Just as they were approaching it, they heard a fresh outbreak of firing, the musketry being mingled with the crack of field guns.
"The rajah has gone out to our rescue," Harry said.

"He would have been too late, if we had stopped there; however, we can rely upon him now." Five minutes later, they rode into the courtyard of the palace.

It was almost deserted, but one of the officials came out and, bowing deeply to Harry, said: "The rajah himself has gone out, with the household troops and a battery of artillery, to put down the tumult.

He is furious that his guests should have been attacked." The firing presently ceased and, a quarter of an hour later, the rajah rode in.

A messenger had been despatched, at once, to inform him that the British officer, with his escort, had arrived at the palace.