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THE UNIVERSITY" "|
OF ILLINOIS
LIBRARY
From the collection of
Julius Doerner, Chicago |
Purchased, 1918.
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
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—S7EAfw _
THE YOUNG RAJAH.
Sete
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
UHIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
THE TRAVELLERS WELCOMED TO ALLAHAPOOR.
Page 67.
fre YOUNG RAJAH.
A Story of Endian Wife and Adventure.
Y ta
4
Y
i
NA
DISAPPOINTED!
Page 241.
Thomas Melson and Sons,
LONDON,
AND NEW YORK.
EDINBURGH,
iS
THE YOUNG RAJAH.
A STORY OF INDIAN LIFE AND ADVENTURE.
BY
W. H. G. KINGSTON,
AUTHOR OF “OLD JACK,” “‘IN THE EASTERN SEAS,” ‘‘ON THE BANKS
OF THE AMAZON,” “IN THE WILDS OF AFHICA,” ETC.
——_—_———_>——____—_-
T. NELSON AND SONS, PATERNOSTER ROW;
EDINBURGH ; AND NEW YORK.
1876.
G@Jontents.
CHAPTER I.
THE “‘“GLAMORGAN CASTLE” ON HER VOYAGE TO INDIA—HER PASSENGERS—OUR
HERO—COMBINED EFFECTS OF A KICK AND A ROLL—VIOLET ROSS—CUPID
AT WORK—OUR HERO’S GALLANT EXPLOIT—THE SHIP REACHES THE
HOOGHLY—PARTING OF REGINALD AND VIOLET..... Datos Fides dite Merde Sead
CHAPTER II.
REGINALD MEETS BURNETT—A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT ——-VOYAGE UP THE
GANGES — TIGER-SHOOTING AT NIGHT — TIGER ANECDOTES — TIGER-SHOOTING
FROM THE BACK OF AN ELEPHANT— REGINALD SAVES FAITHFUL FROM A
CROCODILE— HER GRATITUDE— JOURNEY TO ALLAHAPOOR— RECEPTION BY
THE RAJAH—THE BEAUTIFUL NUNA— A BANQUET, AND BARBARIC ENTER-
TAINMENTS— COCHUT KHAN’S JEALOUSY— FAITHFUL WATCHES OVER REGI-
ERE MSRM TNs tt ctetciac cere cictslaie viaye ote cipiein tls eueiediet wels a Sel stcaie ST SSERS a eco ore.cie 8 Sale cs OOOO
CHAPTER III.
A MIDNIGHT INTRUDER—A HUNTING PARTY—CHEETAHS AND TRAINED DEER—
A WARLIKE EXPEDITION—THE MARCH—THE WOMEN LEFT ENCAMPED —
SURPRISED BY THE MOUNTAINEERS —ATTACK ON THE MOUNTAIN FORT—
FAITHFUL SAVES THE RAJAH’S LIFE—THE CAVALRY TAKE TO FLIGHT—
SURROUNDED BY FOES—RESCUED BY BURNETT ........ ce ceeee cece ee 1 Od-1L26
CHAPTER IV.
' DESERTION OF CHIEFS—THE CAMP REACHED—MOURNING FOR THE SLAIN—THE
RAJAH TAKES IT COOLLY—A HUNTING EXPEDITION —REGINALD’S NARROW
ESCAPE—SAVED BY FAITHFUL—BAD NEWS FROM THE CITY—THE RAJAH
AND HORSEMEN SET OUT—REPORT OF REBELLION CONFIRMED—THE RAJAH
ANDGREGINATID) ASSUME DISGUIBES «cs cc err o00cice ociene weenie) ss ves 0 bal—d0a
703397
THE
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER V.
CARAVAN ENTERS THE CITY—-REGINALD MEETS THE BYRAGHEE—SENDS A
MESSAGE TO BURNETT—THE RAJAW AND REGINALD FIND THE GUARDS MUR-
DERED AT THE PALACE, AND NUNA CARRIED OFF—REGINALD PRESERVES
THE LIFE OF A WOUNDED SEPOY—HE AND THE RAJAH TAKE REFUGE IN
THE HOUSE OF A CHRISTIAN NATIVE—ESCAPE FROM THE CITY—PURSUED
—VICTORY—THE RAJAH ENTERS THE CITY IN TRIUMPH—NO TIDINGS OF
NUNA—REGINALD MAKES AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY ...............-154—188
CHAPTER VI.
REGINALD’S EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OF NUNA—BURNETT SETS OFF FOR THE SAME
THE
PURPOSE—ADVENTURES IN A TEMPLE—DISAPPEARANCE OF FAITHFUL—THE
BRAHMIN’S TREACHERY—BUXSO0O GAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION—PLANS
FOR LIBERATING NUNA—FAITHFUL ESCAPES FROM HER PRISON, AND TURNS
THE TABLES ON THE TRAITORS, 05:05 «1s «4/4 «5 010, ele! s10 iso. oer ew atehea! » > «5 0 cee eee
CHAPTER VIL.
TEMPLE IN WHICH NUNA IS A PRISONER REACHED—DICK’S PLAN FOR RES-
CUING HER—THE TOP OF THE TOWER GAINED—ESCAPE—PURSUED—FAITH-
FUL APPEARS AT THE PROPER JUNCTURE—ANOTHER TEMPLE REACHED—AN
UNEXPECTED ATTACK—FAITHFUL PLAYS HER PART—BURNETT ARRIVES—
OAPTAIN HAWKESFORD FINDS THAT HE HAS MADE A MISTAKE—THE JOURNEY
TO THE CAPITAL—A DAY’S SPORT—REGINALD AGAIN ESCAPES FROM A TIGER
—THE JOURNEY CONTINUED—THREATENED BY THE REPELS—TAKE REFUGE
IN A FORT—THE MAJOR’S ASTONISHMENT. .........22 00) wee eece se ee 21B—249
CHAPTER VIII.
A GUNPOWDER PLOT—COCHUT CAUGHT—BALKISHEN HOISTED WITH HIS OWN
PETARD—THE MAJOR’S NARROW ESCAPE—COCHUT GIVES IMPORTANT IN-
FORMATION— DICK DESPATCHED WITH If TO CALCUTTA—REGINALD ENTERS
THE CITY—THE RAJAH’S ILLNESS—TIDINGS OF THE CASKET—VISIT TO THE
TEMPLE—THE CASKET RECOVERED—DEATH OF THE RAJAH..........250—288
CHAPTER IX.
REGINALD RAJAH OF ALLAHAPOOR—ARBIVAL OF CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD—VISIT
TO BUXSOO’S FAMILY—THE CAPTAIN TAKEN BY SURPRISE—A BANQUET—
REGINALD ESCORTS NUNA TO THE RESIDENCY — MEETING OF NUNA AND
VIQUET 605065: iad sales ole eign: aie. a tyolé, 0.01e't ors) 0.6) oie ve eeidce one'o letellera. o/ Cn eT RnEnEnE Teint nane ner aS
CHAPTER X.
CHUPATTIES—UNSATISFACTORY INTELLIGENCE—REGINALD, ON HIS WAY TO THE
RESIDENCY, HEARS THE SOUND OF FIRING—A MUTINY IN THE CANTONMENTS
CONTENTS. Xl
—COLONEL ROSS AND HIS PARTY RESCUED—-ESCAPE TO A VILLAGE AMONG
THE HILLS—THE CAMP FORTIFIED—CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD’S ENMITY CON-
TINUES—REAPPEARANCE OF FAITHFUL—IMPORTANT INTELLIGENCE BROUGHT
BY HER—PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE... .... 1.2... ee ee cece ce ee ee ee 1 BUS—OOD
CHAPTER XI.
DESPERATE STATE OF AFFAIRS—THE FORT ATTACKED—NEWS OF BURNETT—THE
SORTIE——-CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD’S TREACHERY-—FAITHFUL DEFENDS HER
MASTER—BURNETT AND HIS TROOPERS COME TO THE RESCUE—GUNS CAP-
TURED—THE FOE PUT TO FLIGHT——-FATE OF CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD—A LULL
—BETTER NEWS—THE FORT AGAIN ATTACKED—AWFUL SUSPENSE— ENEMY
TAKE TO FLIGHT—FORT EVACUATED—THE MARCH—PURSUED— A FIERCE EN-
GAGEMENT-—REGINALD LEFT WOUNDED ON THE BATTLE-FIELD— RELIEVING
FORCE APPEARS—FAITHFUL AGAIN PROTECTS HER MASTER— DICK DISCOVERS
HER—BRITISH VICTORIOUS—REGINALD RECOVERED—RETURN TO CALCUTTA
—DEATH OF FAITHFUL—VOYAGE HOME —CONCLUSION........+-.++ +. 300-319
THE YOUNG RAJAH.
CHAPTER I.
THE “GLAMORGAN CASTLE” ON HER VOYAGE TO INDIA—HER PASSENGERS—OUR
HERO—COMBINED EFFECTS OF A KICK AND A ROLL—VIOLET ROSS—CUPID
AT WORK—OUR HERO’S GALLANT EXPLOIT—THE SHIP REACHES THE
HOOGHLY—PARTING OF REGINALD AND VIOLET
{HE stout old Glamorgan Castle, with studding-
ate sails on either side, was running before the
trade-wind on her course to India. The pas-
Sengers were lounging about on the poop,
sheltered by an awning from the burning rays of the
sun, which struck down with no inconsiderable force,
making even the well-seasoned Indians grumble and
incline to be quarrelsome. Of passengers the ship had
her full complement, for all the cabins were full. There
were among them generals, and judges, and officers of
all ranks; as well as married dames returning to their
husbands, and young ladies committed to their care;
but few of them need be noticed. There were Colonel
Ross, with his sweet, blooming daughter Violet; and
14 THE COMMANDER OF THE “ GLAMORGAN CASTLE.”
Major Molony and his pretty little round wife, to
whom he had lately been married; and Captain Hawkes-
ford, going out to rejoin his regiment,—a handsome-
looking man, but with a countenance not altogether
prepossessing, for it betokened selfishness and want of
feeling, or the lines about his firm set mouth, and large
oray eyes, belied him.
The commander, Captain Lyford, was a fine specimen
of a sailor. He made himself agreeable to his pas-
sengers, and kept his ship's company in good order.
When nothing occurred to excite him, his face was
calm and unimpassioned ; but it lighted up in a moment,
and his clear, ringing voice when issuing an order to
the crew showed that there was no lack of courage
and determination in his composition.
There were the usual disputes and misunderstandings
on board, which gave the good skipper, who always
acted as peacemaker, no little trouble to settle. The
ladies not infrequently fell out; and their quarrels, he
confessed, were the hardest matters to put to rights,
especially when jealousy set them by the ears. Mrs.
Brigadier Bomanjoy considered that she did not receive
the same attention which was paid to Mrs. Lexicon,
the wife of the judge; and Miss Martha Pelican, who
was making her second expedition to the East, com-
plained that the officers neglected her, while they de-
voted themselves to silly Miss Prettyman, who had no
other qualifications than her pink cheeks and blue
ACTING AS PEACEMAKER. 15
eyes to recommend her. The “griffins” not infre-
quently had warm disputes; but the captain quickly
managed to settle their more noisy quarrels, and restore
them to good-humour.
“Come, come, lads,’ he used to say, “let’s hear
what it’s all about, and then we will get the whole
matter into a nut-shell. It can be stowed away in
less space than that, Pve no doubt; and when it’s
there, well heave it overboard. Now then, shake
hands, and forget all about it.”
He did not, however, venture to interfere when
husband and wife fell out, considering that a third
person would only make matters worse; and more
especially did he avoid interfering in the everlasting
squabbles of Major and Mrs. Molony—which were indeed
rather amusing than otherwise, the object of the little
lady being apparently to bring her lord and master
under the complete subjection of her imperious will, to
which he, good-tempered as he was, had no intention 2
of yielding d
There were several very nice girls, of whom Miss
Violet Ross was universally considered the most charm-
ing. She was young, and very pretty; fair as a lily,
with blue eyes and rich auburn hair. But she had a
good deal more than her beauty to recommend her.
She was sweet-tempered, gentle, and high principled.
Mrs. Brigadier Bomanjoy declared that she was puri-
tanical and prudish; but she was in reality truly
16 OUR HERO.
religious and modest, without a particle of nonsense in
her composition. Captain Hawkesford, generally sup-
posed to be indifferent to female charms,—at least, to
those of his own countrywomen,—paid her more atten-
tion than he did to any one else, although she evidently
offered him no encouragement.
There was another person on board who must now
be mentioned. Many inquiries had been made of the
captain who he was, but no satisfactory answer had
been given. His costume was that of a seaman, but
no one could suppose that he was a common sailor.
His manner was distinguished, his good looks remark-
able, and the tone of his voice and language refined.
He was still very young, being scarcely more than
eighteen or nineteen years of age. He was on familiar
terms with the officers of the ship, and mingled with
the passengers without any objection being made by
the captain. He spoke Hindostanee fluently, and ad-
dressed the Lascars in their own tongue; while he
showed an intimate acquaintance with Indian manners
and customs, as well as with those of China and the
East generally. The hot suns of Eastern seas had
tanned his cheeks and given him almost the appearance
of an Oriental. The only account the captain gave of
him was that his name was Reginald Hamerton, and that
he had come home with him from India on his last
voyage, and had, during a heavy gale, exhibited much
courage and nautical knowledge. Many thought, from
(539)
WHO IS HE? 17
his dark skin, classical features, and flashing eye,
that there was Indian blood in his veins; and it was
whispered that he was the son of a resident at the
court of some native prince, and that his mother was
the rajah’s daughter: but of this the captain said he
knew nothing. He spoke English perfectly, was well
educated, and had the manners of a young man accus-
tomed to the best society. He conversed freely with
every one, but it was observed that he was extremely
reticent about himself, never alluding to his past life
or his future prospects. Still he seemed perfectly at
his ease about them; nor did he speak like a person
who had any doubts as to what he should do on his
arrival in India.
Altogether, there was a perfect mystery about him,
which increased the interest his personal appearance
was calculated to excite,—at all events, among the fairer
portion of the passengers. He was courteous and at-
tentive to all the ladies; but it was remarked at
length that he was more frequently seen in conversation
with Violet Ross. than with any one else. If her eye
brightened when he came near, that was but natural ;
as also that she should prefer talking to him to listen-
ing to the remarks made to her by the cynical Captain
Hawkesford,—who evidently regarded young Hamerton
with a feeling of dislike, which he exhibited whenever
he had an opportunity by a haughty and contemptuous
manner towards him. Colonel Ross, on the contrary,
(539) 2
18 REGINALD’S RIVAL.
treated Reginald in a kind and friendly way, and ap-
peared to have no objection to his conversing with
Violet on deck, or to any of the attentions he paid her.
The third officer being ill, young Hamerton, as he was
generally called, took his place; and few could have
failed to remark the officer-like style in which he
carried on duty, or the clear, ringing voice in which
he issued his orders,—displaying to advantage his
well-knit figure as he walked the deck with telescope
under his arm, or with his hand to his mouth, his fine
head thrown back, shouting to the crew. Violet’s eye
was wont to watch him as he moved about the deck,
and a gentle flush mounted on her cheek whenever he
came near and bent down to speak to her.
Captain Hawkesford scarcely concealed his jealousy,
and expressed it in remarks which he seemed to wish
should reach Reginald’s ear. “As the young sailor
was to all appearance working his passage, he should
not venture to make himself so familiar with those who
were above him in rank and position. For his part, he |
was surprised that Captain Lyford allowed him to dine
in the cabin, when he ought to mess with the other
junior officers.”
If Reginald did hear what was said, he took no
notice of Captain Hawkesford’s remarks, but appeared
to be quite as much at his ease as at first.
One day while he was attending to some duty for-
ward, Captain Hawkesford took a seat near Violet, and
OUTWITTING THE CAPTAIN. 19
endeavoured to make himself agreeable to the best of
his power. She listened, for without rudeness she
could not avoid doing so; but no smile played around
her mouth, while her answers were mostly in mono-
syllables. Colonel Ross at length coming near, she
jumped up and took his arm, saying that she should
like to enjoy a walk for a few minutes. Captain
Hawkesford looked excessively annoyed, but did not
attempt to accompany her. After a short time Re-
ginald came aft, when the gong sounded for dinner.
She said a few words to him as she went below ; upon
which he followed with a haste he seldom exhibited,
and, as the passengers took their seats, slipped into
a chair on one side of Violet, while her father sat
on the other. Captain Hawkesford, on returning from
his cabin, found the place he had intended to occupy
already filled, and with an angry frown on his brow
he went to the further end of the table. Most of the
passengers had collected, when some one remarked that
the chairs of Major and Mrs. Molony were vacant.
“Why did they not come down?” asked Mrs.
Brigadier Bomanjoy.
“The little lady is in one of her tantrums,” answered
Miss Pelican. ‘The gallant major is endeavouring to
bring her round, but she won’t because she won't.”
