The ground was higher, and little groups of huts could be seen, wherever a small elevation rose above the general level.

The change was very welcome, for they were able to travel faster, and there was less chance of their coming suddenly upon a party of the disbanded troops.
Presently, just as they reached a larger village than usual, by the river bank, a thick smoke arose from one of the houses, and they could hear female screams.
"Come on!" Stanley shouted, to the three men riding behind him.
"See that your pistols are ready to hand, and draw your swords." Illustration: Stanley cut down the man who was about to fire the hut.
This village was not, like the last, stockaded; being some miles away from the forest.

As they dashed into it, they saw some twenty Burmese.

Two women lay dead, in front of one house; and one of the men, with a torch, was about to fire another.

Absorbed in their own doings, the Burmese did not notice the coming of the horsemen until the latter were close to them.