on hearing of Holkar's approach."

"The zemindar is a generous man, indeed. He has, as you heard,
presented me with the horse that I am riding. It is certainly a
splendid animal and, though my own was a good one, this is far
better. In fact, I have seen no handsomer horse, anywhere.

"I wish you had as good a one, Abdool, and then we need not fear
being overtaken, though half the Mahratta army were in pursuit."

They entered the city by the northern gate, and saw nothing of the
enemy, who were encamped on the other side of the city. Harry was
most warmly received by Colonel Ochterlony.

"I have been in much anxiety about you," he said. "That you had
been detained was certain; but I hoped that that petty rajah would
not have ventured to harm you, for he would be sure that, sooner or
later, we should have a heavy reckoning with him."

"I fancy, sir, that he was waiting for news from here. He was
convinced that Holkar would take the city, and defeat Lord Lake.
Had he done so, I have no doubt that he would either have sent me
prisoner to him, or would have despatched me and forwarded only my
head. As I felt certain that things would not turn out as he
stated, I had no great fear for my life; but I thought that I might
have been kept a prisoner for a very long time, for Lord Lake would
have his hands full in other directions."

"Then he released you on the news that Holkar had failed to capture
the city?"

"No, sir; I got away owing to the fidelity of my orderly who, after
riding off himself, when the two troopers with me were attacked and
killed, entered a hill fort where I was confined, took service
there, and contrived my escape. I shall hand in a report with the
details, for your perusal, when things have quietened down a bit.
My man has rendered me other valuable services, and I should be
greatly pleased if, in consideration of the fidelity and daring
that he has shown, you would think fit to recommend him for
promotion as a native officer. He belongs to the 3rd Bombay
Cavalry."

"I should certainly have pleasure in doing so, Captain Lindsay. I
shall, of course, be drawing up a list of the zemindars and others
who have rendered service, and recommending them for reward to the
Government. If you will give me the particulars as to the man's
name and services I will include him in the list. He has been with
you some time, has he not?"

"Yes, sir, for upwards of six years. He accompanied me from
Calcutta to Na