CHAPTER III.
AT THE CASTLE.
For four days the journey was pursued without incident. They had brought with them a sufficient store of provisions for the journey, and travelled by by-paths, avoiding villages as much as possible, halting for five or six hours in the middle of the day, and performing the greater portion of the distance after sunset. Just as they had started for their evening ride on the fifth day two horsemen overtook them and reined up as they did so.
"We have missed our path," one said, "can you tell us how far it is to a place where we can find shelter for the night?"
"Ten miles farther you will find yourselves in the main road, a mile from Sealkote.
"If you are bound thither we shall be glad to ride with you for protection," one said. "There are many parties of budmashes about, but they will hardly interfere with so strong and respectable a company."
"We travel slowly," Nand Chund said, "and shall not reach Sealkote to-night. When the beasts are tired we shall halt."
"We are in no hurry, and do not care whether we reach the town to-night or to-morrow morning, therefore if you have no objection we will share your bivouac. Far better to lose a few hours than to run the risk of having our throats cut."
"As you will," Nand Chund said. "You are very welcome to stay with us, if it so pleases you."
As they rode the strangers chatted with Nand Chund, Percy reining back his horse and riding among the men. After travelling about five miles Nand Chund ordered a halt, the baggage animals were unloaded, a tent pitched, and two of his men began to prepare a meal, while the others looked to the horses. The two strangers also dismounted and spoke for a time together, then one said to the Sikh officer: