SIHATTS ROV AN LASTERN QUITIR.

he fought, and the tall Hindu was wounded, lmm although he it fought bravely i‘fi“ | |

on. [ felt that it was a matter of life or decath, and made a lunge at my own foc to settle which of us should conquer. He parried the blow, and a moment after | was down with | I

the Hindu kneeling upon

my chest, and his sword-point at my throat. 1 saw something white gleam be- fore my eyes, then the Hindu was pulled violently from me. [ rose and saw the second Hindu lying motionless. My former antagonist was wrestling futilely with Denviers, and as his sword fell I rushed and picked it up. There was a sudden cry of alarm which rang down the passage, for the Brahmins, we knew, had discovered our flight !

“Run to the outer door,” cried Denviers,

33

CITOWAS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH.

449

“and hold it open ; [ can finish this nigger before they reach us.”

I flung wide the door just as the other guards came down the passage. Den- viers held on to the Hindu for a minute, then lifted him bodily from the ground and dashed him full at the nearest guard! In a moment he reached the door : we were outside and making for the pilgrims’ hall, whence we found our way unbarred to the street, which we regained 1n safety.

“A warm piece of work, Frank! 7 T said, as we turned towards Delhi. “T thought that Hindu had finished my carcer.”

“He was well formed although so slight,” assented Denviers; “but the best part of the whole affair 1s that we got the diamonds ! ”

Vil iv.—s8.