"Not one of them must get away." The two Thugs defended themselves, with cries of fanatical fury, but their opponents were far better swordsmen, and, fighting coolly, were not long before they cut them both down.
"What on earth is it all about, Dick ?" Surajah asked, as, panting with his exertions, he looked round after cutting down his opponent.
"Thugs," Dick said briefly.
"Are you sure, Dick ?" Surajah asked presently.

"It may be a terrible business for us, if there is any mistake." For answer, Dick pointed to the bodies of the two men he had first shot.

One still grasped the roomal, or twisted silk sash, while a like deadly implement lay by the side of the other.
"Thank Heaven!" Surajah ejaculated.

"I was afraid there might have been a mistake, Dick, but I see that you were right, and that it was a party of Thugs.

If it had not been that you were on the watch for them, and had your pistol ready, we should have lost our lives." "It was a close shave as it was, Surajah.