But in reply to questions of the opposing counsel, Munro admitted that when Dwarika Rai first gave evidence there was practically no possibility of collusion with Tynan. Dwarika Rai had at that moment heard that he was alive, and Tynan was evidently greatly surprised to see Dwarika Rai. The court retired to consider their judgment. The evidence was in favour of one--the bearing and character in favour of the other. They reported to Sir John Lawrence that they could arrive at no decision in the matter. The great man listened attentively, and proceeded to give the matter his consideration. Something must be settled without delay, he resolved, for the position was intolerable for that one of the two ensigns who had right and justice on his side. Sir John requested the senior of the three officers to remain when the others retired. Colonel Bratherton was a power in the district, with an excellent reputation among the Sikhs and an unusually intimate knowledge of the men he commanded. "Tell me your private opinion about this affair, Bratherton?" asked the chief commissioner. Colonel Bratherton was silent and thoughtful for some time. "Well, Sir John, the evidence is against young Russell, but somehow I'm convinced that he's straight and that the other is not." "Um!" A look of annoyance came over those masterful eyes, and the broad brow was knit in perplexity. But not for long. A humorous twinkle took the place of the frown, and the ruler of the Punjab presently whispered to the soldier, whose expression of deep concern gradually resolved itself into a smile in sympathy with his chief. They conferred for at least ten minutes before the colonel rose to take his leave. "I'll arrange it all, Sir John," said he. "There will be little difficulty, for I have the very men we want. Kendal will do it admirably, and he can make up to the life. Where shall we be, though, if they both hold out?" "Both?" Sir John's eyes sparkled as he added: "You forget there will be a third--Pir Baksh. But of the ensigns one is evidently quite unscrupulous, and will no doubt give himself away." CHAPTER XXIV Pir Baksh renders Tynan a Service This conversation with the chief commissioner took place one morning in late September. In the afternoon of the same day, Ted Russell was ordered to attend upon Sir John Lawrence. The great man looked at the boy with a keen penetrating glance, which, though it seemed to pierce him through and through, yet brought with it an assurance of confidence and kindness. Sir John seem pleased by the inspection. "So you are the lad who blew up the arsenal?" he asked, a wonderfully pleasant smile lighting up the rugged face. "It's still in dispute, sir," said Ted, smiling in spite of his trepidation. "What do you suppose has caused Ensign Tynan to make this claim?" "I wish I knew, sir. Whilst watching them in court yesterday the idea struck me that Pir Baksh, the mutineer, had somehow got a hold over him." "Ah!"