“I can promise you that it will,” Bathurst said. “It will be properly represented that it is to you that the defenders of Deennugghur, and the women and children with them, owe their lives, and you may be sure that this will go a very long way towards wiping out the part you have taken in the attack on the station. When the day of reckoning comes, the British Government will know as well how to reward those who rendered them service in these days, as to punish those who have been our foes.” “I will do it,” Por Sing said firmly. “Do not come out until the afternoon. In the morning I will talk with the other Zemindars, and bring them over to agree that there shall be no more bloodshed. There is not one of us but is heartily sick of this business, and eager to put an end to it. Rujub may report what he likes to the Nana, I will do what is right.” After a hearty expression of thanks, Bathurst left the tent. Rujub was awaiting him outside. “You have succeeded?” he asked. “Yes; he will guarantee the lives of all the garrison, but he seemed to be afraid of what you might report to Nana Sahib.” “I am the Nana’s agent here,” Rujub said; “I have been working with him for months. I would I could undo it all now. I was away when they surrendered at Cawnpore. Had I not been, that massacre would never have taken place, for I am one of the few who have influence with him. He is fully cognizant of my power, and fears it.” They made their way back without interruption to the clump of bushes near the house. “When shall I see you again?” Bathurst asked. “I do not know,” replied Rujub, “but be sure that I shall be at hand to aid you if possible should danger arise.” CHAPTER XVIII. As soon as Bathurst began to remove the covering of the hole, a voice came from below. “Is that you, Bathurst?” “All right, Doctor.” “Heaven be praised! You are back sooner than I expected, by a long way. I heard voices talking, so I doubted whether it was you.” “The ladder is still there, I suppose, Doctor?” “Yes; it is just as you got off it. What are you going to do about the hole?” “Rujub is here; he will cover it up after me.” “Then you were right,” the Doctor said, as Bathurst stepped down beside him; “and you found the juggler really waiting for you?” “At the bungalow, Doctor, as I expected.” “And what have you done? You can hardly have seen Por Sing; it is not much over an hour since you left.” “I have seen him, Doctor; and what is more, he has pledged his word for our safety.” “Thank God for that, lad; it is more than I expected. This will be news indeed for the poor women. And do you think he will be strong enough to keep his pledge?” “I think so; he asked me to wait until tomorrow afternoon before going out with a flag of truce, and said that by that time he would get the other Zemindars to stand by him, and would make terms whether the Sepoys liked it or not.”