examined their muskets to see if they were in good order, and then started
in the direction in which they knew Meerut to be. Several times they
paused and listened, for they could occasionally hear the noise of
galloping men, and it was evident that there were troops of some kind or
other moving about.

They walked for some hours until they thought that they could not be far
from their destination, and had begun to congratulate themselves upon
being near their friends, when the sound of a strong body of men was heard
sweeping along the level plain across which they were now passing.

"There is a small building ahead," the major said; "run for that; they are
coming across here."

They were seen, for a shout of "Who goes there?" in Hindostanee was heard.

"Give me your musket, Dick," Captain Dunlop exclaimed. For the lad, with
the weight of his musket and ammunition, could hardly keep up with the
others.

Just in time they reached the building in front of them, rushed in, and
closed the door as the cavalry swept up. It was a small temple; a building
of massive construction, with one little window about six inches square,
and on the same side a strong door.

"Pile everything against the door," the major cried. "Dunlop, fire at once
at them. Our only chance is to hold out with the hope that we may be
heard, and that some of our fellows may come to the rescue."

Captain Dunlop fired just as the troopers dashed up to the door.