Just then the voice of the little lady was heard,
mingled with the expostulations of her lege lord,
coming down the open skylight, on the coomings of
20 AN UNDIGNIFIED POSITION.
which she was seated, directly over the head of the
table.
“Come, ladies and gentlemen, we must commence .
operations or the meat will get cold,’ observed the
captain ; and having said grace, he was about to begin
carving a leg of mutton swimming in gravy placed
before him, when there came a wild scream and a shout
from the major,—‘ Arrah, my darling, where are you
after going to?” though, before the words were well
out of the speaker’s mouth, down came flop on the top
of the leg of mutton the rotund form of Mrs. Major
Molony, fortunately head uppermost, in a semi-sit-
ting posture,—the joint of meat serving as a cushion
to that part of her body which is usually thus accom-
modated, while one of her feet stuck into a dish of
potatoes and the other into one of curry and rice, the
gravy flying on all sides like the contents of a bursting
bomb.
“Oh, where have I got to?” cried the little lady,
panting and screaming with terror, though she was
sufficiently aware of what had happened to make an
endeavour to cover up her little round legs, which were
more exposed than her modesty would have allowed.
Captain Lyford, with all the delicacy imaginable,
though his sides were splitting with laughter, placed
his arms under the little lady, and lifted her up ready
to present to the major, who came rushing down wild
with alarm, under the belief that she must have either
THE EFFECTS OF A KICK AND A ROLL. 21
broken her neck, or have been spitted on the carving
knife and fork.
“ Arrah now, my darling, is it killed you are entirely?”
he exclaimed, as he caught sight of her.
The shouts of laughter proceeding from all sides,
and in which even Violet and Reginald could not help
joining, prevented her answer from being heard, as the
major, taking her in his arms, bore her off to her
cabin, that she might put a fresh skirt on in lieu of
her gravy-bespattered dress.
The steward had in the meantime picked up the leg
of mutton, which had been sent spinning out of the
dish ; and its tenderness was accounted for by the
unusual pressure to which it had been subjected by the
fair little dame.
It appeared, from the conversation of the major, who
soon returned to the table, that at the moment his
wife was kicking at him pettishly with her foot the
ship gave a roll, and she, losing her balance, the catas-
trophe lately witnessed had occurred ; a lesson, as he
observed with a wink, by which he piously hoped she
would in future profit.
“T congratulate you, my dear, that it did not hap-
pen to you,” observed the brigadier to his better half.
“YT never kick at my husband,” answered the lady.
For the sake of the feelings of Mrs. Molony the
conversation was changed, when she at length ap-
peared, considerably crestfallen, and took her seat
22 ‘““MAN OVERBOARD!”
meekly by her husband’s side. Dinner was proceeded
with ; but every now and then some of the young
ensigns burst out into uncontrollable fits of laughter,
joined in by the rest like the fire of skirmishers, as one
of them happened to recall the incident to mind,—the
only one hitherto worth noting during the voyage,
which promised to terminate without the occurrence of
any of greater importance.
Some days had passed after this event, when, as the
ship was still running before the wind, making eight
or nine knots an hour, with a somewhat heavy sea on,
a fine young lad—going out to join his father and
mother, who had obtained some employment for him
in the uncovenanted service—was sky-larking aloft
with some other youngsters, when, losing his hold, he
fell into the foaming sea.
“Man overboard !”’ was the cry.
Captain Lyford was on deck in a moment, issuing
orders to shorten sail and bring the ship to, that a
boat might be lowered. The lad could swim, but
suddenly finding himself plunged amid the foaming
seas, he lost his presence of mind, and it appeared
doubtful whether he would keep afloat. A couple of
chairs and a hencoop had been hove to him, but not
till he had been left some way astern. Reginald, on
hearing the cry, ran aft, and without waiting to take
off even his hat, lowered himself into the water and
struck out towards the well-nigh drowning lad. It
GENERAL COMMOTION. 23
was evening, and darkness was rapidly coming on.
Intense was the excitement of all on board. Violet
Ross did not exhibit her feelings, as some of the other
ladies did, by shrieking and crying out, but she was
seen standing on the poop, her gaze fixed on the two
young swimmers.
Running at the rate the ship was going, they were
soon lost to sight; for though the crew were under
good discipline, it was not to be expected that sail
could be shortened as rapidly as on board a man-of-
war.
Opinions of all sorts were being hazarded. Some
gave them up for lost, declaring that the best of
swimmers could not keep afloat in such a sea.
“The young fellow may drown, for what I care,”
muttered Captain Hawkesford, as he turned forward,
away from the rest of the lookers-on. The captain and
officers were too busy to answer the questions put to
them on the subject.
At length the ship was hove-to, and a boat with
the first mate and a crew of volunteers was lowered.
Away she pulled in the direction in which the swimmers
had been last seen, the thick gathering gloom and the
foaming seas surrounding her, and quickly hiding her
from sight. The excitement on board was intense,
even the captain could scarcely retain his composure.
It would have been great had Jack Andrews, the lad
who had fallen overboard, been alone; but young
24 AN ANXIOUS TIME.
Hamerton had excited the interest of all, and even the
stern old brigadier declared that he would be ready to
give up all the loot he had bagged at the taking of
Mooltan for the sake of recovering the lad; and those
who knew the old soldier best, were aware that his
feelings must have been highly excited to induce him
to say so. Poor little Violet! Her father could not
fail to remark her agitation, but believed that she
would have felt the same if any other among her
fellow-creatures had been placed in the fearful peril to
which young Hamerton was exposed.
The moments seemed minutes, the minutes hours,
as those on board watched anxiously for the return of
the boat. At length the captain began to fear for her
safety, as well as for that of the swimmers.
“Silence on deck,’ he cried. ‘Does any one see
her ?”
No reply was made. ‘The ship had for some time
been hove-to. The wind whistled through her rigging,
and the seas washed up her sides as she surged slowly
forward.
“Burn a blue light, Mr. Timmins,” he shouted to
the boatswain, who had got one all ready ; and as the
bright fire burst forth it cast a lurid glare on the masts
and rigging, and the countenances of the lookers-on,
giving them the hue of death.
Colonel Ross, forgetting for a moment the effect
always produced by the light, thought that his daughter
THE BOAT IN SIGHT. 25
was going off into a swoon. But her trembling voice
reassured him.
“T am thankful to see that signal,’ she observed.
“Tt will surely enable them to find their way to the
ship.”
“T hope that they will bring back our young friend,
and the lad he has so gallantly hazarded his own life
to save,’ said the colonel; “but the difficulty of find-
ing them in the dark must be very great, unless they
retain strength sufficient to make their position known
by their voices.”
“They will come! they will come!” exclaimed
Violet. ‘‘ Oh, father, it is very dreadful!” She could
say no more.
The time went on. More blue lights were burned.
Again and again the captain shouted, ‘‘ Does any one
see the boat?” ;
At length a seaman exclaimed, “There she is!
there she is!” and others declared that they saw her.
A cheer arose, joined in by most on board, but it was
silenced by the captain. He now himself observed the
boat approaching slowly, tossing up and down on the
heaving seas. Oh, the horrible suspense to be endured
till it could be got alongside, for it was impossible to
see who was in her!
“Have you got them safe?” asked the captain, un-
able longer to restrain his anxiety. No answer came.
Possibly the dashing of the seas drowned his voice.
26 “THEY ARE SAVED!”
The boat came nearer and nearer, and willing hands
stood ready to lift on board those she brought back.
On she came. The oars were thrown in. The bow-
man caught the rope hove to him. Eager faces peered
down into her to ascertain if the lads had been saved.
“ All right; we have them safe!” at length cried a
voice from the boat.
“They are saved! they are saved!” was echoed
along the deck ; and even the most phlegmatie of the —
passengers shook each other’s hands, and expressed
their satisfaction; while several of the ladies burst
into tears,—as did one of the officers, as gallant a
young fellow as ever lived. Violet darted forward,
followed by the colonel, as Reginald was _ hoisted
on deck. Though evidently exhausted, he was able
to stand leaning on the shoulder of honest Dick Thud-
dichum, a seaman who had gone off in the boat, and
had assisted him up the side. (Dick ought before to
have been introduced. He was a fine specimen of a
sailor, with his broad shoulders and big bushy beard
and whiskers. He had come on board with the young
officer, and, judging by the eager way in which he had
leaped into the boat going off to his rescue, was at-
tached to him with no ordinary attachment.) Violet
stopped short as she got close to Reginald, for already
he was surrounded by most of the officers and pas-
sengers, eager to shake him by the hand and com-
pliment him on his intrepidity. Reginald saw her,
THE COLONEL’S ADVICE. 27
and would have sprung forward, when, just as she
had faintly murmured an expression of thankfulness,
her father came up in time to save her, overcome by
her feelings, from sinking on the deck. He then, after
heartily congratulating Reginald, led his daughter into
the cabin.
“Though I am thankful that the young man has
been saved, I may have cause to regret that we have
met him, if you allow too great an admiration of his
gallantry and personal qualities to take possession of
your heart,’ remarked the colonel. ‘“ Be cautious in
future. We know nothing of his birth or position ;
and, attractive as are his manners, he may be merely
an unprincipled adventurer—though I hope I should
wrong him by thinking so. Now he down and rest,
for it may be better not to appear at the tea-table.”
Violet promised to do as her father advised; but
before throwing herself on her bed, she knelt down
and poured out her grateful thanks to Heaven for
Reginald’s preservation.
The latter, meanwhile, nearly overwhelmed with
compliments and congratulations, had been led by the
doctor to his berth.
“Come, come, Mr. Hamerton,” said the ‘ medico ;”
“T have looked after young Andrews, and I must now
see to you. Yow may think yourself made of iron,
but the human frame cannot endure the strain you
have put on it without reaction; and we shall have
28 EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE.
you on the sick-list to-morrow, unless you take due
precautions. ”
An unwonted sensation of weakness warned Regi-
nald that the doctor was right; and following his
advice, he turned in—inclined to be obedient also for
the sake of avoiding the further compliments he felt
sure the ladies would be disposed to pay him. The
only gentleman who had not spoken to him was Cap-
tain Hawkesford, who had turned away when he saw
that he was safe, uttering an expression of bitter ill-
feeling.
“She will think more of the fellow than ever,’ he
muttered. ‘‘ Would that he were fathoms deep beneath
the water !” ey.
Thanks to the doctor's care, Reginald by the next
morning was quite himself again; and as soon as he
appeared on deck, young Andrews, who had also re-
covered, came to him and thanked him with hearty
expressions of gratitude for saving his life.
“Tf it had not been for you, I should very soon
have gone down. My great wish now is to serve you
as long as I live; and I only hope that I may have the
opportunity of doing so,’ he exclaimed.
“T only did for you what I would have done for
any other man or boy,” said Reginald; ‘“ but at the
same time I shall be glad of your friendship, for, what-
ever our respective positions, we may be able to help
each other.”
THE MORNING AFTER THE EXPLOIT. 29
Reginald, it must be confessed, looked with more
than usual eagerness for the appearance of Violet, who
had not yet come on deck—scarcely heeding the
compliments he received from the other ladies, or being
able to give any very clear answers to the numerous
questions put to him about his gallant exploit, as
they were pleased to call it. He did his best, how-
ever, to explain how, after having succeeded in reach-
ing young Andrews, he had towed him to the hen-
coop, to which he held him fast till the arrival of the
boat.
“Yes, it was trying,’ he added; ‘but I never lost
hope. My great fear was that the lad would sink
from exhaustion, though I felt capable of holding on
till the morning. I was sure, too, that the captain
would not leave the spot till he had searched for us by
daylight.”
Violet at length came on deck. A blush rose to her
cheek as she put out her hand to welcome Reginald.
She said but little, however, her eyes speaking more
eloquently than words. Her father remained by her
side, and took an opportunity, as soon as he could do so
without making his object too evident, of leading her
to the other side among the ladies on deck. The
gallant young officer was naturally the subject of con-
versation, and she heard with inward satisfaction his
praises repeated by all around her. Much as Colonel
Ross liked Reginald, he could not help regretting that
80 DECLARING HIS LOVE.
Violet had ever met him. He could not be blind to
his personal appearance and manners, but he naturally
disliked the thought of his daughter marrying a man
of whose birth and fortune he knew nothing; and he
resolved to break off all connection with the young
stranger as soon as they landed at Calcutta. Reginald,
he supposed, was not likely to remain long in that city,
and would be either again going to sea, or proceeding
up the country; at least he fancied, from some re-
marks the young man let drop, such would be the case.
Violet, too, was not likely to remain long without re-
ceiving an eligible offer, which he trusted she would
have the sense to accept—although he was not the
man to force her to do so against her inclination.
During the remainder of the voyage Reginald en-
joyed frequent opportunities of conversing with Violet,
though, by the colonel’s management, they were but
seldom left alone. They perfectly understood each
other, however ; and the day before the ship was off the
Sunderbunds, Reginald told Violet that he loved her
better than life; and although he confessed there was
a mystery about his birth, he said he hoped ere long to
clear it up, and to be in a position to offer her his
hand.
“Tf I succeed, as I have every reason to hope I
may, your father will have no cause to refuse me on
account of my birth and fortune. More I may not
tell you; but you will confide in my honour, dearest
SAYING FAREWELL. 3l
Violet : I know you will!” He took her hand, which
she did not withdraw.
“T trust you implicitly. I know my kind father
has a sincere regard for you, and he is only at present
unwilling to sanction our engagement because he be-
lieves that it would not conduce to my happiness,” she
answered.
The following day the Glamorgan Castle dropped
her anchor in the Hooghly. Shortly afterwards a man-
of-war steamer hove in sight, and brought-to at a short
distance from the ship. A boat from her came along-
side, when Reginald came up to Colonel and Miss
Ross.
“T must bid you farewell; but I hope that I may
be allowed to call on you in Calcutta,’ he said with
tolerable calmness.
The colonel hesitated in his reply.
“T cannot say where my duty will call me; but
you may be assured, Mr. Hamerton, that I shall not
forget you,” he at length answered evasively. “ Fare-
well! I see your attendant at the gangway waiting
for you.”
Violet, pained at her father’s manner, said but little.
Reginald, however, understood her look and manner ;
-and paying a hurried adieu to the rest of the pas-
sengers, he went towards the gangway, passing, as he
did so, Captain Hawkesford, who cast at him a super-
32 PARTED.
cilious and angry glance, without returning his salute.
Followed by Dick Thuddichum, he descended to the
boat, which pulled towards the steamer.
Violet watched the vessel as she glided up the river,
and observed Reginald, after shaking hands with the
officers, standing on the paddle-box, with his eyes fixed
on the Glamorgan Castle. She little thought at the time
how long it would be before they would again meet !
ee
H
it
UP THE HOOGHLY.
THE LIBRARY
OF IRE
UNIVERSITY OF TEEINGIS
-
CHAPTER II.
REGINALD MEETS BURNETT—A BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT -— VOYAGE UP THE
GANGES — TIGER-SHOOTING AT NIGHT — TIGER ANECDOTES — TIGER-SHOOTING
FROM THE BACK OF AN ELEPHANT—REGINALD SAVES FAITHFUL FROM A
CROCODILE — HER GRATITUDE— JOURNEY TO ALLAHAPOOR— RECEPTION BY
THE RAJAH—THE BEAUTIFUL NUNA—A BANQUET, AND BARBARIC ENTER-
TAINMENTS— COCHUT KHAN’S JEALOUSY —FAITHFUL WATCHES OVER REGI-
NALD.
my EGINALD having ascertained where Colonel
and Miss Ross were living, was making his
way through the broad streets of the “city of
=\ palaces,” intending to pay his respects to them,
when he met a military-looking man in an undress
suit, who, regarding him earnestly, advanced towards
him with his hand extended.
“My dear boy, I am delighted to see you!” ex-
claimed the stranger. ‘“ Have you heen successful ?
I long to hear.”
“T am in a fair way, I trust, of succeeding, although
there may be not a few difficulties in my path,” an-
swered Reginald. ‘I am truly thankful, however, to
find you here, as I thought that you were far away
—either in Pegu orat Delhi. Are you at liberty, my
dear Burnett, or can you get leave of absence? If you
36 REGINALD’S FRIEND.
could accompany me, you would be of the greatest
possible assistance.”
“Most fortunately, I cbtained leave of absence for
six months, only yesterday, and was contemplating
making a shooting excursion with Knox and Jones;
but they must excuse me, and I will devote myself to
?
your service,’ answered Captain Burnett
“Thank you, my dear fellow ; thank you,” exclaimed
Reginald. ‘“ Your experience and knowledge of the
people will smooth away many difficulties which beset
my path, and I gladly accept your kind offer. I feel
somewhat ‘selfish, as I know you sacrifice your own
convenience for my sake.”
“Don't talk about that, Reginald,” said Captain
Burnett. ‘“If you have nothing better to do, come
to my quarters and inspect my sporting gear. We
may get some shooting on the way ; I always try to
combine amusement with business.”
“JT will join you before long; but I have a visit to
pay first to some friends who came out in the ship
with me, and unless-they detain me I shall soon be at
liberty.”
