distance, respecting the deep pain which the discovery had caused to their
leader.

"What is to be done?" Major Warrener asked, breaking the deep silence.

For a moment no one answered; and then Dick said:

"Perhaps we may find some of the farmer's people in the hut where we
slept, and we may get news from them."

"A capital thought, Dick," said Major Warrener. "We must not give up hope;
there are no bodies lying about, so the farm people are probably alive. As
to the girls, if they are carried off we must rescue them. Where is the
hut?"

A few minutes' walking brought them to it. Even before they reached it it
was evident that it was inhabited, for two or three peons were squatted
near the door. These rose on seeing the group of Englishmen, but made no
attempt at flight. They entered the hut without ceremony, and Ned and Dick
hurried to the side of an old man lying on a heap of straw, while some
females standing near hastily veiled themselves at the entrance of the
strangers.

"Where are the girls? what has happened? are you hurt?" were the three
questions poured out rapidly by Ned, as the boy seized the old man's
hands.

"Is it you, sahibs? I am glad, indeed. I did not break my promise to come
and tell you; but as you see," and he pointed to the bandage which
enveloped his head, "I was wounded, and am still ill."