Mr.Ravenscroft slept on a cot in the open air, in the quadrangle, a few paces from the door leading to Mrs.Ravenscroft's sleeping-apartment.

He that night left his arms in the sitting-room, and Ensign Platt had none with him.

Mr.
Ravenscroft was the handsomest and most athletic European gentleman then in India, and one of the most expert in the use of the sword and shield.
His servants had been accustomed to stand sentry, by turns, at the entrance of the quadrangle, and it was his groom Munsa's turn to take the first watch that night.

He was to have been relieved by the chowkeedar, Bhowaneedeen; but, in the middle of his watch, he roused the chowkeedar, and told him that he had been taken suddenly ill, and must go to his house for relief.

The chowkeedar told him that he might go at once, and he would get up and take his place immediately; but he lay down and soon fell asleep again.
About eleven o'clock the whole quadrangle was filled by a gang of about sixty dacoits, who set their torches in a blaze, and began to attack Mr.Ravenscroft with their spears.