“You can easily excuse yourself; and I shall ex-
pect you at dinner, at all events,” said Captain Bur-
nett.
“ But I would, I confess, rather dine with them, if
they ask me,” answered Reginald. ‘“ You would ex-
cuse me if you knew how I am circumstanced.”
A VISIT, AND ITS ENDING. 37
“Ts a fair lady in the case?” asked Captain Bur-
nett. ‘ You need not say so; I am sure of it. Take
care, Reginald; don’t get entangled. Young fellows
are apt to do so, and to be sorry for it afterwards.
Come, let me advise you to leave your card at your
friends’, with a message that you are bound up country ;
and that will settle the matter. The lady will be
married by the time you come back again.”
“ That I am sure she will not,’ exclaimed Reginald.
“She is totally unlike the ordinary run of girls.”
“Well, well! Take my advice in this matter, as
you are ready to do in others, and retain your freedom
of action,” said Captain Burnett, in a serious tone.
Reginald, parting from his friend, hurried on, hoping
to find Violet alone. A dark-skinned porter, in white
dress and with turban on head, opened the door, and
inquired his name. The sahib was not at home, and
Miss Ross could receive no visitors, said the servant.
“Take up my card, and say that I am waiting,”
replied Reginald.
The porter, after carefully examining the card, gave
it to another servant. The man gave a peculiar look
as he obeyed the order. He was some time absent,
and when he returned he delivered a note addressed to
Reginald in Violet’s handwriting. He did not venture
to open it in the presence of the servants ; but as soon
as he got outside the house he eagerly scanned the
few lines it contained.
38 BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT.
“My father has positively forbidden me to see you,”
she wrote. ‘He hopes that time will obliterate your
image; but that is impossible. Trust to me, as I do
to you.— Yours, VIOLET.”
Reginald was naturally bitterly disappointed ; but
yet he had faith in woman’s constancy, and he went
his way with hopes unabated, feeling sure, from what
he knew of Colonel Ross, that he would use no harsh
measures to compel his daughter to act contrary to
her own inclinations. Still, he could not feel other-
wise than pained and anxious. By the time, however,
that he reached his friend’s quarters, he had somewhat
recovered his serenity of mind. He kept his own
counsel, simply observing that Colonel Ross, on whom
he had called, was not at home; and Captain Burnett
forbore to ask further questions.
He had plenty of amusement in examining the
rifles and various articles which Captain Burnett had
prepared for his intended shooting expedition.
“ You must accept this rifle from me, Reginald,’ he
said, presenting a first-rate weapon; “and this brace of
pistols. You may depend on their never missing fire,
if properly attended to. And let me advise you always
to load them yourself; never trust to a servant. I
always do as I advise; one’s life may be sacrificed
from carelessness.”
The following day the friends, attended by Dick
A CLUMSY-LOOKING CRAFT. 39
Thuddichum and four native servants, were on their
road to the north-west.
They had to proceed, for a considerable distance, up
the river Ganges, ina budgerow. Though rudely built,
she skimmed merrily over the water when the breeze
was favourable. She was decked all over with bamboo ;
and on the after-part was erected a cottage of bamboo,
which served as a cabin and baggage-room. In the
fore-part were two small ranges of brick-work, raised
a few inches above the deck, with small round holes,
shaped like a lime-kiln, for holding charcoal, on which
provisions were dressed. Above the cabin, and sup-
ported on upright bamboos, was a grating, on which
the crew sat or stood to work the vessel. A long
bamboo, with a circular board at the end fixed astern,
served as a rudder; the oars also being long bamboos
of the same description. ‘The mast was a stout bamboo,
carrying a square-sail and top-sail of a coarse and
flimsy canvas. |
In this clumsy-looking craft the travellers made them-
selves comfortable, however. They had also a small
canoe towing astern, in which, when the wind was
contrary, and the budgerow had to bring up alongside
the bank, they made excursions to the other side of
the river or up one of its affluents.
Burnett, who was really a keen sportsman, never
failed to take his gun, and generally came back with
a good supply of game. One day, however, he was
40 ADVENTURE WITH A TIGER.
unwell, and Reginald started by himself to visit some
interesting ruins a short distance ahead, the canoe being
paddled by two of the crew. They had got some dis-
tance when he found that he had brought neither his
rifle nor pistols: however, he did not think it worth
while to return for them. They were at some little
distance from the bank, when one of the crew cried
out,—‘“‘ See, sahib, see! Here comes a tiger!”
On looking in the direction in which the man
pointed, he caught sight, not of a tiger, but of a huge
panther, and a native about a hundred yards before
him rushing at headlong speed, bounding and spring-
ing towards the river, while the panther with rapid
leaps pursued its hoped-for prey. Reginald ordered
the men to paddle in towards the shore, in the hope
of rescuing the panting wretch from the jaws of the .
panther. Just before they reached the bank, the
native bounded into the water, which rose up to his
neck ; but he was apparently too exhausted to swim
towards the canoe, though with imploring accents he
entreated the sahib to come to his rescue.
At that instant the dark snout of an enormous croco-
dile rose above the surface—the saurian, to Reginald’s
horror, making its way towards the struggling native.
“Crocodile ! crocodile!” shouted Reginald to the
native ; who, hearing him, after a moment’s hesitation
rushed back towards the bank, thus again facing the
panther. The creature for a moment appeared discon-
A TERRIBLE FATE. 4]
certed at the sudden movement of its expected victim
and the approach of the canoe, towards which the man
made a desperate spring; but the savage panther,
eager for its prey, at the same moment leaped forward
and seized the unhappy man by the leg, while Regi-
nald grasped his arm. At that instant the crocodile,
which had retreated a short distance, dashed up, and
catching the miserable being— who gave vent to the
most fearful shrieks— by the other leg, with one snap
of its jaws bit it off.
In vain Reginald shouted to the crew to attack the
creatures with their oars. The cowardly wretches, in-
stead of moving, shrank down at the further end of
the canoe; while the panther, peeling off the flesh of
the leg, reached at length the ankle, where with a
horrid crunch it severed the bone, and galloped away
with the fearful mouthful.
Reginald drew the poor man—now quite senseless—
into the canoe, and endeavoured to stanch the blood
flowing from his wounds by tourniquets, formed of
pieces of wood, round the upper parts of his legs; but
his efforts were in vain, and before the canoe reached
the budgerow the man was dead.
Continuing their course up the Ganges, visiting on
their way several of the numerous towns, temples, and
ruins of various sorts which adorn its banks, they at
length landed, and continued their route by land.
42 HINDOO SUPERSTITION.
They were now in a woody district, bordering the banks
ce
of a river, when Captain Burnett’s “ shikaree wallah,”
or huntsman, informed them that it abounded in tigers,
and that if they wished to kill a few they would have
an opportunity of doing so. Although Reginald would
gladly have pushed on, he sacrificed his own wishes
for the sake of allowing his friend to enjoy a few days’
sport.
Burnett had a friend (Major Sandford) living at a
village not far off, who, hearing of their arrival, in-
vited them to take up their abode at his bungalow.
He confirmed the report of the abundance of tigers,
which the superstitious Hindoos took no pains to
destroy ; observing —‘“‘ They believe that the souls of
men pass after their death into the bodies of animals,
and that it must be the soul of some great personage
alone which is allowed to inhabit the ferocious tiger.
They therefore allow the creatures to range about as
they please ; and when any poor fellow is seized by
one of the brutes—as is frequently the case—he will
humbly beg the tiger sahib to set him free, or to finish
him mercifully. The natives, however, have no ob-
jection to my killing any of their lordships; and we
will this evening go to a fort on the banks of the
Ganges near which they are wont to pass on their
way to drink at the river. We will carry provisions
and liquor, so that we may pass our time agreeably
till one of the brutes appears.”
ANECDOTES ABOUT HUNTING. 43
The party accordingly, accompanied by several
natives of rank, with their servants, set out, and were
not long in reaching their destination. The top of
the fort offered a safe spot whence any number of
wild beasts could be shot down without the slightest
risk to the sportsmen of being attacked in return, A
table and chairs were placed on the roof of the fort,
and the English gentlemen and Hindoos sat in the
cool of the evening quafling their claret and convers-
ing on various topics, with their rifles ready loaded
placed against the parapet, while a look-out kept
watch for the approach of a tiger, panther, or any
other denizen of the forest.
“Few men have more narrowly escaped becoming
tiger's meat than I have,” said Major Sandford. ‘I
carry some ugly marks about me to bear witness
to the fact; besides having the slight ‘halt’ in my
walk which you may have observed. I was, some
eight years ago, out shooting with several companions,
and being somewhat tired, I sat down on the side of
the bank, having left my gun a few feet from me.
The rest of the party had gone to a little distance,
when, suddenly looking up, I saw a huge tiger spring
out of the jungle, and before I had time to reach my
gun the brute had seized me by the leg,—which I
thought, by the fearful way he held it, he would have
bitten off. The rest of the party, seeing my fearful
condition, began to shout at the top of their voices,
44 ANECDOTES ABOUT HUNTING.
hoping to drive off the beast. They were afraid to
fire, for fear of killing me. But the tiger was not to
be disappointed of his expected dinner; so, throwing
me over his back with one jerk, off he trotted. I
did not, however, lose my presence of mind ; but recol-
lecting that I had a brace of pistols in my belt, I
drew one and pulled the trigger. To my horror, it
missed fire! JI had still another. JI managed to get
hold of it, well knowing that if that missed my fate
was sealed. Pointing the muzzle at the brute’s head,
I fired. The tiger gave a leap, and opening its mouth,
let me drop, while it fell down dead by my side.
I scrambled away as fast as I could, scarcely believing
that I was safe, till my friends coming up assured me
of the fact, and congratulated me on my merciful
escape.”
The subject of the “ power of the human eye” over
the most savage animals was touched on.
“There can be no doubt about it,” observed Captain
Burnett. “I was once a short distance from a village,
accompanied by my shikaree wallah, when we heard
the cry of ‘ Help! help !—a tiger! a tiger!’ resound-
ing through the forest. Having loaded our guns with
bullets, and seen that our pistols were primed, we
hurried towards the spot, when we came in sight of a
native who stood facing a huge tiger. From our
relative positions, it was somewhat difficult to shoot
without running the risk of hitting the man; we
ANECDOTES ABOUT HUNTING. 45
therefore shouted together, to try and make the tiger
move. He did so, and I at length got a shot at him ;
but though he was hit, off he went without his ex-
pected meal. The native then told us that while in
the jungle he had suddenly caught sight of a beast
about to spring on him, when, with admirable presence
of mind, instead of running, he stood with his eye
steadily fixed on the savage monster. The tiger,
wavering before the human eye, slunk behind a bush ;.
but every now and then he peered forth to see whether
the man’s glance was still fixed on him. The brute
continued moving from bush to bush, as if endeavour-
ing to avoid the undaunted gaze of his adversary, that
he might have an opportunity of springing out and
seizing him. ach time the tiger moved, the native
turned facing his cunning foe, and shouting at the top
of his voice, in the hope that assistance might come to
him.”
“JT can narrate a still more wonderful instance of
the same power,’ observed one of the native gentlemen.
But as he spoke the look-out, turning round, said
in a low whisper,—‘ Here comes the tiger, sahib!”
and the sportsmen, springing from their seats, seized
their guns, ready to fire at the monster as soon as it
should come within range. At a leisurely pace the
tiger trotted on, the outline of its form seen clearly
in the moonlight. It had just got close to the water,
when Burnett firing, the monstrous brute rolled over,
46 BIG GAME.
casting a glance of defiance at the foe it had only
then discovered. A second shot laid it lifeless on
the ground. Both gentlemen reloaded ; and Reginald
proposed hurrying down to secure the skin.
“We may very likely, if we do so, lose our own,”
observed the major. ‘“ Let us wait, and before long
we may add a few more tigers to our bag.”
They were not disappointed. Another tiger and two
panthers were shot. This being the most accessible
part of the bank for some distance, it was evidently the
watering-place of numerous wild animals. They had
just. killed their third tiger, and were agreeing that it
was time to secure the skins and return home, when a
fourth tiger appeared, stalking leisurely out of the
jungle towards the water, coming much nearer the
fort than any of the others had done. It stopped for
a moment and looked up at its foes, without exhibit-
ing the alarm which the others had displayed. Regi-
nald declared that he caught the gleam of gold on its
i
neck.
y)
“It may be an enchanted prince, then,’ said Bur-
nett; “or, as our friends here believe, the habitat of
the soul of some great maharajah, who has not laid
aside all the trappings of royalty ;—but we shall soon
learn.”
As he spoke, he raised his rifle to fire. The tiger at
that moment, however, gave a sudden hound and
escaped the ball, and turning round, frightened by
N
i i
IN
cll
a
nN!
ONILOOHS-YAaDIL
SuYSLYVNO Ba4avs NI
THE tlBnaRY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINGIS
FLUNTING WITH ELEPHANTS, 49
the noise, sprang back quick as lightning into the
jungle, before any of the rest of the party could take
steady aim.
No other wild beast appearing, the party descended ;
and while some kept watch to shoot any which might
come out of the jungle, the others secured the skins of
the beasts which had been slain. Packing them up
on the backs of the elephants, they returned to Major
Sandford’s bungalow, well satisfied with their night’s
sport.
The next day they set out to visit the more distant
part of the forest. The party had four elephants.
Reginald and Burnett, with their friend, and several
native gentlemen, were seated in howdahs on the
backs of the elephants. The howdah is something
like the body of a carriage, with an awning to shield
the occupants from the heat of the sun. Gorgeously-
ornamented cloths covered the backs of the huge
animals, while the mahouts sat on their necks, to
direct them where to go and what to do. Reginald,
not accustomed to that style of shooting, thought it
very dull work, and longed to be on foot, where he
could encounter the savage monsters face to face.
On reaching the jungle, the elephants moved along
the borders to some distance, while beaters, with loud
shouts, endeavoured to dislodge any tiger which might
be lurking there. At length up went the trunks of
the elephants,—a sure sign that they had discovered
(539) 4
50 INTO THE JUNGLE.
a tiger at no great distance. The*brute, seeing so
many enemies, had apparently no stomach for the
fight, and was observed stealing off amid the jungle.
Three or four shots were fired at it, but so rapid
and eccentric were its movements that it escaped
them all. As no other tiger appeared, Reginald at
last proposed to Burnett that they should seek the
savage brutes in their lairs. Burnett agreed, but
cautioned him to be on the alert, and to’ keep his
attendants close to him, with their rifles loaded, that
he might have another weapon at hand should he fail
to kill the animal at the first shot.
“Remember, your life may depend on it; for, be-
lieve me, a wounded tiger is the most dangerous of.
antagonists.” |
' Dismounting from the elephants which had carried
them to the borders of the jungle, each gentleman,
attended by ‘a native carrying an additional gun, ap-
proached the jungle, into which the beaters fearlessly
threw themselves. The forest was tolerably thick, so
that they soon by some chance became separated.
Reginald, hearing the beaters, and believing that they
were driving a tiger towards him, made his way
onward to a spot from whence he believed that he
should have an opportunity of firing to advantage. It
was near the river, with a small open space in front of
him, through which there was every probability that
the tiger would make its way. He took his post
I Zz
CLA
ELEPHANTS DISCOVERING A TIGER.
ear Sas, i > Se a el np
oak 4 hk a rod ee Se, : Lge
: ea 3 dp | ae ‘%
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A SINGULAR SIGHT. . 53
behind a thick tree, which would afford him shelter
should he fail to bring down the animal at the first
shot; while he charged his attendants to keep a
watchful eye around, lest the creature might come out
behind him. Scarcely had he taken up his post, when
he heard a loud chattering, and looking up, saw that
the trees were alive with monkeys, which were peering
down upon him, wondering what had brought so
strange-looking an animal into their domain. As he
did not move, they grew bolder, and began frolicking
about, swinging backwards and forwards, some with
both paws, others with one, turning somersaults, and
performing all sorts of strange antics.
“See, sahib! what is that?” said the shikaree
wallah in a low voice, pointing to a sunny spot at no
great distance off, where Reginald caught sight of the
huge head of a crocodile, with its jaws open. The
creature was apparently fast asleep, basking in the
sun. Reginald raised his rifle, intending to shoot the
saurian, when at that moment there was a rustling in
the bush, and a magnificent young tigress walked out
on her way to drink at the river. The creature had
not advanced far when her eye fell on the crocodile,
towards which she stealthily crept, her soft padded
feet making not the slightest noise as they trod the
eround. Reginald was thankful that he had not fired
at the crocodile, as it probably would have brought
the tigress upon himself at the very moment that he
*
54 ; CAUGHT IN A TRAP.
was unarmed. ~He considered whether he should
shoot the magnificent creature, but he was curious to
see what she would do with the crocodile. On she
went, till she got within a little distance of the saurian,
when, making a spring, she seized the creature’s
tongue, evidently with the intention of dragging it
out. The attempt was a dangerous one. The instant
the crocodile felt her paw in its mouth, it closed its
huge jaws, and holding her foot fast, began to crawl
towards the water. So great was the agony she suf
fered that she was unable to make any resistance, or
to seize the head of the crocodile in her mouth. While
she shrieked with pain, the crocodile slowly drew her
on towards the river, into which, her instinct told her,
should the saurian once dive, her fate would be sealed.
