An English battery came thundering down the road to take up a fresh position and assist in covering the retreat. The guns unlimbered near a well. "There!" said Lawrence, "you see how my words have come true. A minute ago you were ready to fall before the first sowar who lifted his saber over your head. Go now and help by drawing water for the gunners and yourselves. Then you can ride back on the carriages when they limber up." Malcolm, to whom the soldier's words brought inspiration, spurred Nejdi alongside his Chief. "Will you permit me to ride to Allahabad, sir, and tell General Neill how matters stand here?" he said. Lawrence looked at him as though the request were so fantastic that he had not fully grasped its meaning. "To Allahabad?" he repeated, turning in the saddle to watch the effect of the first shot fired by the battery. "Yes, sir," cried Malcolm, eagerly. "I know the odds are against me, but Hodson rode as far through the enemy's country only six weeks ago, and I did something of the kind, though not so successfully, when I went from Meerut to Agra and from Agra to Cawnpore." "You had an escort, and I can spare not a man." "I will go alone, sir." "I would gladly avail myself of your offer, but the Residency will be invested in less than an hour." "Let me go now, sir. I am well mounted. In the confusion I may be able to reach the open country without being noticed." "Go, then, in God's name, and may your errand prosper, for you have many precious lives in your keeping." Lawrence held out his hand, and Malcolm clasped it. "Tell Neill," said the Chief Commissioner in a low tone of intense significance, "that we can hold out a fortnight, a month perhaps, or even a few days longer if buoyed up with hope. That is all. If you succeed, I shall not forget your services. The Viceroy has given me plenary powers, and I shall place your name in orders to-night, Captain Malcolm." He kept his promise. When Lucknow was evacuated after the Second Relief, the official gazettes recorded that Lieutenant Frank Malcolm of the 3d Cavalry had been promoted to a captaincy, supernumerary on the staff, for gallantry on the field on June 30, while a special minute provided that he should attain the rank of major if he reached Allahabad on or before July 4.