"But look here, Ted," said his brother in an agitated voice. "Where are those two? They may have been drafted into some other regiment and sent a thousand miles away, or both may be killed. Or they may have been allowed to return home, and have left no trace. In that case it would be your word against Tynan's, and though no one who knows you both could have any doubt, yet his word will be as good as yours at the enquiry. I do hope it will come out all right, old boy." "I'm sure it will," said Alec. "Cheer up, Ted!" More easily said than done, and our ensign went about his work with a heavy and angry heart. Fortunately for his peace of mind, when the news spread, Boldre, Collins, and all his chums rallied round him, and voted the absent Tynan a beast and a liar. CHAPTER XIX Ted's Friends are Bewildered The 4th Sikhs had left Aurungpore for Delhi, and the fort was garrisoned by a corps of the newly-recruited Punjab Irregulars, of whom Major Munro was in command, with Leigh as his second in command. Colonel Woodburn was now able to hobble about, helped by a stick and his daughter's arm. Sir Arthur Fletcher had resumed the administration of justice, the shops were open once more, and the town had settled down almost to its normal state. One day late in June Ethel and her father were seated in the officers' quarters of the fort, whither the colonel was wont to resort daily to talk over the latest rumours and reports. Munro and Leigh were lamenting their fate, tied down to police and depot duty, when they wanted to be up and doing before Delhi. "I am sending a draft to Delhi to-morrow," said the major, "and there's a new batch of recruits due to-day--raw peasants, who must be polished up." "It is rough on us being shut up here," said Leigh, "drilling and training the raw material, and as soon as they are soldiers, comes an order from John Lawrence saying, 'How many can you send to Delhi?' Still, if we were not here, there'd soon be a rumpus again." "How many do you send off to-morrow?" the colonel asked. "A hundred; all Sikhs, and fine men too. They go to Lahore first to be inspected by Sir John, and then they join other detachments going to Delhi.---- Well, what is it?" An orderly had entered. "The draft has arrived, sahib." "Very good. Send the officer in charge to me." Who should enter the room but Ensign Tynan? The four occupants started to their feet. They had not heard of his escape from death, and firmly believed he had been blown to pieces, his body never having been found, for the best of reasons. Tynan was white, and looked ill both in body and mind, and he trembled from head to foot. "Tynan! Can it be possible, my lad?" cried Colonel Woodburn, holding out his hand. "I never thought to see you again."