In vain the tigress struggled to free herself, and drag
back the crocodile. The monkeys, meantime, seemed”
to think the affair great fun; and seeing their two
enemies engaged, began to descend the branches close
_to the ground; and one of them, more daring than
the rest, actually tried to get hold of the ear of the
tigress. She, however, litting up her paw, was about
to give it a blow which would have finished its exist-
ence, when, nimbly climbing up again, it got out of
her way. Meanwhile, the crocodile was dragging the
unfortunate tigress still nearer and nearer the river.
She turned her eyes round, as if to look for some
branch which she might grasp, and save herself from
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THE SAURIAN AND THE TIGRESS. 57
her impending fate. At that moment they fell on
Reginald, when she gave him a look which seemed to
implore his pity, as he thought. In a few seconds
the crocodile would have reached the water; but just
then the tigress caught a firm hold of the trunk of
a tree projecting into the river, to which she held on,
at the risk of having her paw bitten off Possibly
the saurian might, at the same time, have seen its
human foes, or it might have been that the sudden
jerk it received in consequence of the powerful resist- .
ance put forth by its captive, made it open its mouth.
The tigress on this quickly drew out her fearfully-
mangled paw, leaving the crocodile to plunge with a
loud flop into the water, deprived of its expected prey ;
while she, fearing perhaps that it might again return
to seize her, crawled back howling with pain towards
the thicket.
“Shoot, sahib! shoot!” exclaimed the shikaree
wallah ; but Reginald had not the heart to do so.
Slowly the tigress crawled on, probably fearing him
more than she had her late enemy, and turning a glance
towards him, in which defiance was mingled with
dread. Feeling herself unable to fight, it was evi-
dently her intention to escape if she could; but over- |
come at length with the fearful pain she was suffering,
she sank down exhausted on the ground. The native
buntsman seemed to think it a piece of folly on the
part of Reginald not at once to despatch her.
58 A WOUNDED FOE.
“No, I will not do that,’ said Reginald in answer
to his expostulations. ‘It is not the custom of white
men to slaughter a fallen foe. See! the poor tigress
looks up as if imploring my assistance.”
“ As you think fit, sahib,’ answered the huntsman ;
“but if she recovers she will become the mother of
numberless tigers and tigresses ; and who can tell how ~
many people they will destroy ?”
This argument would have prevailed with Reginald,
and he would, at all events, have allowed the hunts-
man to kill the tigress, had she not at that moment
cast at him a look, which he seemed to fancy implored
his mercy. As he approached, however, while she lay
on the ground unable to move, she uttered a loud
snarl of anger, and ground her teeth, and opened out
the claws of her uninjured feet, as the feline race are
wont to do, as if about to seize him. Still he perse-
vered, wishing, if possible, to capture the animal
alive. Speaking to her in a soothing voice, he
got near her head, holding his rifle in such a_posi-
tion that he might fire in a moment, should she
turn round and attempt’ to seize him; she was,
however, too much hurt to move.. Gradually. he
got close to her head, when, stooping down, he first
patted it gently, still uttering the same soothing words.
At first, while he continued to stroke it, she looked up
suspiciously at him, as if to ask what he wanted; but
soon understanding that his motives were friendly,
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PLAYING THE SURGEON. “i 61
she ceased her cries. At length she put out her
lacerated limb, and seemed to ask him to do what he
could to relieve her pain. He fortunately had a flask
of spirits in his pocket, with which he bathed her foot;
and then, taking out a handkerchief, he carefully
bound it up. It seemed at once to relieve the aninal
of pain; and all the natural ferocity of her counten-
ance disappearing, she cast at him a look full of grati-
tude, while she attempted to lick his hand.
Nothing could exceed the astonishment of the
shikaree wallah and his companion,-—who had during
the time retired to a respectful distance,—when they
saw the tigress get up and slowly follow Reginald, as
a dog does its master. She, however, would not allow
them to approach her, but snarled in a way which
made them immediately take to flight. Reginald on
this called them back, and stroking the head of the
tigress, tried to make her understand that she was to
treat them as friends. She understood him; and
when they came near she no longer showed any signs
of wishing to hurt them.
“ Why, sahib,” exclaimed the shikaree wallah, “see!
she is not a wild tigress after all) There is a golden
collar round her neck. She must have belonged to some
great rajah, and made her escape from his palace.”
On a closer examination, Reginald discovered what
the quick eye of the native had detected, a band of
gold, partly hidden by the creature’s hair.
62 GRATITUDE OF THE TIGRESS.
“There cannot be a doubt, then, that she is the
very animal we saw last night,’ observed Reginald.
“She is my property now, at all events; and I feel
very sure that she will follow no one else.”
By this time the shouts and cries of the beaters
ceased to reach their ears, and Reginald knew that
they must have gone in a different direction to that
which he had followed. Several shots, however, the
sound of which came from a distance, showed him
that Burnett and his party had met with game; but
as he found no real pleasure in tiger-shooting, he was
anxious to get back to the bungalow, where they in-
tended to stop till the next evening before resuming
their journey. He wished, indeed, to astonish his
friend, by exhibiting his prize, when Burnett was
boasting, as he probably would, of the number of
tigers he had killed. Leaving word with the elephant
drivers that he had returned on foot, and bidding
them say nothing about his captive, he hastened home-
ward, followed by his two astonished attendants. __
“He is indeed a wonderful young man,” observed
the shikaree wallah. ‘‘ How courageously he walked
up to the tiger; it makes my knees even now tremble
to think of it. Wallah, he is a brave youth.”
As Reginald walked on, with his hand on the
tigress’s head, he considered what name he should give
the animal. ‘She has evidently become attached to
me, and will follow me about like a dog,” he said to
PLANNING A SURPRISE. 63
himself. ‘Very likely she may be of use, too, for I
suspect that no robbers, nor even ‘hugs, would dare
attack a man with a tigress as his protector. What
shall I call her? Violet? Violet? No, certainly not.
There is nothing in common, except I may say affec-
tion for me. Faithful? Yes, Faithful. That, I am
sure, will prove the chief characteristic of the creature.
Faithful shall be her name!”
By the time he had arrived at this decision he
reached Major Sandford’s bungalow. The sitting-
room was of large extent, ornamented with the skins
of antelopes, bison, and stag horns of various kinds,
and with native swords, bows, arrows, spears, and
battle-axes; while the floor was covered with the
hides of bears, leopards, tigers, and deer; and a num-
ber of tables, sofas, and chairs of all shapes were
scattered about on it. Placing three of the chairs in
a row, Reginald covered them with skins, so as to
form a screen ; and calling to Faithful, he bade her le
down behind them. He threw himself on a sofa in
front to await the arrival of his friends. Before long
he caught sight of Burnett’s elephant approaching.
“How comes it, you lazy fellow, that you return
home without a single skin to show?” asked Captain
Burnett, as he entered.
“Pardon me, but I have not returned without a
skin,” said Reginald. ‘Here, Faithful, show yourself.”
As he spoke the tigress raised her head above the
. 64 HOW IT SUCCEEDED.
screen witha menacing expression in her countenance,
_ which made Burnett start back and draw one of his
pistols.
“Don't fire!” exclaimed Reginald. “The brute is
tame, though I only captured her this morning. See!
I became her surgeon, and she is grateful for the ser-
vice I rendered her.”
Burnett could scarcely believe his senses, till the
secret of her apparent sudden tameness was disclosed.
At dinner Faithful crouched down at her new mas-
ter’s feet, and gratefully accepted the small morsels
thrown to her; though Burnett advised that she
should have a more substantial meal, or she might
.take to helping herself, if pressed by hunger, to a
human creature, if not to some of the tame animals
they might meet with on the road. In the evening
Reginald again dressed the tigress’s foot, when she
exhibited the same marks of gratitude as before.
Though the tigress was much better the next
morning, she was still too lame to walk, and accord-
ingly Reginald had a large wooden cage made for her,
with a bed in it of dry grass, on which she might re-
pose with perfect comfort. This cage was slung on
the back of an elephant, counterbalanced by several
heavy articles. It was some time, however, before the
sagacious elephant, which knew perfectly well the
contents of the cage, would allow it to be lifted up on
its back. Faithful also felt very uneasy when brought
IN SIGHT OF ALLAHAPOOR. 65
near the elephant; and not till the cage had been
completely covered up, so that the two animals could
not see each other, were the drivers able to secure it.
The journey was resumed ; and occasionally stopping
to have a day’s sport,—-to which Reginald consented
more for his friend’s sake than his own,—greatly to
his satisfaction, they at length arrived in sight of the
domes and minarets of Allahapoor, the city in the far
interior to which they were bound. They encamped
outside, that they might get into order and present
themselves in a becoming manner to the rajah, Meer
Ali Singh, the despotic governor of the province.
Captain Burnett put on his uniform, and all the at-
tendants dressed themselves in their best costumes.
‘““T have made up my mind to appear in my seaman’s
dress,” said Reginald ; “from what I have heard of
Meer Ali, he is more likely to give me a favourable
reception should I present myself in an unpretending
manner than with all the pomp I could assume. It
will also have the effect of making his favourites less
jealous of me, and unsuspicious of my object. I do
not allude so much to the natives as to a European
who is about the rajah, a certain André Cochtt by
name, originally a barber, who was my father’s great
enemy, and is now in high favour at court. I must
be prepared for every obstruction he can throw in my
way; but as he is not acquainted with the name I
bear, he will not suspect who [am. You must appear
(539) 5
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66 AN IMPOSING CAVALCADE.
as the person of chief importance, while you represent
me asa friend whom you have brought for the sake
of companionship. This will throw Cochit off his
cuard. And if we manage to play our cards well,
we may gain the confidence of the rajah ; when I hope
that he may then be induced to deliver up my father’s
property, and the casket containing the valuable deeds
I am in search of.”
Captain Burnett agreed to the wisdom of Reginald’s
plan, and, in order to assume as much importance as
possible, sent in to the rajah to announce their arrival,
and to request that they might be permitted to pay
their respects. The plan succeeded even better than
they had expected. The next morning, as they were
preparing to move, a suwarree, or retinue of elephants
and horses, was seen approaching, headed by one of
the rajah’s principal officers. The train of elephants
was splendidly equipped with silver howdahs, and
accompanied by suwarrs, or horsemen, in red and
yellow, followed by an irregular though picturesque
body of infantry, armed with swords, long matchlock
guns, and shields. Some had enormously long spears
covered over with silver; while amid them were
carried large triangular green banners. The silver
howdahs, the flowing dresses, the glowing colours, and
the majestic size of the animals which formed the most
prominent part of the group, had altogether a wonder-
fully picturesque and scenic appearance. The strangers
INSIDE THE CITY. 67
were invited to mount the elephants, and in a few
minutes they found themselves forming part of the
curious procession they had before been admiring.
Thus they entered the gates of the ancient city. The
houses they passed were closely packed and built of
clay, the lanes dirty in the extreme, and so narrow
that they frequently had to proceed in single file.
Beggars swarmed at every angle, and on the steps of
every door, while the whole population appeared
armed either with matchlock gun or pistols. Some
carried a short bent sword called a tulwar, with
shield on shoulder. The traders walked about with
tulwars by their sides, while the idlers carried both the
pistol and the shield. The latter is of buffalo-hide,
generally covered with brass knobs, and is worn on
the left shoulder. The fierce-looking moustaches of the
Rajpoots and Patans, and the black beards of the
Mussulmans, with their tulwars and shields, as they
swaggered about, gave them a particularly warlike
air, Even grave-looking men, carried about in palan-
quins, and counting their beads, had several sword and
buckler attendants. Some of the more consequential
rode on elephants, also accompanied by a retinue of
armed men. Even the people lounging at the shop
doors were armed with swords, and had their shields
over their shoulders. After passing through a num-
ber of these narrow and dirty streets, redeemed here
and there by pretty mosques, well-filled bazaars, and a
68 COMFORTABLE QUARTERS.
tew large houses, the party entered a wide and hand-
some street,—bordered by colonnades of a highly orna-
mental style of architecture,—along which they pro-
ceeded, till they reached the house appointed by the
rajah for their residence. It belonged to one of the
European officers at the court, who was now absent,
and possessed araple accommodation for a much larger
party than theirs.
Reginald had kept Faithful secured in her cage.
He was curious to know how she would behave in a
city, and he waited anxiously for the arrival of their
own elephants and baggage. They came at last. On
the cage being placed on the ground, he took off the
covering. Faithful was lying crouched down. She
was evidently much put out at the way she had been
treated, and the fierce expression of her eye made
him doubt at first whether it would be wise to set her
free. After speaking in soothing tones, and stroking
her head for a short time, the expression changed, when
opening the side of the cage so as to enable him to
reach her paw, he stooped down and dressed it care-
fully. She looked up with an expression of gratitude
in her countenance; and now telling her to follow
him, he conducted her into the sitting-room, where he
had left his friend. As Reginald took his seat at the
dinner-table, Faithful lay down by his side, and thank-
fully ate the bits of food thrown to her. When after-
wards visitors were announced, she remained perfectly
A SUMMONS FROM THE RAJAH. 69
quiet, eying them, however, narrowly. Next day
an officer—no less a man than André Cochtit, who
had now become a khan or noble —arrived to summon
them to his master the rajah, “the Refuge of the World,”
who was ready to allow them the honour of an audience.
b)
‘We will obey the summons, khan,” said Captain
Burnett; and he and Reginald immediately got ready.
The captain had prepared the presents which,
according to Oriental etiquette, it is usual to offer to
a ruling prince on being first introduced, and he had
given the necessary instructions to Reginald. They
each took four gold mohurs, which they placed on fine
muslin handkerchiefs to be held in the palm of their
hands.
“There, that will do,’ said Captain Burnett; “ we
must offer them in this style; and if the rajah is
inclined to be gracious, we shall not be the losers by
the transaction.”
Putting the money and handkerchiefs in their
pockets, they went out into the courtyard of their
house, where they found richly caparisoned steeds
awaiting them. They mounted, Burnett accompany-
ing the khan, and Reginald following in his usual nauti-
cal costume, attended by Dick Thuddichum, who sat
his steed much in the style of sailors in general. His
appearance contrasted greatly with that of the rnichly
habited natives who rode on either side of him; and
his attempts at conversation caused them a good deal
70 ORIENTAL MAGNIFICENCE.
of amusement, though none of those he addressed could
understand a word he said, nor could he understand
their remarks. The crowds in the streets made way
for the khan, who was known to be in high favour
at court, and was treated accordingly with every mark
of respect.
The palace, which was at no great distance, was
soon reached, when the ex-barber threw his reins with
an air of importance to the syce, or groom, in attend-
ance, telling the Englishmen to follow him. Entering
the gates of the palace, they passed through several
apartments adorned with beautiful chandeliers, and
cabinets of rare woods and of silver or lacquered ware.
Richly-decorated shields, arms, and suits of armour
covered the walls, not always arranged in good taste,
but offering a fair specimen of Oriental magnificence.
“Vou two come with me,’ said the ex-barber,
addressing Burnett and Reginald.
As he led the way, they emerged into a small gar-
den or courtyard with a fountain playing in the centre,
beyond which was seen a pavilion. Crossing the
garden, they approached the pavilion.
Neither Reginald nor Burnett were prepared. for the
scene which met their view. In a richly-ornamented
alcove, seated on a pile of cushions, were two persons ;
one of whom they immediately knew must be the
rajah. He was magnificently attired in Oriental
costume, covered with gold ornaments; a turban
|
SP
DAUGHTER,
THE RAJAH AND HIS GRAND
THE itBRARY
OF THRE
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:
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B
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BEFORE THE RAJAH. 73
covering his head, surmounted by a plume of bird of
paradise feathers, with a sparkling aigrette in front.
He had large moustaches, and an enormous white beard
flowing over his breast. By his side reclined a lady, also
handsomely dressed, her features of rare beauty, and her
complexion scarcely darker than that of an Italian. The
rajah was smoking a hookah of elegant workmanship.
He took it from his lips when the strangers advanced,
and expressed his satisfaction at receiving them.
“My erandchild, Nuna, desired to see you, as
Englishmen at present rarely visit my court,” he said,
after the usual complimentary speeches had been ex-
changed ; “except my worthy friend there, the khan,
she has never set eyes on a white man.”
While the rajah was speaking, Captain Burnett could
with difficulty avoid fixing his gaze on the lovely
features of the young girl, though he felt it would be
contrary to court etiquette to do so.
“ And what brought you to mycity?” asked the rajah.
“We had heard of your highness’s wisdom and
renown, and as we desired to visit the chief objects of
interest in this part of the world, we came to see your
city, in the hope of enjoying the happiness of an inter-
view with your highness,” answered Burnett, who had
considerable experience in the proper style of address-
ing Oriental potentates. The rajah looked pleased.
“And whence do you come? Do you belong to
the Company ?” he asked, turning to Reginald.
