The news from Cawnpore was true..
The native troops mutinied and marched away, but were joined by Nana Sahib and his force, and he persuaded them to return and attack the whites in their intrenchments at Cawnpore, as they would not be well received at Delhi unless they had properly accomplished their share of the work of rooting out the Feringhees." "The infernal scoundrel!" the Doctor exclaimed; "after pretending for years to be our best friend.

I'm disgusted to think that I have drunk his champagne a dozen times.

However, that makes little difference to us now, your other news is the most important.

We could have resisted the Sepoys for a month; but if they bring up guns there can be but one ending to it." "That is so, Doctor.

The only hope I can see is that they may find our resistance so obstinate as to be glad to grant us terms of surrender." "Yes, there is that chance," the Doctor agreed; "but history shows there is but little reliance to be placed upon native oaths." Bathurst was silent; his own experience of the natives had taught him the same lesson.
"It is a poor hope," he said, after a while; "but it is the only one, so far as I can see." Not another word was spoken as they descended the tree and walked across to the house.
"Never mind about changing your things, come straight in." "Our scout has returned," the Doctor said, as he entered the room.