of stores, military saddles, harness, coils of rope, and barrels of flour were piled against the wall. A space was soon swept and a fire lighted on the floor. Outside the troopers dismounted, some proceeded to a wood at a short distance off to fetch fuel, others took the horses to a tank or pond to drink. It was already getting dusk, and inside the great domed chamber it was nearly dark.
"The fire looks cheerful," Colonel Warrener said, as after seeing that the men had properly picketed their horses and had made all their arrangements, the little group of officers returned to it. A trooper had already prepared their meal, which consisted of kabobs, or pieces of mutton—from a couple of sheep, which they had purchased at a village where they halted in the morning—a large bowl of boiled rice and some chupatties, or griddle cakes; a pannikin of tea was placed by each; and spreading their cloaks on the ground, they set to with the appetite of travelers. Dinner over, a bottle of brandy was produced from one of Major Dunlop's holsters, the pannikin was washed out, and a supply of fresh water brought in, pipes and cheroots lighted and they prepared for a cheerful evening.
"I am very sorry Manners is not here," Dick said; "it would have been so jolly to be all together again. However, it is a satisfaction to know that his wound is doing well and that he is likely to be all right in a few months."
"Yes," Colonel Warrener said, "but I believe that he will have to leave the service. His right leg will always be shorter than the left."
"I don't suppose he will mind that," Ned said. "I should think he must have had enough of India to last for his life."
"Mr. Latham," Dick said presently to the officer in command of the cavalry, "will you tell us your adventures? We know all about each other's doings."
