"Where is he now?" enquired Ramananda Swami, rather anxiously.
"Look for him near the fort," answered the sepoy in hot haste and ran away. Ramananda Swami went there. He found that the struggle was over and in one place, some English and Hindu soldiers were lying in a heap. Ramananda Swami began to search for Pratap among them. One of the Hindus groaned out in bitter agony. Ramananda Swami dragged him out and found that it was Pratap—mortally wounded—still alive, but on the point of death. Ramananda Swami fetched some water from the nearest place and gave Pratap a drink. Pratap recognised him and made an effort to raise himself to make obeisance to the Swami, but could not pick up strength to do so.
"You need not make any effort," said the Swami, in an affectionate tone. "All the same, I bless you and wish you a speedy recovery."
"Recovery! It is near at hand," said Pratap with great difficulty, quite conscious of his end. "Now, pray for my soul."
"Why did you come to this fierce battle, in spite of our warning," asked Ramananda Swami, in a
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