of inlet to the
forest, stood a large building, two stories high, forming a square. This
was built of stone, and tiled, and had only one entrance, which was a
small door. This security was, no doubt, to protect the inmates against
depredation, and from the nocturnal visits of savage animals. It was
supposed to have been the residence of the collector of the lowlands or
valleys. At this place we established a strong depot, or principal post
of communication, where we could deposit cumbersome or superfluous
stores with safety. On the forest side we erected a strong breastwork or
stockade, with a wide and deep ditch, and embrasures for some guns--I
now forget the number--I think four.

The following day, Captain Gully, Lieutenants Masterson, Lee, Bowes,
and Ensign Shipp, must needs take a morning ride, and a peep into this
dark and dreary forest--the awe of man, and the haunt of beasts. We had
not gone far, when we saw several bears near a water-brook--no doubt for
the purpose of a morning swim, for the weather was warm. A little
further, we struck into a path, about a yard wide, which we all agreed
to explore. On each side of this path the underwood was thick and dark;
the trees were of an enormous and gigantic size; every hundred yards
were places where it was evident that fires had been kindled; and large
trees had been cut down, and were piled across the pathway, for the
prevention, beyond question, of intruders. We rode on till prudence
suggested the propriety of returning; but our curiosity was not yet
satisfied, so we mutually agreed to proceed about two miles further. At
last we came to a fire which was still burning. Here we called a
consultation, and at last again agreed to proceed about two miles
further. This distance brought us so close to the hills, that we could
discover men moving on them. About a mile further was the end of the
dark and frightful forest of Nepaul, which, the year before, had kept
five thousand men at bay. At the end was some open ground, with large
clumps of bamboo trees, and the open space pebbly. It was evident that
this space was covered with water during the monsoons. We still rode on
a little further, until at last we saw some men running across the road,
whereupon we unanimously agreed that it was high time to return, having
satisfied our curiosity to the full, and at the risk of our lives. We
were fearful that they might have observed us, and have dispatched a
detachment to cut off