiet; and he passed hours in pacing round and round his room.
Occasionally he went up to the roof, but he could see no signs of
Abdool; and therefore remained but a short