ll attempt to do so," said Reginald. "Are any ready to follow me?"

There was no lack of volunteers.

"Stay," said the colonel; "we must consider the plan of operation most
likely to succeed."

Notwithstanding the presence of the enemy before the fort, the scouts
were still able to make, during the dark hours of night, and sometimes
even in the day, their way in with intelligence. During the discussion
a faithful sowar approached, holding a small strip of paper in his hand,
which he had brought carefully concealed about his person. It contained
but a few words:--

"I am at hand, and know how you are situated. I purpose making a dash
at the foe at sunrise on the 5th of July. Do you be prepared to
cooperate; and if you have a sufficient force, make a bold sortie, and
the day will be ours. Delhi is invested. Lucknow still holds out--
Burnett."

The news thus unexpectedly received inspired fresh courage into the
hearts of all those to whom it was thought wise to communicate it. Of
course Burnett's projected attack and the sortie were kept profoundly
secret. The news that his friend was alive and well, and still at the
head of a faithful band, afforded unmitigated joy and satisfaction to
Reginald, giving him fresh hope. He longed to communicate the welcome
information to Nuna and Violet; but no time could be spared, and he
could only send a line on a slip of paper to bid them be of good cheer,
and to tell them that Burnett was safe.

A brief time only was required to settle what was best to be done.
Reginald undertook to lead the whole force of cavalry, which was to make
a circuit from the rear of the fort, so that they might be concealed
till they were ready to dash at the guns. A party of infantry were at
the same time to be prepared to rush forward to spike some of the guns,
and to drag the others within the lines. A dozen Europeans, with two of
their officers, were to lead the party of infantry, composed of the most
determined and best disciplined natives. These were to follow when the
cavalry, having accomplished their first task,--united, as they hoped
would be the case, with Burnett's force,--were to cover the foot as they
returned to the fort with the captured guns, or pursue the enemy should
they be put to flight. The undertaking was a hazardous one, considering
the large force to be attacked; but all knew that daring deeds generally
succeed when timid proceedings fail.

Reginald hurried off wi