74 A FAVOURABLE IMPRESSION.
‘Most of my days have been spent on the salt
99
ocean, your highness,” answered Reginald; “and my
desire is to see the wonders of the interior part of the
country.”
“An extraordinary life yours must have been,” ob-
served the rajah. ‘They tell me that ships are tossed
about on the waves like balls in the hands of jugglers,
and sometimes are thrown on the rocks, and at others
go down to the bottom. Extraordinary that men
should be found to hazard their lives on so treacherous
an element !”’
“An existence on the ocean has its advantages as
>
well as its dangers,” answered Reginald. ‘ Without
ships men cannot visit other lands, or carry the pro-
duce of this magnificent country to England, and bring
back her manufactures in return.”
“You speak the truth, young sir,” said the rajah,
evidently pleased with Reginald’s manner. ‘You and
your friend are welcome to remain in Allahapoor as long
as you please; and I shall be glad to see you again.”
Captain Burnett, knowing that this was a signal
for their departure, offered the presents which he and
Reginald had brought. They were graciously accepted,
the rajah placing them on a cushion by his side.
Bowing low they withdrew, the captain taking another
glance at the rajah’s grand-daughter as he did so.
André Cochtit accompanied them home, and by the
questions he put it was evident that he wished to
ANOTHER SUMMONS FROM THE RAJAH. 75
ascertain their real object in coming to Allahapoor.
Captain Burnett replied cautiously, and took an
opportunity of whispering to Reginald to be on his
guard as to what he said. “ I do not trust that in-
dividual,’ he observed as soon as the khan had
taken his departure. ‘He fears that we may remain
and supplant him in the good graces of the old rajah.
If we can win him over, he may assist us; but the
attempt to do so would excite his suspicion.” Reginald
promised to follow his friend’s advice, and they agreed
that they would simply be civil to Cochit, and appear
to be only desirous of visiting the scenes of interest in
the neighbourhood.
The following day they received another summons
to visit the rajah in his usual hall of audience in the
palace. He had a few guards and courtiers in attend-
ance. Burnett looked round in vain in the hope of
catching a glimpse of the beautiful Nuna, but she was
nowhere to be seen; indeed, her appearance on the
previous occasion had been contrary to the usual cus- ~
tom, as no Mohammedan or Hindoo women of high
rank ever exhibit themselves in public. The rajah
appeared more than ever pleased with them, and asked
numerous questions, which they answered apparently
to his satisfaction.
“JT must not let you Englishmen live so far off,” he
said at length. ‘I should like to see you at all times
of the day. You must come and live in the palace,
76 INSTALLED IN THE PALACE.
where rooms shall be prepared for you. I must have
no refusal. The matter is settled.”
Burnett and Reginald expressed their gratitude at
the favour shown them, and said they gladly accepted
his highness’s offer. Before they left, Khan Cochtt
overtook them; and though he contrived to conceal
his feelings, it was clear that he was more than ever
jealous and annoyed at the thought of their being
about the person of his master. On returning with
their attendants and luggage, they found, as had been
promised, a handsome suite of rooms prepared for their
reception. They quickly made themselves at home.
Burnett observing that they had fallen into pleasant
quarters. Before long, Khan Cochit came with a
message from the rajah, inviting them to dinner. He
again endeavoured to discover their object in visiting
Allahapoor. Reginald, warned by his friend, answered
very cautiously, and so the ex-barber had to take his
departure without being wiser than he came. At the
dinner-hour an attendant of the rajah came to sum-
mon them. They found the great man seated at table,
in a hall furnished in a strangely-mixed Oriental and
English fashion. The rajah sat on one side of the
table, on a gilt arm-chair raised a few inches above the
floor; the opposite side being left unoccupied, that
whatever took place at the other end of the hall might
be seen by the guests, while the servants could thus
remove the dishes without difficulty. He beckoned
AT DINNER WITH THE RAJAH, 77
to Burnett and Reginald to take their seats one on
either side of him,—greatly to the disgust of Khan
Cochiit, who had to move further down the table.
Several nobles and other courtiers were present. As
soon as the party had taken their places, a curtain
behind them was drawn on one side, when _half-a-
dozen young females issued forth, each carrying large
fans of peacock’s feathers, and noiselessly placed them-
selves behind the rajah’s chair. The hue of their
skins was scarcely darker than that of the women of
Southern Europe ; their hair, black as jet, drawn over
the forehead, was twisted in rolls behind, and orna-
mented with pearls and silver pins, over which hung
a muslin robe covering their shoulders—of a texture so
fine, however, that their forms could be clearly seen
through it. Gold-embroidered zones surrounded their
waists and supported their Turkish trousers of bright
crimson satin, which were also secured round their
ankles by gold-embroidered belts. Two of them at a
time advanced--—their arms bare almost to the shoulder
—and silently waved their fans in the most graceful
manner above the head of the rajah. Here they re-
mained the whole evening, relieving each other by
turns, and attending to his hookah, supplying it with
tobacco as might be required.
The first courses being removed, a group of nautch-
girls, attended by musicians, entered the hall, and
commenced their performances,—now advancing in
78 ORIENTAL ENTERTAINMENTS.
eraceful attitudes, now retiring; now with one hand
held over the head, now with the other; the musicians
during the time playing on lutes and tambourines be-
hind them, and accompanying the instruments with
their voices. While this was going on a puppet-show
was introduced, in which the figures acted a play and
danced almost in as life-like a manner as performers
on a stage. The nautch-girls continued their per-
formances throughout the whole evening, but the other
entertainments were varied. The puppet-show was
succeeded by a band of tumblers, who tied themselves
into knots, walked on their hands and heads, and
twisted and turned about more actively than the most
nimble of monkeys—their bodies apparently being des-
titute of bones, or possessing ten times the number of
joints usually found in the human frame. They all re-
ceived a reward—more or less, as the rajah was pleased
with their performances.
Burnett, it must be confessed, looked in vain for
the appearance of Nuna, who, it was possible, might
have been among the audience behind the gauze cur-
tain at the further end of the hall.
“And how have you enjoyed our evening’s enter-
tainment?”’ asked the rajah, turning to Reginald.
“The performances are very wonderful,” he an-
swered. Of course he could not say that he thought
them very barbarous, and that they had afforded him
anything but pleasure.
THE BANQUET ENDED. 79
“ Ah, we will show you things far more wonderful
than these,” observed the rajah. ‘‘ You must accom-
pany us out hunting. You Englishmen, I under-
stand, are all huntsmen, and delight in the chase, and
are not afraid to encounter tigers and wild boars, and
even elephants.”
Reginald confessed that sporting was much more in
accordance with his taste, and that he should be glad
to have an opportunity afforded him of seeing how the
Orientals followed the chase. .
At length the rajah, accompanied by the damsels,
who continued fanning him, took his departure, and
the banquet was at an end; but Reginald did not forget
a scowl he had observed on the countenance of Khan
Cochtt as he and Burnett quitted the hall.
He had left Faithful the sole occupant of a stall in
one of the stables. Before lying down at night, he
went to pay his favourite a visit. The animal fawned
on him, and seemed so unwilling to be left alone, that
he led her out, intending to allow her to share his
sleeping-room. She seemed highly pleased; and no
sooner had Reginald thrown himself on the pile of
cushions arranged on the floor for his couch, than she
laid herself down, evidently prepared to keep watch
during the night by his side. ‘ Perhaps the crea-
ture’s instinct tells her that some danger threatens
me,’ he said to himself. “TI am very sure that I may
trust to her vigilance, and sleep soundly, without the
80 FAITHFUL ON THE WATCH.
risk of being attacked unawares.” Thoughts of
various sorts pressed on his mind, and before he
fell asleep he saw Faithful get up several times and
walk slowly round the room, sniffing in all the
corners.
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CHAPTER III.
A MIDNIGHT INTRUDER—A HUNTING PARTY-——CHEETAHS AND TRAINED DEER—
A WARLIKE EXPEDITION—THE MARCH-——THE WOMEN LEFT ENCAMPED —
SURPRISED BY THE MOUNTAINEERS — ATTACK ON THE MOUNTAIN FORT—
FAITHFUL SAVES THE RAJAH’S LIFE—THE CAVALRY TAKE TO FLIGHT—
SURROUNDED BY FOES—RESCUED BY BURNETT.
without undressing, no bed-clothes having been
provided ; his baggage, not very extensive,
id was placed in one corner of the room. His
portmanteau contained some important documents,
which he wished no eye but his own to scan till the
time for producing them had arrived. Faithful lay
down before him much like a dog, with her eyes half
open. He had been for some time asleep when he
was awakened by a low growl, and on looking up he
saw Faithful on. the point of rising, her e} 2s glaring
towards the further end of the room. A curtain
which served instead of a door was drawn aside, and
by the faint light of a lamp, almost burned out, he
observed a person steal into the room with a dagger
im his hand. The intruder crept along close to the
wall, apparently not observing the tigress; when she
84 A MIDNIGHT INTRUDER.
rose to her feet, and would in another instant have
sprung upon him, had not he, on seeing her, bounded
back through the doorway far more quickly than he
had entered.
Reginald, unwilling to create a disturbance, called
Faithful back. She obeyed instantly, and again lay
down by his side. The intention of the midnight
intruder was apparently either to murder him or to
pilfer his baggage, though the dagger looked very sus-
S
picious.
“Good Faithful, you behaved admirably,” said
Reginald, patting his favourite’s head. “I feel very
sure that you will watch over me, so I will once more
try to sleep.”
Saying this, he again lay down, confident that,
whatever had been the stranger's intention, he was
not likely to repeat the attempt.
Captain Burnett, to whom he narrated the next
morning what had occurred, declared that no one had
entered his room. They agreed, however, to keep
watch the next night, in order to try and catch the
intruder.
“Tf we can catch the fellow, whoever he is, we
must carry him before the rajah,’ observed Burnett.
“And I must warn you also, Reginald, that we must
be careful what we eat; these natives are adepts in
poisoning, and would not scruple to exert that talent —
if they considered it convenient.’
*
athe
THE RAJAH’S OFFER. 85
A handsome breakfast was served them, with all
sorts of Oriental delicacies ; and during the repast, at
which several slaves attended, Captain Burnett de-
scribed in Hindostanee, as if speaking to Reginald, a
wonderful rod he possessed, which had the property of
discovering poison—as also the poisoner, by whirling
itself about as soon as he appeared, and pointing
towards him. He spoke in a natural, off-hand man-
ner, as if there was nothing unusual in what he was
saying.
Soon after the repast they were summoned into the
presence of the rajah, who told them that one of his
principal officers would take them on a hunting expe-
dition, if they wished to see the style of sporting gene-
rally followed in his province. They of course ex-
pressed their gratitude, and at once accepted the offer.
“You may go this very day, as the khan is about
_ to set out,” said the rajah. ‘‘ For myself, I am getting
too old to engage in such sports for amusement. I
may have ere long to lead my troops to battle; but
that is a very different affair. Horses are already
prepared for you.”
In a few minutes Reginald and his friend found
themselves in the midst of a large party of .Oriental
cavaliers in gay costumes, mounted on richly-capari-
soned steeds, headed by the Khan Mukund Bhim, who
was a remarkably good horseman. Off they set at a
rate which, in little more than an hour, carried them
86 A HUNTING LEOPARD.
to a distance of twelve miles or more from the city.
They now entered a wild part of the country, on the
borders of a forest, where a band of huntsmen, with
several cheetahs and eight or ten trained stags, had
been appointed to meet them.
’ said
the khan ; and after allowing their horses a little rest,
“We will show you some fine sport presently F
they again set forward. A party of bearers followed,
carrying in a cage a cheetah or hunting leopard, an
animal which may be described as in size and shape
between the hound and the leopard. Its body is
slenderer and more elevated than that of the latter
animal, while it does not possess the graceful form of
the common leopard; and its head, which is smaller,
is peculiarly ugly ; its tail is like that of a cat; and
its body seems formed more for strong muscular exer-
tion than for active and long-continued speed. Though
possessing the sagacity and fidelity of the dog, it is
undoubtedly feline in its habits. Its general colour is
a bright yellowish-brown, lighter on the sides, and
nearly white beneath, marked with numerous small
black spots all over, which are continued along the
tail so as to appear like rings; its ears are short and
rounded, while from each eye a blackish mark runs
down to the corners of the mouth, the extremity of
the nose being black. The fur, instead of possessing
that sleekness which distinguishes the feline race, is
peculiarly crisp.
NOVEL MODE OF HUNTING. 87
As the party neared the spot where it was expected
that the deer would be found, the cheetah was taken
out of its cage and led forward by a keeper with a
chain, just as a large dog would be led—its head, of
course, being covered. When led without ‘any such
protection, it is very difficult to manage. Should it
scent a trail upon the ground, it begins to throw its
head aloft and peer about. To restore its tranquillity,
the keeper places a cocoa-nut shell sprinkled on the
inside with salt to the animal’s nose. The cheetah
licks the salt, and losing the scent forgets the object
which attracted its attention. As soon as it again
exhibits signs of excitement, the cocoa-nut shell is
applied to its nose, and it again becomes manageable.
At length several deer appeared at a short distance,
on some marshy ground, with bushes intervening.
The khan gave a signal to the keeper, who slipped the _
leash, and the cheetah began to steal cautiously towards ;
the herd, taking advantage of the bushes and high
grass to conceal itself. On it went like a cat, till
it got within a short distance of the deer. They at
length discovered its approach, and went bounding
forward over everything that impeded their progress,
jumping, running, and wading through the marsh with
frantic energy. The cheetah’s blood was up. It
singled out one of the animals, and away it went,
bounding cat-like over the bushes; plunging into the
morass, though hating water, rather than allow its
88 A BLOODTHIRSTY FOE.
prey to escape. Off started the hunting party, now
keeping their eyes on the flying deer, now upon the
persevering cheetah. It was no easy task, however,
to keep the chase in sight, as they scampered over the
marsh and thick grass. Indeed, they put the horse-
manship of all the party to the test. While the rest
of the deer escaped on either side, the one the cheetah
had fixed on had kept a straight course, now by the
side of a nullah, now over the wiry grass, now through
thick bushes. The cheetah meanwhile skimmed over
the surface of the ground, as if requiring no rest for
its feet. The forest appeared ahead. Should the deer
once reach it and force its way through, even the
persevering cheetah would have a difficulty in follow-
ing. The poor deer, however, worn out with the long
chase, and overcome with fear at the indefatigable
pursuit of its bloodthirsty foe, leaped head-foremost
into a thicket, under the belief that it was the com-
mencement of the forest. Its branching horns were
caught for a moment, and before it could extricate
them, the ferocious cheetah, bounding forward, was
upon it, and instantly seizing its neck, pulled it to the
ground.
The khan and his companions arrived just as the
poor creature was at its last gasp, turning up its
beautiful eyes as if imploring mercy from its perse-
cutors. The huntsmen soon put it out of its agony,
_ and it was carried off by the bearers; while the pant-
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TRAINED DEER. 9]
ing cheetah allowed its keeper quietly to slip the chain
over its head and lead it away to its cage.
“Come, we must now show you the way we hunt
with our stags,” said the khan.
Galloping on, they reached the spot where the
trained stags, with their keepers, had been waiting for
them. Proceeding to another part of the open forest,
the party arrived at a spot towards which a band of
beaters had driven a herd of deer. Here the animals
stood grazing, protected by their watchful guardians,
the most warlike and powerful of their males. They
could be seen in the far distance. The tame deer were
now set at liberty, and advanced ata gentle trot. The
males in charge of the herd immediately advanced to
meet them. At first they seemed to doubt whether
the strange ones came as friends or foes. But the
matter was soon settled. The two parties were
quickly engaged in a fierce contest, the wild animals
rushing forward with great fury, meeting the tame
ones—antlers to antlers, and heads to heads. The
latter, formidable-looking animals, stood generally on
the defensive, each being engaged with a wild adver-
sary, not mimicking war, but fighting desperately. As
the hunting party advanced, the herd, catching sight
of them, took to flight, but the combatants were too ~
furiously engaged to observe the spectators of the fight.
They saw before them only their adversaries, and did
not even remark the party of native huntsmen on foot,
92 FINISHING THE CONTEST.
who, stealing round to their rear, got between them
and the forest. Concealing themselves, they advanced
stealthily towards the combatants, with long knives
gleaming in their hands. Had any one of the wild
stags retreated and observed them, they would have
been in imminent danger, but there was little fear of
that. Getting up close behind the still fighting wild
deer, with one stroke of their weapons they hamstrung
the brave creatures. Having performed this deed, they
hurried away ; and the latter, pressed by their adver-
saries, fell to the ground, unable to move.
The keepers now called off the tame deer, who
immediately obeyed, without attempting to follow up
their victory. Many of them bore evidence of the
severity of the contest by their gored chests, from
which the blood was streaming. They seemed to
disregard their wounds, however, as if proud of their
success, and capered about joyously, tossing their
antlers. Meanwhile the huntsmen approached and
finished the butchery they had commenced, by cutting
the throats of the noble stags, as they helplessly lay
in various attitudes on the sward, looking up at their
conquerors with those large black eyes of theirs in a
way which seemed to ask how human beings could be
guilty of such cruelty.
