He stretched his head out, and again listened intently.

Then he went to Tim, who was sleeping heavily on a couch placed there, and touched him.

He put his hand on his lips, as Tim sprang up.
"Take arm," he said, in Hindostanee.

"Bad man coming." Tim understood the words and, seizing a sword and pistol which lay close to the bedside, followed Hossein, who had glided up the stairs, with a drawn tulwar in his hand.

At the moment he did so, there was a noise of heavy bodies dropping, followed by a sudden shout from Charlie.