The sound of hoofs trotting fast through the Cantonments was heard, as the gate was closed and secured; and in a minute or less, Burgoyne, of the 37th, came in with his sword under his arm, and a brace of loaded pistols in his waistbelt.
He looked pale, excited, and weary indeed!
"Now, Burgoyne, for your news?" said Waller; "but take a pull at that wine-jar first."
Burgoyne did so, with an air of thirst and lassitude, though the atmosphere was intensely cold.
"Is the Brigadier safe?" said Polwhele.
"Yes."
"And Pottinger, too?"
"Yes; we have come back unharmed."
"And no attempt was made to assassinate or detain you?"
"None; but what think you is the proposal now—nearly the same as before—for we are checkmated here, and these insurgent scoundrels know it. Lawrence, Mackenzie, Conolly, and some other Europeans are still alive in their hands, and kept as hostages. These they offer to exchange, if the General will leave in their place all our married officers and their families; the entire treasure in the military chest; all our cannon, except six; and that we depart at once; our rear to be covered by four hundred armed Kohistanees, who, if handsomely paid, will march with us so far as Jellalabad, where, according to the news brought by a cossid, Sir Robert Sale is so closely besieged that those among us who survive to reach the plains, will have to cut their way in with the cold steel."