Placing her quickly and firmly on her saddle, and carefully examining every strap and buckle, and finding everything secure, he sprang lightly on his own steed.  One glance at the space in front of the Bungalow, was quite sufficient to realize, to a practical mind like Arthur’s, the imminent dangers that would beset them, should they attempt to cross the open plain in the direction of the Fort.  The only chance was in a rapid flight.  There was no time to arrange any definite plan of action, for a very few minutes would elapse before the mutineers would surround the Bungalow, and cut off all means of escape; so passing directly to the rear of the compound, they sought the cover of the jungle that skirted it.  Advancing as rapidly as the narrow path and thickly interwoven underbrush would admit of, they soon left the station far behind them.  At the foot of an eminence they emerged from the cover of the woods, and struck into the highroad that wound round the hill in front of them.  This they ascended at a gentle canter, for Arthur was too good a rider to push his horses at the commencement of a journey, in which both speed and endurance might be required before its termination.  His intention was, if possible, to reach Rutlaum; should he fail in this he must reach some station on the sea coast before night-fall, and place Edith under the protection of the officer commanding such post, until he could arrange for a passage for her to Bombay.  On arriving at the crest of the hill, they turned to take a parting look at the pretty little station, where, for so many weeks, they had been supremely happy in the enjoyment of each others society, and framing projects for their union, at some future period, when the young Lieutenant should have advanced sufficiently in his profession to warrant that consummation so devoutly to be wished for.

Lurid flames and thick dark smoke shot up from many a burning Bungalow, while the roar of Artillery and discharge of musketry, convinced the fugitives that the conflict was still going on between the defenders of the Fort and the miscreants who vainly endeavoured to effect an entrance in order to put to death any Europeans who had taken shelter within its walls.  Parties of Sepoys were looting the Bazaars and residences of the European officers of whatever they could lay their hands upon, while the cavalry, both regular and irregular, were riding hither and thither in search of Christian men, women, or children, who might have been unfortunate enough not to have gained admission to the Fort, or make good their escape from the fated place ere it was too late.

“Look, dearest Arthur,” exclaimed Edith, pointing with her riding whip to a bend in the road some distance below them, “what are those horsemen? are they friends or foes?  Oh!  I see you change colour, and we are lost.  But is there no hope for us?”