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Rh chance in a thousand of saving these, that chance, they thought, should be taken. They did not know how the Náná had dealt with the stray travellers from the North-west, or with the fugitives from Fathgarh, and they believed that, faithless as he might be in other respects, he was not the man to war with women and children. A message was therefore sent to the Maráthá chieftain to the effect that a reply would be given on the morrow.

An armistice was then proclaimed for the 26th, and on that day Azímullah and Jawála Parshád, a Hindu high in his master's confidence, met Moore, Whiting, and the postmaster, Roche, outside the intrenchment. An arrangement was easily arrived at. The Náná agreed to allow the British to march out with their arms and sixty rounds of ammunition; to escort them safely to the river side, where, at the Satí-Chaurá Ghaut, boats stored with provisions should be ready to take them to Allahábád. The Náná wished to carry out the arrangement that very night, and for a time strongly insisted on the point, but he ultimately gave way. Mr Todd, who had been his tutor, was sent to his headquarters to obtain his signature to the agreement, now fixed to take effect on the morning of the 27th. He found him courteous in manner, and full of pretended compassion for the sufferings of the English ladies and children.

On the morning of the 27th the members of the garrison set out, escorted by numbers of the rebel force. The distance to the ghaut was but a mile, but to the women and children the time to traverse it seemed an eternity. When, at length, about eight o'clock, they reached the ghaut, their hearts bounded with joy. The forty boats were there, and to them the boats promised safety. The river was very low, as the periodical rains, though overdue, had not begun to fall, and our countrywomen