Pir Baksh had been seized in like manner and was dropped beside Tynan, bound hand and foot. Tynan recognized the uniform of his assailants as that of the 60th Native Cavalry, and he remembered hearing that this rebel corps had been hovering about this stretch of the Grand Trunk Road for some days. The two troopers of his escort declared for the rebels at the first hint of danger. Somehow Harry Tynan was much more cool and collected than on the last occasion of a similar experience, and he was not nearly so frightened. Perhaps the explanation can be found in the fact that his present state of existence was so miserable that no change could be greatly for the worse. The sowars took little notice of their prisoner. Two native officers, who seemed to have some knowledge of English, were eagerly scrutinizing Sir John's communication, the rest looking on. But the missive was evidently a poser, and the expressions of triumph changed to annoyance and chagrin as they shook their heads and gave up the puzzle. "They will understand it," said one. "Make them explain." The speaker nodded towards the prostrate captives, who were quickly kicked into a sitting posture and ordered to supply the key to the cipher. Pir Baksh was eagerness itself. He hastened to assure them that nothing would delight him more. "This pig beside me," said he, "he knows the secret, and will quickly inform if you threaten him. As for me, I hate the Feringhis, having been their prisoner. Set free my hands, and I myself will question this cur and make him confess. Ugh! the very sight of him makes me ill. Coward, liar, and traitor is he!" "If thou dost hate him so," asked a Mohammedan ressaidar, "why wert thou riding by his side as a friend? Thou canst not take us in so easily." "Because my own safety obliged me to call him friend. This fellow blew up the Aurungpore magazine--he says he did so. Of course we must believe him, though I myself saw him trembling like a leaf begging for mercy. By me was he saved from the debris, saved that I might have the better revenge; and first I humbugged him into giving me a _chit_, saying I was loyal--I, Pir Baksh, leader of the rebels in Aurungpore!" The subadar related the whole of the miserable business. "It is true," said Tynan with quiet despair. "Save his life, for he is the blackest villain in Asia, and I had rather die alone than with him as comrade. Kill me and I shall be glad to get away from him." A native officer cut the bonds, and bade Pir Baksh get up. "Get the key from the cub, then. If he gives it willingly his life shall be spared. If not, do as thou wilt." Pir Baksh smiled in pleasant anticipation, and humbly addressed his quondam officer. "Will the protector of the poor deign to supply his slave with the explanation of that letter?"