MILITARY AD VENTURES. 101 



guide whispered that I was none too soon 

 in escaping, for they had come to behead 

 me ; it certainly looked like it, as one 

 man carried a broad axe and another a 

 block. They evidently intended making 

 short work of me, and I felt I was not a 

 moment too soon in getting out of their 

 clutches. Their cry of disappointment I 

 shall never forget when they found I was 

 not there, and on further search saw how 

 I had escaped. My Bengal friend assured 

 me the language they used was very 

 strong, my first acquaintance consigning 

 me to a very hot place ; but, as nothing 

 could be done till daylight, they all re- 

 traced their steps sadder, and, it is to 

 be hoped, wiser men. They should have 

 learned the pretty little motto which is 

 taught to all our juveniles : " Never defer 

 till to-morrow what you can do to-day;" 



