you or myself, but we cannot but be anxious for Shaibalini."
They now followed the beaten soldiers of the Nawab. After proceeding a little, they suddenly saw before them a band of well-armed Hindu fighters, in imposing uniform, coming out of a narrow pass to meet the English, with soldier-like courage and enthusiasm. In the centre of the column was the leader, mounted on a superb battle-steed. All the three recognised that it was none else but Pratap himself. Chandra Shekhar became uneasy at the very sight of Pratap. Advancing he said,
"Pratap! what brings you to this fatal field of battle? Better go back."
"I was coming in search of you," replied Pratap. "Come, I will conduct you to a safe place."
He then placed Ramananda Swami, Chandra Shekhar and Shaibalini within his small army, and proceeded with them towards the direction he came from. All the passes and accessible ways in that hilly tract were well-known to Pratap and he was, therefore, able to take them far away from the battle-field, very soon. While they were thus
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