"If there were only the outside sentries it would be easy enough, sahib.
I could send them to sleep with a wave of my hand, but I could not
affect the men inside whom I do not know even by sight. Besides, in
addition to the soldiers who guard the gate, there will be the men who
have been told off to look after the prisoners. It will require a great
deal of thinking over, sahib, but I believe we shall manage it. I shall
go tomorrow to Bithoor and show myself boldly to the Nana. He knows that
I have done good service to him, and his anger will have cooled down by
this time, and he will listen to what I have to say. It will be useful
to us for me to be able to go in and out of the palace at will, and so
learn the first news from those about him. It is most important that we
should know if he has evil intentions towards the captives, so that we
may have time to carry out our plans."

"Very well, Rujub. You do not expect me to remain indoors, I hope, for I
should wear myself out if I were obliged to wait here doing nothing."

"No, sahib; it will be perfectly safe for you to go about just as you
are, and I can get you any other disguise you like. You will gather what
is said in the town, can listen to the Sepoys, and examine the Subada Ke
Kothee. If you like I will go there with you now. My daughter shall come
with us; she may be useful, and will be glad to be doing something."

They went out from the city towards the prison house, which stood in
an open space round which were several other buildings, some of them
surrounded with gardens and walls.

The Subada Ke Kothee was a large building, forming three sides of a
square, a strong high wall forming the fourth side. It was low, with a
flat roof. There were no windows or openings in the outside wall, the
chambers all facing the courtyard. Two sentries were at the gate. They
were in the red Sepoy uniform, and Bathurst saw at once how much the
bonds of discipline had been relaxed. Both had leaned their muskets
against the wall; one was squatted on the ground beside his firearm, and
the other was talking with two or three natives of his acquaintance. The
gates were closed.

As they watched, a native officer came up. He stood for a minute
talking with the soldiers. By his gesticulations it could be seen he was
exceedingly angry, and the men took their muskets and began to walk up
and down. Then the officer knocked at the gate. Instead of its being
opened, a man appeared a