160 SPORTING AND 



escape from prison. He had seen at that 

 first interview, when he acted as inter- 

 preter, notwithstanding all the dirt and 

 blood on my clothes, that I was a Sahib, 

 and had at once determined to befriend 

 me, and if possible to assist my escape ; 

 events showed he carried out his intentions 

 well, for I do not know what would have 

 been my fate but for his kindly help. 

 Since then his wife had died of fever, and 

 he said he had now no wish to return to 

 the village, so there had been no difficulty 

 in enlisting him in my service once more. 

 We rode along together on the march, 

 and I found him a shrewd, observing 

 fellow, one also who looked sharp after 

 number one second nature in a native of 

 India. 



We reached our tent safely, and every- 

 thing was ready for my breakfast ; steam- 



