THE ambusca.de. 227 



nance, which, though looking rather dejected, did 

 not betoken fear. Although my party consisted of 

 only nine, all told, I determined to attempt a rescue, 

 for the spy was a useful man, and much trusted 

 by the Bey. I immediately explained my plan of 

 action to Fritz, which was, that Ali and I were to 

 remain in ambuscade in the cattle-shed, whilst 

 Fritz and the rest of the people were to hide them- 

 selves in some thick covert until the troop had 

 passed along the road, and then make a dash on 

 the rear and release the gipsy in the confusion that 

 would ensue. Having made certain that none of 

 Fritz's party were likely to be discovered by any 

 one coming along the road, I took up my post 

 behind the ruined wall of the shed, having my 

 double rifle as well as the six shooter ready for 

 work, and a brace of revolvers in case of their 

 coming to close quarters. I had not long to wait ; 

 the tramping of horses' hoofs warned me of their 

 approach, and in another moment I saw them 

 debouching from behind some cover and defile 

 past my cache. As they passed within a hundred 

 and twenty yards of the shed, I coolly picked off the 

 q2 



