"Oh, what is it?" came Winifred's startled exclamation. It was so dark, and the horses, no less than the sail, so obscured her view of the fore part of the boat, that she could only dimly make out Malcolm's figure, though the sounds of the scuffle and splashing were unmistakable. "We are disbanding our native forces--that is all," said Frank. "Press the tiller more to the left, please. Yes, that is right. Now, keep it there until we touch the steps." The shimmering surface of the river near the boat was broken up into ripples surrounding a black object. Malcolm heard the quick panting of one in whose lungs water had mixed with air, and he hated to think of even a rebel drowning before his eyes. Moved by pity, he swung the big oar on its wooden rest until the blade touched the exhausted man, whose hands shot out in the hope of succor. After some spluttering a broken voice supplicated: "Mercy, sahib! I saved you when you were in my power. Show pity now to me." "It is true, then, that you meant to desert, Akhab Khan?" said Frank sternly. "Yes, sahib. One cannot fight against one's brothers, but I swear by the Prophet--" "Nay, your oaths are not needed. You, at least, did not wish to commit murder. Cling to that oar. The ghât is close at hand." "Then, sahib, I can still show my gratitude. If you would save the miss-sahib, do not land here. The Magazine has been taken. The cavalry have looted the Treasury. All the sahib-log have fallen." "Is this a true thing that thou sayest?" "May I sink back into the pit if it be not the tale we heard at Bithoor!" By this time Mayne was at Frank's side. "I fear we have dropped into a hornets' nest," said he. "There is certainly an unusual turmoil in the bazaar, and houses are on fire in all directions." Even while they were listening to the fitful bellowing of a distant mob bent on mad revel a crackle of musketry rang out, but died away as quickly. The budgerow grounded lightly when her prow ran against the stonework of the ghât. Again did Malcolm make up his mind on the spur of the moment. "I will spare your life on one condition, Akhab Khan," he said. "Go ashore and learn what has taken place at the Magazine. Return here, alone, within five minutes. Mark you, I say 'alone.' If I see more than one who comes I shall shoot." "Huzoor, I shall not betray you." "Go, then." He drew the man through the water until his feet touched the steps. Climbing up unsteadily, Akhab Khan disappeared in the gloom. Then they waited in silence. The heavy breath of the bazaar was pungent in their nostrils, and, for a few seconds, they listened to the trooper's retreating footsteps. Frank leaped ashore and pushed the boat off, while Mayne held her by jamming the leeward oar into the mud. It was best to make sure.