The order was given to advance; and before we had gone far, the man, who was hurrying to meet us, signed to us to bear off to the left; and five minutes later, when we met, he pointed to a beautiful patch of forest, into which we filed.
“Well, Dost, what now?” said Brace, gloomily.
“They are halting, sahib, only a short distance in front.”
“Is there a town there?”
“No, sahib; only a large village at the end of a wide plain. We can get round to the end, and perhaps see them.”
“But are you sure it is the party we are tracking?” I cried excitedly.
“Oh yes, sahib. There are all the horses and guns. They were drawn up in front when I came away.”
“Ready to start once more,” said Brace, eagerly. “Let’s get on and see if anything can be done.”
Leaving Haynes in charge of the men who were allowed to rest in the grateful shade of the forest edge, Brace called to me to accompany him, and with Dost for our guide, we threaded our way among the trees for nearly an hour, when Dost suddenly stopped short, as a shout fell upon our ears, followed by a familiar trampling sound, with the jingle of accoutrements, and rattle of gun and limber.
“They are going,” said Brace, quickly; and hurrying forward, he made for a spot where the forest looked lighter; and in another minute we had to stoop down and shelter ourselves, for where we were the trees ended, and a wide plain spread out far as eye could reach, while on the right was a large village with a temple just on the banks of a river, whose bright waters looked welcome in that thirsty land.