their journey as it was
to retreat. There was the open north to the left of their intended
course, but as far as they could make out it was impassable. By stern
endeavour they felt that they might in time wade through the deep snow
and reach the mountains; but, as far as they could judge, farther
progress in the way of striking through them, and then turning round to
their right, was not possible without the aid of ice-axe and rope. And
again, there was the less mountainous part of the country across the
side valley they had traversed, and where they might climb the ridge and
make a circuit to the left; but that course would probably lead them
more amongst the encampments of the enemy besieging the fort; and they
had hardly begun discussing this course when Gedge exclaimed:

"Take your spy-glass, sir. There's game or something on the move over
yonder to the south."

"A strong body of men, Gedge," said Bracy decisively. "The country's
alive with the wretches, and these are evidently going to join those in
our valley."

"Hard lines for the two Colonels and our poor lads, sir," said Gedge,
with his face puckering up. "If it wasn't for orders I wouldn't mind
them beggars behind; we'd get through them somehow, for it would be far
better to go at 'em sharp and have it out, so that it might end one way
or t'other, than keep creeping on here, never knowing when they may make
a rush."

"I feel the same, Gedge," said Bracy firmly; "but we have our orders,
and that mountain we must reach by night."

"Right, sir; I'm not grumbling; we're a-going to do it; but don't it
seem rum? Only the other day the place was empty everywhere, and it was
just as if the enemy had all been shot and buried theirselves, while
when you gents went out shooting, and the Colonel sent out little
parties to scout and cover you coming back, in case the niggers showed,
we went about over and over again, and never see a soul. And now, just
because you've got to take word to the Ghoorkha Colonel that we want
help, all of 'em have turned out so as to send us back to our quarters."

Bracy let his companion chatter on; but he was actively busy the while
with his glass, which gave him a clear picture in miniature of every
movement of their pursuers, at the same time convincing him that neither
the enemy in front, nor those, perfectly plain now on the ridge across
the little valley, were aware of their presence.

"We must be getting on, Gedge," he s