“But how do your people manage to catch and
tame the deer which have just so well played their
part ?”’ asked Captain Burnett of the khan.
NETTING WILD DEER. 93
“T will show you,” he answered. “ We have still
time, for this forest abounds in deer, and the hunters
are ready.”
Riding along the edge of the forest, they came to
another open space, followed by the least injured tame
deer, led by their keepers, who had been joined by a
party of men carrying some large nets. Before long +
they came in sight of another herd; when the
same scene as before was enacted. The tame deer
advanced, and were met by an equal number of wild
animals, with whom they were soon engaged in a
desperate combat,—the well-trained and _ sagacious
decoys slowly retreating, facing their foes, and keeping
them engaged, as a skilful swordsman does his adver-
sary, while he endeavours to make him lose his temper.
The clash of their branching antlers was clearly heard
as the animals fenced furiously at each other. While
they were thus hotly engaged, the net-bearers crept
round—each net borne by two men—till they got in
the rear of the wild stags. They then cautiously ap-
proached ; and their object was now evident. It was to
throw the nets over the heads of the wild deer. This
was no easy task. They might either catch the
antlers of the tame animals, or might fail to cast the
nets over those of the wild ones ; in which case they ran
the risk of being gored by the latter turning on them.
The first two men succeeded in throwing their net
over one of the stags; its tame opponent, at a signal
94 A PAINFUL INCIDENT.
which it understood, springing back at the proper
moment, when the men, dragging with all their might,
brought their captive to the ground.
The next two men were not so fortunate. . The
wild stag,
denly round, and catching sight of its treacherous foes,
seeing what was taking place, wheeled sud-
rushed at them, with its antlers as sharp as lance
points, and literally pinned one of them to the ground,
his companion narrowly escaping his fate; then, fleet
as the wind, off scampered the deer, and was far away
before a shot could be fired at it. Before the hunters
could reach the poor man who had been overthrown,
he had breathed his last ; his death, however, exciting
no more sympathy than if a dog had been killed.
Four more deer were eventually captured and
dragged off by the huntsmen, their limbs and heads
completely enveloped in the nets. Then the hunt for
the day being over, the party encamped, tents having
been brought from Allahapoor for their convenience ;
and the next day they returned to the city.
“And how did you enjoy the sport?” asked the
rajah, when Reginald and his friend again had the
honour of an audience.
“Very well indeed,’ was the answer.
“Then I will enable you to have some more,” said
the rajah. ‘I intend to lead an expedition that will
shortly set out from hence. It will afford you better
sport, for we shall have two-footed instead of four-
IN COUNCIL. 95
footed beasts to contend with. Some hill tribes to the
north have dared to come down and plunder and kill
my people in the plain, and they must be punished at
all hazards. I shall be glad of your advice and assist-
ance, for you Englishmen take naturally to fighting,
whether you have been bred to it or not.”
Reginald and Burnett thanked the rajah for the
compliment he had paid them, but gave no promise.
However, they discussed the subject afterwards in their
own room, Dick Thuddichum ‘being present.
“T think it will be wise to go,’ observed Captain
Burnett. ‘“‘ We shall thus have an opportunity of be-
coming better acquainted with the rajah, and ingrati-
ating ourselves, than we can here; and you will thus,
on our return, more easily obtain the secret the rajah
possesses.”
“Dick, are you inclined to come and help the rajah
to fight these savage mountaineers?” asked Reginald.
“T should think so! Wherever your honour goes, I
am ready to follow,’ answered Dick.
“Well, then, Burnett, let us-settle it. We will tell
the rajah at once that we are ready to help him to
bring his rebellious subjects into order.”’
The rajah was highly pleased. ‘If we succeed, you
shall both be made great khans, and become the pos-
sessors of untold wealth; that I promise you!” he
exclaimed.
The next day the army was on its march, the
96 ON THE MARCH.
fighting-men scarcely so numerous as the camp-
followers. The first were fierce-looking fellows,—
partly cavalry and partly infantry. The cavalry were
richly accoutred; the officers in gorgeous uniforms,
with spears, carbines, and curved swords with jewelled
hilts rattling by their sides. The foot-soldiers had more
of a fighting look, with their shields and matchlocks.
Then came elephants, carrying gaily-ornamented how-
dahs ; camels—some for riding and others employed as
beasts of burden—and horses innumerable; palan-
quins, conveying some of the female members of the
rajah’s family, without whom the old chief never
moved from home,—-the whole train forming an im-
mense line of a mile or more in length. . Burnett and
Reginald, as they surveyed it, could not help thinking’
that an active foe might manage to get in the rear
and plunder them before the henhneaa could arrive
for their defence.
The villagers, as the troops marched through the
country, were thrown into the greatest consternation ;
the soldiers, without ceremony, taking whatever they
wanted, and maltreating those who resisted them. The
villagers were also compeiled to turn out and make
the roads practicable, or to cut new ones, to enable the
army to advance. Men and women were -all set to
work ; the only pay they received being abuse and
punishment when they were unable to accomplish their
tasks as rapidly as the rajah desired.
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THE LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF IktINGIS
THE EVENING CAMP. 99
The camp at night occupied a consideralle extent of
country ; and as the act of encamping occupied some
time, a halt was called an hour or more before sunset.
The rajah’s tent was pitched in the neighbourhood of
an immense banyan-tree ; those of his chief officers and
attendants being placed, without much order, around
it. Among these, one was appropriated for the use of
Reginald and his friend. As they lay stretched at
their length in the tent, smoking their hookahs, they
could not fail to be struck by the picturesqueness cf
the curious scene. Near them lay the camels, chew-
ing the cud in silence, and gracefully moving their
bending necks as they brought up the balls of food ,
into their mouths. The horses, picketed here and there,
‘cropped their evening meal; while the elephants stood
silently at a distance, occasionally moving their long
trunks, or flapping their ears. The cries of the birds
and the screams of the monkeys, as they composed
themselves for the night, came forth from the neigh-
bouring forest ; while, at a distance, the devout
Mussulmans were engaged in the muggreet, or evening
prayer, as they knelt on their little mats, and bowed
their heads to kiss the ground. Richly-dressed officers
moved about amid the tents, and scantily-clothed
warriors reclined- in groups in all directions. The
most actively engaged persons were the cooks, who
were preparing the evening meal for their masters ;
the attendants standing ready to convey it to them
100 SCENES OF CRUELTY.
as soon as it should be prepared. The setting sun,
casting his lurid beams across the landscape, lighted up
the figures of men and animals, and the tents and trees,
with a golden hue.
Reginald had brought Faithful ; who, indeed, would
not have consented to have been left behind, and
who now kept so strict a watch in his tent, that
neither robber nor assassin would have ventured to
enter it.
The only person of any consequence in the rajah’s
household who had not come was Khan Cochit. He
had no fancy for encountering the dangers of war; and
though the rajah had commanded his attendance, he
excused himself on the plea of severe illness.
Again the troops moved on, and constant scenes ot
violence and cruelty were practised. The country be-
came wilder as they advanced towards the mountains.
There was no lack of inhabitants, and they were every-
where summoned from their homes to labour in the
rajah’s service. The rajah during part of the day rode
on an elephant; but he generally mounted his horse
after mid-day, and desired the two Englishmen to ride
by his side. They had thus many opportunities of
conversing with him. Captain Burnett endeavoured
to draw from him his plan of the campaign. It was
a very simple one. He intended to march on till he
reached the territory of the rebels; and his purpose
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THE LIBRARY
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UNIVERSITY BF tEttNGls
THE PLAN OF THE CAMPAIGN, 103
then was to burn the villages, and to cut off the heads
cf any of the rebels he could catch.
“Tt will frighten the rest, who will soon come to
terms, and agree to pay any tribute I may demand,”
observed the rajah.
“ But suppose, your highness, that the enemy were
to evade us till they can gather in sufficient force to
afford them good hopes of success, how do you then
propose dealing with them?” asked Burnett.
“They will not dare to attack us,” answered the
rajah, stroking his beard. ‘They are sure to run away
as we advance.”
Of this, however, Burnett, who had been making
inquiries about the character of the rebels from those
who had been among them, was not so certain. It
seemed to him much more likely that, though armed
only with bows, arrows, swords, and spears, they
would lie in ambush on the sides of several narrow
gorges through which the army had to pass, whence
they could take good aim with their unerring hows,
and also send down large fragments of rock on the
heads of their invaders. He accordingly urged the
rajah to leave the women and baggage encamped in a
secure position outside the mountains, while the troops
made their way through the more difficult country.
“You Englishmen are always wise,’ observed the
rajah, “and I will seriously consider your advice.”
The troops advanced, plundering their friends as if
104 INCIDENTS BY THE WAY.
they had been enemies, in their line of march. The
fields were trodden down and their produce carried off.
The sugar-canes were looted by elephants and camp-
followers ; the well-ropes stolen to serve as drag-ropes ;
and if any of the country people attempted to defend
their property, they were cruelly ill-treated. The force
increased, too, as they advanced. The horse-keepers’
wives with their children joined them, not knowing
where else to go. Numbers of milk-women came in
carrying the milk on their heads to supply the men,
and after the camp was pitched their voices were heard
crying out in all directions, “doodh.” Dogs in vast
numbers, with or without owners, joined the camp,
snarling and barking all night long; while packs of
jackals and hyzenas followed in their track, commenc-
ing their hideous concert soon after sunset, and never
ceasing till near daylight, while they stole round the
confines of the camp to pick up any garbage they
could find.
Frequently in the daytime an antelope or a hare
would be started, when horse and foot soldiers and
camp-followers would give chase, with the pariah dogs
of all sizes and colours dodging amid the carts,
elephants, and camels, frequently joined by some
horses which would break loose,—creating a hubbub
_ and confusion during, which an enemy would have had
a fine opportunity of surprising the camp before the
fighting-men could fall in to repel him.
AMONG THE HILLS. 105
At length the mountains appeared in sight, and the
rajah, following Captain Burnett’s advice, pitched his
camp, which was surrounded by a stockade. Here the
women and children, and most of the camp-followers,
were left, with a small body of troops to guard them.
The fighting forces, marshalled in somewhat better
order than before, now advanced among the hills. The
mountaineers, probably having notice of their approach,
kept out of the way, and not an enemy was to be seen.
A few villages, scattered here and there on the heights,
were apparently deserted. Those which could be easily
reached were burned, but no prisoners were taken.
Burnett again warned the old rajah that he was
very likely to be led into an ambush, and urged him
to send out scouts on either flank to examine the
country. They went, but did not return, and it was
doubtful whether they had deserted or had been cut
to pieces by the mountaineers ; the latter being most
, probably the case.
The army encamped at night in the most open spot
they could find, where they were less likely to be sur-
prised than in the valleys, several of which they had
passed through. At length, as day was declining, and
just as the van of the army was passing over an ex-
tremely rocky country, with rugged hills and masses
of brushwood growing on them, suddenly the bare
spots on every height around were seen covered with
warriors armed with bows, javelins, and spears.
106 AN ATTACK.
The next instant showers of arrows came flying into
the midst of the troops, and javelins were darted by
the enemy at those nearest them. Calling a halt, the
Khan Mukund Bhim, who had been galloping on in
advance, turned back, and ordered his men to open
fire on their assailants. But no sooner did the nimble-
footed enemy find the bullets reaching them than they
vanished behind cover, and in another minute the
whole valley in which the contest was lately raging
appeared open to the advance of the invading forces.
The rajah, however, by the advice of Captain
Burnett, halted his army in the valley they now occu-
pied. Retreat was not to be thought of; while to
advance, with an active enemy on either side, was
dangerous in the extreme. A vigilant watch was
therefore kept during the night, and the mountaineers,
finding their invaders on the alert, did not venture to
attack them.
Next morning the march was resumed. The country :
ahead, however, soon became more difficult than any
they had yet passed through. Orders were therefore
given to scale the heights, and the lightly-clad
sepoys quickly scrambled up them; but when they
reached the summits, no enemies were to be seen.
The heights being occupied, the cavalry once more
advanced ; the foot-soldiers, as they dashed forward,
taking possession of each commanding height.
“To horse! to horse!” shouted the rajah, springing
on his steed, which his syce had brought him.
Reginald followed his example,—as, of course, did
Dick. He was not a moment too soon, for, the instant
he had spoken, from behind every bush, tree, and rock
on the surrounding heights appeared the dark forms of
a host of warriors. Showers of arrows now began to fly
into the midst of the camp; while through the ravine
which led directly down towards the plateau on which
they had halted came a compact body armed with tul-
wars and shields. The troopers rushed to their steeds,
120 GENERAL FLIGHT.
mounting in hot haste, for in another minute the
furious savages would be among them. The rajah
and his guards, who gathered round him as they could
throw themselves on their horses, dashed on ; while the
remainder followed, galloping helter-skelter, the officers
and men mingled together, each eager to get ahead.
Some of the horses getting loose, they were left to the
mercy of the enemy ; as were also the troopers who were
unable to mount before the enemy were upon them.
Reginald, his cheek burning with shame at the dis-
graceful panic which had seized his companions, gal-
loped on by the side of the rajah, who refused to halt
and attempt to beat back the foe, in spite of all that
he could urge. Dick and Faithful kept close by him.
“Bless my heart !”’ exclaimed the former, “I don’t like
this sort of fun. Why, if we were just to turn round
and bear down on the enemy, we might scatter them
like the wind! The faster we run, the faster they will
come after us.”
The flight continued ; but so active were the moun-
taineers, that they kept close to the heels of the fugi-
tives, piercing many a watrior through the back with
their far-flying arrows. Reginald mentally resolved
never again to accompany an Eastern prince in an
attempt to punish his rebellious subjects.
At length more level ground appeared ahead, and
the horsemen began to distance their pursuers. But
there were still some dangerous defiles to be passed ;
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UNIVERSITY BF IEtINGIs
REGINALD’S APPREHENSIONS. 123
and Reginald remembered that the path by which they
had come had many twists and turns, and that too
probably the mountaineers would make their way by
short cuts through the hills, and again present them-
selves on the inaccessible heights on either side of the
passes.
The rajah and his horsemen at length of necessity
pulled rein, to breathe their panting steeds; and in-
formation having been passed along from the rear that
the enemy were no longer in pursuit, they now rode
on more leisurely, talking loudly of coming back with
an overwhelming force to annihilate the audacious
rebels. re long, however, Reginald’s worst apprehen-
sions were realized. Before them appeared a narrow
valley, with gorges running into it on either side. The
rajah, who had recovered his presence of mind, here
ordered a halt, and directed his men to see that their
saddle-girths were tight and their arms loaded.
“We must pass through yonder valley as fast as
our horses’ feet can touch the ground,” he exclaimed.
“ Forward !”’
Scarcely had he spoken, and made his horse bound
onward, when the hill-tops were seen bristling with
spears, and hundreds of dark warriors, with bows and
arrows or javelins in hand, appeared ready to rush
down upon the invaders of their territory. The rajah
now hesitated. Reginald advised him to dash on at
once ; to remain where they were would only encourage
124 A BRAVE RESISTANCE.
the foe, and the troopers with their fire-arms might clear
the heights, and most, if not all, of their party might
escape. But the rajah did not follow his advice. Then
the mountaineers, instead of wisely remaining in an
impregnable position, were seen descending the heights,
believing from their previous success that they might
destroy the rajah and his whole force. A few only
remained on the summit of the precipice. Down came
from either side a thick stream of savage warriors,
throwing themselves upon the horsemen ; and again and
again they were driven back. The old rajah showed
himself brave enough now, fighting as fiercely as any
of his guard. Reginald and Dick did their best, too ;
while Faithful sprang from side to side, bringing many
a mountaineer to the ground. Still, several horsemen
had fallen; and numbers coming on, the party were
completely hemmed in, a dense mass collected in front
precluding all possibility of escape, unless a way could
be cut through them ; while the troopers who fell were
immediately hacked to pieces by their enraged foes.
It was now too late for Reginald to mourn his folly
in having accompanied the old chief. Brave as he
was, he could not help believing that he and all with
him would be cut to pieces. Still, a way might be
forced through the foe; so, shouting to those in the
rear, he ordered them to close up. ‘“ Now, Rajah,” he
exclaimed, “we must let nothing stop us. Shout to
your people to follow, and dash on!”
HELP IN NEED. 125
The word was given, but so dense was the mass in
front that success appeared hopeless. Just then a
shout was heard from several of the troopers, “See!
see! our friends are coming!’’ At the same moment
Reginald caught sight of a large body of horsemen,
whom he at once recognized as those who had accom-
panied Captain Burnett, galloping down the ravine on
the left. From the heights above, they had appar-
ently observed the perilous position of their friends ;
and on they came like an avalanche, at headlong speed,
throwing themselves impetuously on the mountaineers,
who gave way as the surface of the ocean recedes be-
fore the bows of a gallant ship impelled by the gale.
