ed from
his horse.

"I have to report, sir, that on the 13th the force under General
Fraser attacked the enemy, who were very strongly posted within
gunshot of the fortress of Deeg. After hard fighting he completely
defeated them, captured eighty-seven of their guns, and drove them
from under the guns of Deeg, which at once opened fire on us. The
enemy's loss was estimated at two thousand. Ours was not known,
when I left the camp; but it was roughly estimated at over six
hundred in killed and wounded. Among the former, I regret to say,
was General Fraser, who was mortally wounded by a cannon shot,
while leading on his men."

"I am sorry to hear of his loss," General Lake said, "while the
rest of your news is satisfactory, indeed. Reports had reached me
that the Rajah of Bhurtpoor had joined Holkar but, after coming
into Agra and begging that we would accept him as an ally, I had
difficulty in believing that he would have turned against us;
especially as he must have known that, if Holkar was defeated, he
would have to bear the whole brunt of our anger--which he could not
hope to escape, as his territory lies within two or three days'
march of Agra."

The general called his staff, and told them of the brilliant
victory that had been won at Deeg. The news spread rapidly through
the camp, and was greeted with enthusiastic cheers by the troops.
In the meantime Lord Lake had entered his tent, and obtained full
particulars of the battle.

"I was close to General Fraser when he was struck, sir," Harry
concluded. "He and his escort were with the cavalry, when it
charged the second line of their batteries. Five of the escort were
killed; and I may say that the others, led by their havildar, were
among the first in at the guns."

"I have just received news," the general said, "that Holkar crossed
this morning, at Surajepoor; and was believed to be on his way to
Furukabad. He is evidently on the march to Deeg and, if he joins
his troops there, they may attack Colonel Monson's force. Therefore
I intend to leave the tents and infantry to follow; and shall start
at daybreak, with the cavalry and horse artillery; and hope to
overtake him, especially as he has lately moved fast, and will
probably rest a day or two at Furukabad."

The next day the cavalry marched upwards of forty miles and, on the
following morning, continued their journey. They had fifty-eight
miles now before them. With occasional halts they marched all day,