major free to join the happy party within.

"Are you strong enough to ride, Rose?"

"Oh, I think so, uncle; I have been shamming ill, and they thought I could
not walk; but I am pretty strong, and if I can't ride by myself I must be
tied on to some one else."

"I dare say my horse will carry double," Captain Manners said, laughing.

"Have the women here been kind?" Major Warrener asked.

The girls shook their heads:

"Not very, papa; they have been talking of Delhi;" and Kate shuddered.

The major frowned; he could guess what they must have suffered. He went to
the door.

"Kent, order the women out of the _zenana_ into one of the other rooms.
Tell them that they will all be searched as they come out, and that if one
brings out an ornament or a jewel with her she will be put to death. Of
course you will not search them; but the threat will do. Let no insult be
offered them. Then let Rivers take four men, and go in, and take all the
loot you can find. The jewels we will divide among the men when at Meerut.
Tell off another party to loot the rest of the rooms, but only take what
is really valuable and portable. We cannot cumber ourselves with baggage.
It would serve the rajah right if I were to burn his castle down; he may
think himself lucky to get off with his life."