"Better that they should not come," Major Munro wearily opined. "They would only share our fate. What chance would they have against 1500 trained soldiers?" "Do you think they will turn back, sir, when they hear of the arrival of this fresh lot?" Ted enquired in an anxious tone. "I certainly do. It would be foolish--idiotic--to attempt a rescue in the face of such odds. Were I in your brother's place I should feel it my duty to government, as well as to my men, not to throw them away on so helpless an undertaking. It will be very hard for him to leave his affianced wife in such dreadful peril, but that is one of a soldier's risks. His men belong to the government, not to him, and he has no right to risk them where there is no chance. We are short enough of men as it is." Ethel, standing by, grew pale as she thought of the danger to her beloved. Her own peril, and even her father's, were forgotten for the moment. "Oh, Major Munro," she exclaimed, "let us hope that they will turn back! They cannot do us good by throwing their own lives away!" And this was the opinion of all. The devoted Rajputs of Captain Markham's company never for a moment wavered in their allegiance. They fought and took their turn on guard, and fought again as staunchly as the white men, and many were the acts of heroism they displayed. Twice was the staff of the Union Jack, that still floated above the house, broken by missiles, and on each occasion some of the intrepid Hindus volunteered to splice the wood. In full sight of the enemy, who fired wildly at them, they achieved this, and again the silken folds waved freely in the breeze. Again and again the mutineers advanced on every side, with great noise and waving of weapons. Again and again they approached more peaceably, shouting to the Hindus that they should come out and join their comrades, promising them gold and silver in abundance should they deliver the white men into their hands. Each attack was met with steadfast courage; the noisy firing was answered by a steadier rattle of musketry, and the rebels dropped fast; unwavering fidelity rejected both bribes and friendly advances; and on more than one occasion a determined, vigorous sortie was the only reply vouchsafed by these gallant dark-faces. Slowly and anxiously the day wore on. Care-worn faces wistfully regarded the threatening nine-pounders that would soon begin to pour destruction upon them. For a moment the attacks ceased as the rebels crowded round the guns that were placed upon an open eminence overlooking the house. Fascinated by the sight, the whole garrison gathered before the windows, powerless to avert their gaze from the instruments of destruction.