“Yes, sahib; but they were called away to fight the budmashes, and the evildoers from the bazaar at Miapore; and when they had marched away the budmashes came. The sahibs strengthened one of the houses, and fought bravely for two days, but they were only few in number, and there was neither food nor water at last.”
“And then?”
The old man shook his head, and uttered a low groan.
“And the wretches who have done all this?” cried Brace.
“They are there, sahib, with two regiments who have risen up against their officers. It is not safe to go. The white sahibs have marched to Miapore, away yonder to the west.”
“And where are you going?” asked Brace, who looked suspiciously at the people behind their spokesman.
But they were unarmed, and carried no plunder. The words of the old man were evidently the truth, as he said—
“To be at peace, and away from those who rob and slay. To Rajgunge, sahib.”
“Turn back,” said Brace. “You are going to where there are worse troubles, man. Better follow us.”
There was a low moan from the little group, for Brace’s words filled them with consternation.