small river, a few miles up the road, I believe we could yet elude
them. For there is an old road leading from the ford and running
parallel with the one we are on. It has not been used for the past two
years, and they, being strangers in this part of the country, will, in
all probability, know nothing of it, and by this way we may escape.
Courage, dearest Edith, all may yet go well with us."

"Your love and devotion, dear Arthur, I have never for one moment
doubted, and confidently trust myself to your protecting arm and loving
heart. But what can one single arm do against numbers; but should those
wretches overtake us, the spirit of the Effinghams will teach me how to
act, and, if necessary, how to die." As she said this, she drew from the
folds of her riding habit, a handsome five-chambered revolver. "I will
never become their prey, nor shall you perish unavenged while I have
strength to draw a trigger," exclaimed the beautiful girl, now excited
beyond measure at the critical position in which she found herself
placed. "Brave and noble girl," responded Arthur, as he bent over and
imprinted a kiss on the lovely brow. And in another moment they were
bounding along the high road at a hand gallop.

"We are gaining on them," shouted one of the pursuers, as he caught
sight of the two lovers flying along a straight piece of road at no very
great distance in front of them. "But we shall have some tough work
before we capture the young fellow or I am much mistaken."

"Curse him," growled out a tall athletic fellow in the uniform of a
Russeldah. "I may thank him for my court martial and loss of commission
in the regulars; but my turn is coming now. He and his dainty lady shall
curse the hour of their birth before I have done with them. 'Remember,'
said he, turning to the party, of whom he was evidently the leader,
'they must, if possible, be taken alive. Their money and valuables--and,
doubtless, they have a good store about them--you can divide among
yourselves; I will not touch one rupee of it; but their lives are mine."
A shout of approval followed this last speech, and the whole party
pushed forward with increased speed.

The little wooden bridge, referred to by Carlton, was at length gained.
During the ride he had communicated to Edith the steps he intended to
take on gaining the cover of the old road. Turning sharply to the right
they entered the jungle, and made their way into the stream that crossed
the road, then