h's death just before they
reached the city. The sudden arrival of Burnett's advance-guard,
however, prevented them from escaping, and they found themselves shut up
like rats in a hole, with a scanty supply of food, and afraid to strike
a light lest a spark should set fire to the combustible materials around
them.

A day and a night passed away. Unless they could make their escape, all
their plans would be defeated; for if Balkishen could not make his
appearance in the city at the right moment, a rival might gain the
power, from which it would be difficult to displace him.

They were neither of them very conscientious persons. A bright idea
struck Balkishen. "We may blow up the fort," he whispered to his
friend, "destroy the ranee and her brother, and make our escape in the
confusion. You are a brave man, Khan Cochut, and shall have the post of
honour. While Bikoo and I seize three horses, you shall have the
privilege of lighting the slow match; and we shall have time to reach
our steeds and gallop off before the stones come rattling about our
heads."

"I am much obliged to you for the compliment," answered Cochut; "but I
must leave that honour to you. I am unable to run fast, and should
prefer securing the horses."

Cochut was so positive, that at length Balkishen, who calculated that
the task of setting fire to the slow match might be the least dangerous,
undertook it. Afraid of creeping out by daylight, they were unable to
ascertain what was taking place in the fort above them; but they
calculated that the most propitious time for putting their nefarious
project into execution would be just before daybreak.

At length the time arrived. Balkishen had prepared a long slow match.

"Now, my friend," he said, "do you and Bikoo creep out and secure three
horses, and I will light the slow match."

Khan Cochut, who was unusually brave when any wicked deed was to be
done, silently made his way out of the vault through a door which led
into a narrow passage, and from this into an open court. Knowing that
he might meet with opposition from some of the syces in charge of the
horses, he held a pistol in his hand. A few threatening words, he
thought, would induce them to keep silence. He was surprised to find
that the dawn had already broken. He hesitated a minute; but
recollecting that Balkishen would by this time have set fire to the slow
match, he boldly stepped out from behind the wall which concealed him,