Before they could regain the heights, both parties of
cavalry had united and cut their way through them,
leaving, however, many of their number dead on the
field. There was no thought of pulling rein now. Cap-
tain Burnett reported that nearly a third of his men
had separated in one of the defiles, with two or three
officers; but whether they- had escaped from among the
mountains by a different route to that which he had
taken, or been cut off by the foe, he was unable to
ascertain. He hoped, however, that they had escaped,
and would before long rejoin the main body.
On galloped the horsemen, without even casting a
look behind, till, as the shades of evening were gather-
ing amid the mountains, they caught sight of the still
suuny plain ahead, Onward they dashed; and at -
126 A NIGHT BIVOUAC.
length, men and horses almost exhausted, they halted,
as darkness came on, by the side of a calm lake, where
they could bivouac without fear of being attacked by
the mountaineers,—who would, they were very sure,
not venture to follow them into the plain.
CHAPTER IV.
DESERTION OF CHIEFS—THE CAMP REACHED—MOURNING FOR THE SLAIN—THE
RAJAH TAKES IT COOLLY—A HUNTING EXPEDITION —REGINALD’S NARROW
ESCAPE—SAVED BY FAITHFUL—BAD NEWS FROM THE CITY—THE RAJAH
AND HORSEMEN SET OUT—REPORT OF REBELLION CONFIRMED—THE RAJAH
AND REGINALD ASSUME DISGUISES.
chum and Faithful, kept watch by the side
of the rajah, who was greatly cast down, not
only at his defeat, but on account of the dis-
satisfaction exhibited by so many of his influential
followers. During the night, while the old chief was
asleep, they heard some slight stir in the camp; but
as the sentinels gave no alarm, they did not consider
it necessary to go and ascertain the cause.
Next morning, when the rajah came to muster his
men, he discovered that several of those who had
been seen after they had escaped from the mountaineers
were missing, among them being two or three chiefs
of rank. On making inquiries, he ascertained that
they had moved off;—for the purpose, as they said, of
obtaining better fodder for their horses, and provisions
for themselves.
128 WORDS OF WISDOM.
‘‘ Whatever their intention was, they went without
my permission!” exclaimed the rajah in an angry
tone. ‘They have gone to rob and murder the people,
as is their wont. No wonder my subjects are ever
ready to rebel—I must get you, my friends, to assist
in reforming the abuses of my government,’ he con-
tinued, turning to Reginald and Burnett. ‘I have
written to the Company, begging them to send me a
resident and a regiment or two of sepoys, to help me
to keep order among all ranks. Let the princes and
nobles grumble as they will, all those cities are the
most prosperous which are under the protection of
the English.”
“ Your words are full of wisdom,” answered Captain
Burnett. ‘I will, with your permission, report the
state of affairs at Allahapoor; when the Company, I
have no doubt, will attend to your wishes.”
‘The shattered remnant of the gallant force which
had marched to the mountains was now in motion, and
dashed on. Before evening they reached the fortified
camp, where, as soon as the loss they had suffered was
made known, they were received with loud wailings
and lamentations,—wives mourning for their hus-
bands, and children for their parents. The missing
cavalry had not yet appeared, and Burnett began to
entertain serious apprehensions that they had been
cut off.
A couple of days were spent at the camp, which
A HUNTSMAN’S PARADISE. 129
was then broken up, and the march was continued for
Allahapoor. At the end of three days they reached
an ancient palace, with a temple near it, belonging to
the rajah. It was in a somewhat ruinous condition ;
but still it afforded accommodation for him and his
suite. His attendants quickly cleaned out some of
the rooms, and fitted them up with tent-hangings and
carpets, while a foraging party was sent through the
surrounding country to collect provisions.
The rajah seemed in no hurry to return to Allaha-
poor, and to all the trouble and cares of government ;
and Burnett suggested that things might be getting
worse at his capital.
“Oh, no!” he replied; “they are as bad as they
can be; and the resident will put them all to rights
when he arrives, and save me a vast amount of trouble.
In the meantime you may amuse yourselves with hunt-
ing. There must be an abundance of game in the
neighbourhood, as the tigers alone, I am told, carry off
at least a dozen peasants a week ; and there are deer,
bears, and wild boars without number. You will find
it a perfect huntsman’s paradise.”
‘Not at all a paradise for the unfortunate peasants,”
observed Burnett. ‘‘ However, we will take advantage
of your highness’s permission, and try to rid the country
of some of the savage brutes.”
Several] elephants were immediately got ready, and
a party of horsemen ordered out to attend on Reginald
(539) 9
130 PROWESS OF THE SAHIBS.
and his friend. They preferred being together on one
howdah, into which they mounted by a ladder. The
weather was pleasant, and a breeze from the mountains
gave a freshness to the air not to be found in the
lower plains.
They had gone some distance, passing through a mag-
nificently wooded country, when, as they approached
a village which was said to have suffered greatly by
the depredations of tigers, they were met by the chief
man and two of his principal officers, who, with
humble bows, gave them welcome. They had _ heard,
they said, of the prowess of the two sahibs, and begged
that they would exert their skill and destroy all the
tigers which infested the neighbourhood. Burnett
was highly amused; but promised that he and his
companion would do all they could, if the people
would undertake to drive the animals. towards them.
The answer appeared to be satisfactory, and Reginald
and Burnett entered the village mounted on_ their
elephants, and accompanied by a noisy multitude, some
on camels, others on horseback, and a number on foot,
shouting their praise, and threatening death and de-
struction to the formidable man-eaters which had long
been the terror of the neighbourhood.
“We must perform wonders, to retain our reputa-
tion,” said Burnett, laughing ; “ though I doubt if our
friends will do much to help us. They stand too
much in awe of the tigers to venture near their lairs ;
NV
SYS3LV3AB-NYW BSHL LOVHS OL NOILVIIANI
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THE LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF TERINGIS
A DAYS ADVENTURES. 133
and it will only be by great good fortune that we
shall fall in with any of the brutes to kill.”
As they were anxious not to be long absent from
the camp, they immediately started towards the jungle
in which the tigers were said to take refuge.
As we have more exciting matter to narrate, we
must not dwell long on the day’s adventures. The
beaters had for some time been hallooing and shout-
ing on either side, when, just as the Englishmen’s
elephant was twenty yards or so from the edge of
the jungle, a huge tiger made its appearance. With
one bound, before they: had time to take aim, it fixed
its powerful claws in the creature’s neck, barely miss-
ing the mahout. The elephant, with a roar, turned
round and dashed off, holding his trunk in the air.
The tiger was now preparing to make a spring into
the howdah, when Reginald and Burnett both firing,
it dropped wounded on the ground, the elephant put-
ting its huge foot upon it to squeeze out any remnant
of life it might retain. Two more tigers were killed,
one of which sprang out in the same way as the first ;
while a third, though wounded, stole off through the
jungle.
“ Tiger-shooting from the back of an elephant is but
slow work, after all,’ exclaimed Burnett the next
morning, as they were breakfasting in the house of
the chief man of the village, where they had slept.
“T propose that we try what we can do on foot. The
134 A FORMIDABLE ANIMAL.
shikaree wallah we spoke to last night seems a bold
fellow, and will show us some sport. What do you
say ?”
“With all my heart,” answered Reginald. “ Our
host has some good-looking horses, and as he will be
proud of mounting us, I would rather ride to the
jungle than have to sit on the back of a lumbering
elephant.”
Their host at once expressed his readiness to furnish
the sportsmen with steeds; and in a short time they
set forth towards a part of the jungle in which the
shikaree assured them that numberless tigers were to
be found.
Reginald was in better spirits than he had been
since the disastrous affair with the mountaineers, and
laughed and talked in his usual style with his friend
as they rode along. Suddenly they came upon a huge
animal lying down in the shade of a wide-spreading
tree. As the creature, disturbed by their approach,
rose and faced them, it was seen to be not less than
seven feet in height at the shoulder, with a vast head,
and horns of a formidable character. It was a gyal, a
description of wild cattle found in the hilly parts of the
plains of Hindustan. The savage animal, shaking his
head and stamping on the ground, prepared to charge.
“T’ll fire first,’ cried Burnett. “If he does not
fall, do you try to hit him; and should you also fail
to bring him to the ground, gallop off on one side till
EXCITING SPORT. 135
you can get behind a tree to reload, while I take the
opposite direction, so as to distract his attention. We
shall thus master him, depend on it.”
As Burnett finished speaking he fired. The dull
thud as the bullet entered the body of the gyal could
be heard; but the creature, apparently not feeling his
wound, came rushing with a loud bellow at the horse-
men. Reginald delivered his fire, as he had been
advised, but without stopping the bull; and then he
and Burnett galloped off in opposite directions. The
gyal followed the latter, making the very ground shake
as he rushed bellowing along in chase of the huntsman,
whom he might have tossed, with his steed, into the
air, had he overtaken them. Burnett, however, was
too practised a sportsman to be thus caught, and, dodg-
ing behind the trees till he could reload, was soon
again ready to face his foe. Reginald, meanwhile, hav-
ing discovered that the gyal was not following him,
pulled up under a tree to reload. As he was ram-
ming down the charge, his horse started, and the next
moment a huge tiger, springing out of the jungle,
fixed its jaws on the flank of the poor steed, which
it brought to the ground, providentially failing to
strike Reginald with its claws. His first impulse
was to try and extricate himself from beneath his
fallen horse, so that he might have a chance of defend-
ing himself; but as he was endeavouring to do so, the
tiger, loosening its hold of the horse, sprang open-
136 TIMELY AID.
mouthed at him. At that moment he heard a shot,
and the next the sound of a horse’s hoofs approaching
him; but though help was coming, it would have
been too late had he not, with wonderful presence of
mind, rammed the butt of his rifle down the throat
of his savage assailant. It merely served to check
the brute for an instant; still, that instant was of the
greatest value. Though Burnett came galloping up,
he was afraid of firing lest he should hit his friend
instead of the tiger; but unexpected assistance now
arrived. A loud roar sounded through the forest, and
another tiger, springing on the neck of the one attack-
ing Reginald, dragged it away from him, and pinned
it to the ground. The new-comer was Faithful.
Nobly she fought for her master, and victory soon
declared in her favour.
Reginald, getting on his feet, held the horse of his
friend, who, taking a steady aim, sent a shot through
the brains of Faithful’s antagonist. Reginald patted
his pet on the head, and tried to make her understand
how grateful he felt to her for her timely aid; and she
in return gave him that peculiar look which, in the
feline tribe, exhibits pleasure and satisfaction. The
natives soon afterwards coming up, looked with
wonder at the tigress, and congratulated the sahibs on
their victory, for Burnett had killed the gyal as well
as the tiger.
Burnett was eager to go in chase of more game;
A CRITICAL MOMENT.
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
GUIVERITY OF
WAINAIS
—_
WELL-DESERVED THANKS, 139
but Reginald had had hunting enough for one day, for
though he had escaped without any actual wound, his
legs were bruised from being crushed under his horse.
The poor animal was so much injured, that its owner
shot it to put it out of its agony. Another steed was
forthwith provided for Reginald, who rode back to the
village attended by a number of the astonished inhabit-
ants, and accompanied by Faithful, whose opportune
appearance he was at a loss to account for.
“ We must wait till we get back to camp to hear
more about the matter,’ observed Reginald, patting his
favourite’s head. ‘ Dick will be very unhappy at miss-.
ing you. He little thinks what good service you have
rendered me.”
Burnett, who had remained behind, arrived towards
the evening, having shot two more tigers, thus greatly
increasing the fame of the Englishmen.
“No wonder that their countrymen are the con-
querors of the world, when these two sahibs make
nothing of killing half-a-dozen man-eaters,” was the
remark made on all sides.
After receiving the thanks of the villagers, who
petitioned that they would come again to shoot more
of their foes, Reginald and Burnett returned to the
headquarters of the rajah. As they arrived, they saw
an extraordinary personage standing in the hall wait-
ing to be admitted. He had almost the appearance of
a bronze statue, so motionless did he stand, and his rigid
140 VISIT FROM A FAKIR.
features being apparently incapable of expressing any
sentiment, either of pleasure or pain. His dress con-
sisted of a cloth wrapped round his waist, a scarf over
his shoulder, and a turban on his head—the upper part
of his body and his legs being completely exposed. The
man was a fakir, one of a class of religious fanatics,
who, ignorant of a God of love and mercy, believe
that holiness can be obtained by practising the most
rigid self-denial and the infliction of every variety of
torture on themselves.
Burnett inquired whence he had come.
“From Allahapoor,” he answered. ‘“‘ Night and day
I have travelled, to see the rajah on a matter of import-
ance. ‘Tell him, sahib, that it admits of no delay,
and that I must forthwith be admitted to an audience.”
Burnett, believing that the fakir had really some
matter of consequence to communicate, hastened to
the rajah, who desired that he should at once be
admitted. In spite of his mean attire, the rajah re-
ceived the fakir with the same respect he would have
bestowed on the proudest noble.
‘Whence do you come, and what tidings do you
bring ?”’ he asked.
“OQ Refuge of the World, I come from the well-
beloved, the Princess of the Universe, your grandchild
the Ranee. She sent for me, knowing that I could be
trusted, and bade me hasten to your highness with
some information she had obtained I know not how.
SS
= = == SSS
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A STRANGE MESSENGER,
THE LIBRARY
OF IKE
STARTLING INTELLIGENCE. 143
My only desire was to obey her orders. During your
absence treachery has been at work in the city; and
even now, unless some fortunate chance has prevented
them, your enemies are in possession of your palace
and riches. Khan Mukund arrived some days ago
with a party of horsemen, who spread the report that
your highness was dead, and that he intended to get
himself proclaimed rajah in your stead.”
The rajah started up and placed his hand on the
hilt of his sword, as if he would rush off at once to
recover his possessions; then recollecting that he was at
a distance from Allahapoor, he made further inquiries
of the fakir, whose answers confirmed him in the belief
that the man spoke the truth.
“T now see why those traitors galloped off in order
to reach the city before us. What do you advise, my
friends?” he asked, turning to Burnett and Reginald.
“That we act with judgment and caution, and we
may yet win back your city and restore you to power,’
answered Burnett. ‘You have still a faithful band
remaining with you; and the traitors cannot possibly
be aware that you have requested the presence of an
English resident, and a regiment of sepoys. Their
arrival will of necessity disconcert the plans of the
rebels. When it is known; the usurper will probably
take to flight, and you will quickly have your own
again.”
“But, in the meantime, what will the wretches
144 FRIENDS IN COUNCIL.
have done with my family, and my grand-daughter
Nuna, and the rest of those I hold dear?”
This remark made Burnett feel very anxious, for
he could not give a satisfactory reply. ‘“ They will
scarcely venture to ill-treat the defenceless, well know-
ing that vengeance will speedily overtake them,” he
answered at length. ‘“ Besides, remember, O Rajah,
that this holy man has only told us what he fears
may possibly take place. The events he speaks of
have not actually occurred, and we may hope that
something may have prevented the expected outbreak.
If we hasten back to Allahapoor, we may arrive in
time to frustrate the plans of the conspirators. With
the body of trusty followers you have with you, and
those who still remain faithful in the city, we shall be
able to overcome your foes, even should the rebellion
have begun.”
Burnett’s remarks had the effect of reviving the
spirits of the rajah, and he immediately issued orders for
a picked body of his cavalry to get ready for a move
that very night, a small number only being left to
guard the women and camp-followers. Adopting
Captain Burnett’s advice, he purposed pushing on to-
wards the city as fast as their steeds could carry
them ; while the rest of the party were to move for-
ward at their usual slow rate, beyond which it was
impossible to advance. Even the rajah and his party
could not perform more than thirty or forty miles
THREATS OF VENGEANCE. 145
each day, as their horses required food and rest; and
they had fully three days’ march before them.
The rajah could only talk of the vengeance he would
take should the rebels have succeeded ; and he vowed
that the streets of the city should run with the blood
of his foes as soon as he had succeeded in overpowering
them. Burnett, who knew very well that he would
carry out his threats, and anxious to prevent the hide-
ous cruelties which would be committed, endeavoured
to pacify the old chief, and reminded him that possibly
the expected resident might have arrived with the
British sepoys, whose presence would disconcert the
plans of the rebels, and probably induce them to
abandon their design.
Reginald was anxious on his own account. The
services he had rendered the rajah merited the best
return which could be made, and he had had great
hopes that his wish would be complied with; but
should the rajah be hurled from power, he would be
unable to grant him his request. As far as he could
ascertain, the rajah was the only man possessed of the
important secret he wished to obtain, so that should
the old chief lose his life Reginald would be deprived
of the only clue which might lead to its elucidation.
He determined, therefore, to take the first favourable
opportunity of telling the rajah who he was, and
entreating him to give him the information that was
of such vital importance to his future interests. Regi-
(539) 10
146 AGAIN ENCAMPED.
nald had been led to believe that the rajah would be
very unwilling to enter on the subject, and he had
therefore hesitated to introduce it till he felt more sure
than he had hitherto done of the footing on which he
stood with the old man.
