I caught hold of the rope and slipped down.
"Thank you very much for your promise, sir," and, saluting, Lisle drew back to his comrades.
"What was he saying to you ?" one asked.
"He was asking how it was that I came to be among his party; and when I explained how it was that I left my place, he seemed perfectly satisfied; so I don't expect I shall hear anything more about it." On the first day's march they came upon a deserted fort, where enough grain was discovered to last the force for months.

Enough flour was also found to give a shovelful to each of the coolies; who were highly gratified, for most of them were altogether without food.

The remainder of the flour was distributed among the sepoys, and as much grain was taken as carriage could be found for.
The next day's march was through a cultivated country.

Six more marches took them to Chitral.

They met with no opposition whatever, and their greatest trouble was in crossing rivers, the bridges having been destroyed.
When within a day's march from Chitral, they met a man bearing letters from the town.