For two days the party had ridden on, stopping
only a sufficient time to rest their steeds, and to recruit
themselves by sleep and food. They had taken a dif-
ferent route to that by which they had come, avoiding
all populous villages, in order that information of their
approach might not be carried to the city. One day’s
march only remained to be performed ; and the party
bivouacked by the side of a wood, which concealed them
and the fires they lighted to cook their food from the
high road, which ran at some distance. The rajah
was sitting on his carpet near the camp-fire, with
Reginald and Burnett by his side, Dick Thuddichum
and Faithful being close at hand, serving as efficient
guards. The men lay about, their horses feeding close
to them; while scouts watched on the outskirts of
the camp, as if they were in an enemy’s country—for
it was thought possible, should the rebels discover
that the rajah was approaching, that they would send
out a strong force to attack him. These measures
were taken by the advice of Captain Burnett, who
had also recommended that they should take the un-
frequented road they had followed, so that they might
have a good chance of surprising the rebels.
THE WISHED-FOR OPPORTUNITY. 147
The rajah showed himself sensible of the important
aid he had received from his English attendants, and on
this evening he seemed more inclined to open his heart
to them than heretofore.
“Had it not been for you, my young friend, I
should be even now a clod of the earth, my body
left to be devoured by the fowls of the air and the
wild beasts of the forest. You and your faithful tigress
saved me from the daggers of my traitorous officers.
And your opportune arrival prevented our being cut
off by the mountaineers, as would otherwise have been
our fate,’ he added, turning to Burnett.
The two young men, in the usual Oriental phrases,
expressed their satisfaction at having rendered any
service to his highness.
“‘ And now tell me how I can reward you,” exclaimed
the rajah. ‘Only let me know; though, alas! should
I lose my power, how can I fulfil any promises ? ”
Reginald saw that now the favourable opportunity
he had wished for, of speaking to the rajah of himself,
had arrived.
“Your highness can render me a greater service
than you may suppose,” he said, speaking slowly, for
he knew that he was treading on delicate ground.
“My friend and I are not the first Englishmen who
have resided at your court. There was one who served
you faithfully, and whose sword preserved your life
when surrounded by foes in battle; but traitors, who
148 AN INTERRUPTION.
were jealous of the favour you bestowed on him, con-
spired to take his life; and they would have succeeded,
had he not, leaving all he held dear, together with his
worldly wealth, and undergoing great hardships, been
successful in making his way to Calcutta with his
young son. When there, important information he re-
ceived compelled him to return to his native land.
Once more he came back to India, with his son, intend-
ing at all hazards to revisit you; but the trials he had
gone through had shattered his health, and when just
about to set out on his journey he died, leaving to his
only son the duty of vindicating his fair fame, and
regaining the property of which he had been deprived.”
“Who told you all this?” exclaimed the rajah in
an agitated voice. ‘‘ Where is the son of whom you
speak? I would greatly rejoice to see the boy. I
would not only restore him his father’s property, but
raise him to a rank next to myself in my govern-
ment.”
Just at that moment an officer hurried up to the
rajah, and after making the usual salutation, informed
him that the scouts had fallen in with a messenger
from the city who was on his way to try and find
their party. ‘The information he has to give will
not allow of an instant’s delay, he says,” added the
officer.
The rajah ordered that the man should be immedi-
ately admitted to his presence.
ALARMING NEWS. 149
“What news do you bring? Speak at once,” ex-
claimed the rajah.
“Unhappy I am to bring it, for it is bad news,”
answered the man. “The whole city is in a tumult.
Mukund Bhim has been proclaimed rajah, and already
more than half the people have sided with him; still
there are some who remain faithful, and if your high-
ness were to appear among them at once the rebellion
might be quelled and your power restored. Your
servant ventures to advise that you should gallop on
during the night, so as to enter the city by daybreak
—though the distance is great, your steeds may get
over the ground in time—and by taking the rebels by
surprise you may overcome them before they can offer
resistance ; when the loyal people will gather around
you, and you may once more find yourself the undis-
puted ruler of Allahapoor.”
r)
“ Your advice sounds full of wisdom,” answered the
rajah. “To horse, my friends! and we will not pull
rein till the walls of my rebellious city appear in
sight.”
The whole camp was immediately astir. The
horses, unfortunately, in consequence of the rapid
march of the two previous days, were ill able to. gallop
on for thirty miles without stopping, with the prospect
of some hot fighting at the end of it. Still, march
they must at all hazards.
Each horseman, before mounting, tightened up the
150 A RAPID RIDE.
girths of his saddle; and all having fallen into their
ranks, the order to move forward was given. A
strong advance-guard led the way, with their arms
ready for instant use, as they knew that at any
moment they might be attacked by the rebels,—who,
should they by any means get tidings of their ap-
proach, would assuredly send out a numerous force
against them. The rajah, attended by Reginald and
Burnett, rode with the main body. There was no time
for conversation, and Reginald had still to wait for the
important information he was so anxious to obtain.
A few words only could be occasionally exchanged.
On they rode, keeping a tight rein, to prevent their
horses from stumbling. Now and then a poor beast
came down; and the rider, if he escaped a broken
limb, had to make his way on foot, with the risk of
either being set upon by a tiger, or murdered by the
villagers whose property he and his comrades had
plundered. The rajah hoped that he should either be
able to force the gates, or that the guards would open
them at his summons, and that he might thus be able
to catch Mukund Bhim and the rest of the rebel chiefs
while they were still locked in slumber.
They were now rapidly approaching the city. Al-
ready, in the far distance, the outlines of the domes
and minarets of the temples and mosques could be
seen defined against the clear sky. No rebels had
appeared to dispute their progress, and the rajah began
THE BAD NEWS CONFIRMED. 151
to hope that the rebellion had not yet fully broken
out, and that he might still have time to crush it.
He and the main body moving on, came up with the
advance-guard, which had halted. The rajah inquired
the cause. The officer in command answered that
they had met a person who had brought tidings
from the city. ‘Let me hear his report,’ said the
rajah ; and a man, looking more like a wild beast than
a human being, advanced from among the horsemen.
He was a byraghee, or religious mendicant. His body
was naked, with the exception of a narrow piece of
cloth passed between the legs, and fastened before and
behind to a string tied round the waist. His hair
was long and matted, its bulk increased by plaits of
other hair mixed with it. His body was smeared
with the ashes of cow-dung, giving it a most unearthly
hue ; while his inflamed and bleared eyes could scarcely
be perceived amidst the mass of dirt which clung
around them. Anything less human could scarcely be
imagined than the appearance of the miserable being.
“What tidings do you bring from the city?” asked
the rajah anxiously.
“ Bad—very bad, O Refuge of the World,” answered
the mendicant. ‘Last night, ere I passed through
the gates, I saw your foes shouting forth the name of
Mukund Bhim, their new rajah. It was reported that
you had perished, and all your followers had been slain
amid the mountains; and no one I met discredited
152 THE MENDICANT’S ADVICE.
the tale. Thus your friends are disheartened ; but if
you were to appear among them, to show that you
are still alive, they would regain their courage and
fight bravely in your cause.”’
“But how to get among them, is the difficulty,”
observed the rajah. ‘“ Tell me, byraghee, are the gates
closed 2?”
“Not only closed, but strongly guarded,” answered
the mendicant. ‘‘It would be vain to attempt to force
them ; your only way of entering will be in disguise.
I passed, encamped at a short distance from the gates,
a caravan of merchants with their camels, who had
arrived too late to find admittance last night. If your
highness would condescend to disguise yourself as one
of them, they would consent to your entering among
them,—trusting to your generosity for the reward you ~
would bestow should you succeed.”
The rajah, after considering the matter, agreed to
the proposal of the byraghee. He then invited Reginald -
to accompany him, while he begged Burnett to take
the command of the horsemen, and to remain concealed
in the wood in which they were drawn up till he could
send word to them that a favourable opportunity had
arrived for making a dash into the city. “ The risk,
I know, is great,” he added ; “ but I am ready to hazard
my own life for the sake of recovering what I have —
lost.”
“The commands of your highness shall be obeyed,”
PLANS FOR ENTERING THE CITY. 153
said Burnett ; “and may you and my young friend be
preserved in your undertaking! Unless treachery is
at work,—as no one will suspect that you are among
the merchants,—the hazard is not so great as it may
appear.”
All necessary arrangements being made, the rajah, ac-
companied by Reginald, proceeded on foot to the mer-
chants’ camp; while Faithful, whose appearance might
have betrayed them, remained behind in the care of
Dick Thuddichum.
To the rajah’s satisfaction, he found that the mer-
chant to whom the caravan belonged was a Parsee
with whom he had formerly had satisfactory dealings,
and who might be thoroughly trusted. The required
dress was produced—the rajah’s rich costume being
’ packed up among the bales—and he appeared in the
guise of one of the merchant’s clerks; while Reginald
assumed the costume and arms of a common sowar em-
_ ployed in guarding the merchandise.
CHAPTER V.
THE CARAVAN ENTERS THE CITY—REGINALD MEETS THE BYRAGHEE—SENDS A
MESSAGE TO BURNETT—THE RAJAH AND REGINALD FIND THE GUARDS MUR-
DERED AT THE PALACE, AND NUNA CARRIED OFF—REGINALD PRESERVES
THE LIFE OF A WOUNDED SEPOY—HE AND THE RAJAH TAKE REFUGE IN
THE HOUSE OF A CHRISTIAN NATIVE-——ESCAPE FROM THE CITY—PURSUED
—VICTORY—THE RAJAH ENTERS THE CITY IN TRIUMPH—NO TIDINGS OF
NUNA—REGINALD MAKES AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY.
C
MMEDIATELY on the appearance of the first
streaks of daylight in the sky, the merchant,
Hurdeo Buksh, aroused the caravan, which,
as soon as the camels were loaded, moved
forward to the gate of the city. As he was well
known, he had no difficulty in gaining admittance, and
they were soon threading the narrow lanes which led to
the chief bazaar. The rajah, seated on a camel, with
a hood over his head which completely concealed his
features, rode next to the merchant; while Reginald,
assuming a jaunty air,and armed with a spear and shield,
marched by his side. They soon reached the bazaar,
where they saw a crowd assembled, reading a huge
placard announcing that Mukund Bhim, in consequence
of the death of the old rajah, had assumed the reins of
government, and ordering all the people, under pain of
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THE REBEL’S PROCLAMATION. 157
death and confiscation of their property, to obey his
edicts. The crowd impeding the progress of the cara-
van, the rajah as well as Reginald had time to read the
whole of the placard, which also went on to announce
the various persons who had been appointed to offices
under the new rajah. Among others appeared that of
Khan Cochit, as also of several of the chiefs who had
deserted Meer Ali Singh among the mountains. “The
villains,’ muttered the rajah, “I will punish their
treachery ; as for that rascally Cochtt, his head shall part
company from his body before many days are over.”
But people continued eagerly to press forward to
read the placard,—traders in long coats and turbans,
sowars with shields and spears, women and children,—
people in every costume, and people:in no costume at
all except the dirty cloths around their loins or over
their shoulders, and the ever-present turban on their
heads. Reginald, knowing. the agitation into which
the announcement would throw the rajah, was afraid
that he would betray himself, so, swaggering on
according to the character he had assumed, he forced
the crowd to make way for the caravan; which at
length got clear, and was able to proceed onward to
the house which the merchant was wont to occupy
during his stay in Allahapoor.
So far the adventure had been successful, and the
rajah took up his lodgings in a room where he was
not likely to be discovered. The difficulty, however,
158 THE RAJAH GAINS A HIDING-PLACE.,
was to gain information. The next morning Hurdeo
Buksh was obliged to appear in public to make arrange-
ments for the sale of his goods, and was afraid of ex-
citing suspicion should he be seen visiting the rajah’s
hiding-place. Reginald was willing enough to try and
pick up information, but the rajah charged him on no
account to do so: his manners and mode of speaking
would be sure to betray him. The rajah had ordered
his own dress to be brought to him, and he now put it
on, telling Reginald that he had come to the resolution
of visiting his palace as soon as darkness would allow
of his passing through the streets unobserved, and ap-
pealing to the loyalty of his guards,—who would, he
supposed, be found at their old quarters, the usurper,
Mukund Bhim, he had learned from the byraghee, still
residing at his own palace.
Reginald thought the attempt a hazardous one, but
yet, as it was the only scheme likely to succeed, he
consented. After the rajah had told him this, he was
sauntering about in the gateway of the house, imitating
the manners of a sowar, when he caught sight of the
mendicant slowly approaching, asking alms of all he
met. The man’s little bleared eyes twinkled as he
came up to Reginald, whom he appeared at once to
recognize,
“You can be trusted, I see,” said Reginald. “You
will receive a handsome reward if you faithfully per-
form the service I require of you.”
REGINALD MEETS THE BYRAGHEE. 159
“Say what it is, sahib, and you shall be obeyed,”
responded the byraghee.
“To hasten forthwith to the spot where our friends
lie concealed, and to direct them, as soon as the shades
of evening appear, to push forward at hot speed towards
the northern gate, which they may reach before they
are challenged. Should they succeed in _ passing
through, they are to gallop on to the palace, where
they will find the rajah and such friends as he may be
able to rally round him. If they fail in the attempt,
they are to retire till they hear from his highness or
me.” Reginald, as he spoke, put a piece of money
into the mendicant’s hand, to deceive any who might
have observed them speaking together.
“You shall be obeyed, sahib,”’ said the mendicant,
moving on, and continuing as before to beg of all he
met. Instead of going in the direction he had been
following, however, he contrived to turn round; and
Reginald saw him making his way in the direction of
the northern gate, as if bent on carrying out the orders
he had received.
“So far our scheme prospers,’ thought Reginald ;
“but I wish that I had the means of ascertaining
where the rajah’s grand-daughter has taken refuge.
Should the traitor Mukund Bhim have got her into his
power, he would have as little scruple in putting her to
death as he would in killing any of the rajah’s sons.
Poor young creature! I don’t like to increase the old
160 TIME FOR ACTION.
man’s anxieties by alluding to her, but he must tremble
at the thought of what may have become of her.”
Notwithstanding the rajah’s caution to Reginald, he
could scarcely refrain from going out and mixing with
the crowd, to obtain information of what was going on.
Prudence, however, restrained him. He walked up
and down impatiently at his post, in the hope of seeing
some one among them who had frequented the court,
and who he thought might be trusted; but of the
thousands who continued to hurry by he did not re-
cognize a single person. He forgot that all the time
he was running a great risk of being recognized him-
self; for although he had done his utmost, aided by the
worthy merchant, to change his appearance, he might
easily have been detected by any one who had before
known him.
Thus the hours passed slowly away, and at length
the shades of evening began to steal over the city. On
going up into the rajah’s room, Reginald found him
habited in his usual costume, with a large robe ready
to throw over his shoulders, which, with the aid of the
darkness of night, would conceal his figure from those
he might meet. His scimitar was by his side, and a
brace of pistols in his belt.
“The time for action has arrived,” he said in a firm
voice. “ We will go forth, my young friend, and succeed,
or perish in the attempt. Our first care, as soon as we
have gathered my faithful guards about us, must be to
THE PALACE REACHED. 161
secure the safety of my grandchild, Nuna; and we may
then, should we be attacked, defend the palace till the
arrival of your English friend with my brave horse-
men. Come, we will set out. Ido not fear discovery,
as no one will suppose that I am in the city ; and people
will take me for a foreign merchant on his way to trans-
act business with some khan or other wealthy person.”
“Should any one venture to interfere with you, I
shall be ready to sacrifice my life in your defence,”
answered Reginald.
“T fully confide in you, my brave young friend,”
exclaimed the rajah ; ‘and I would rather have you by
my side than a hundred of my native sowars.”’
They then set out, Reginald having ascertained that
no one was near. As they left the gates of the house
the rajah walked rapidly along, concealing his face in
his robe, while Reginald swaggered on by his side with
a martial strut assumed generally by the sowars. A
large number of people were still abroad ; and as they
passed on they caught some of the expressions which
were being uttered. It was very evident that a rebel-
lion had taken place, and that the star of Mukund
Bhim was in the ascendency.
At length, as they approached the palace, the crowd
grew thinner. When they got close to it no one was
seen standing about the gates,—the usual guards were
not there,—nor were they challenged as they entered.
The silence which reigned everywhere was ominous.
(539) 11
162 THE GUARDS FOUND MURDERED.
After passing across the outer courtyard, the rajah was
about to enter the vestibule of the hall of audience,
when, drawing aside a curtain which hung across it,
he started back with an exclamation of horror and
dismay. The whole passage, as well as the flight of
steps leading to the upper story, was strewn with
corpses.
“ Alas, alas! my faithful guards! on your courage
??
I depended to regain my power!” exclaimed the
rajah. ‘You have died bravely fighting at your
posts.” Ali Singh stood for some seconds contemplat-
ing the scene with a look of despair. ‘On whom
have I now to depend!” he exclaimed; “and my
child, what can have become of her!”
“ Your highness has your faithful troopers and many
friends who are ready to fight for you,” said Reginald,
advancing. “Some of your guard may be still alive,
and concealed in the palace; and they may be able to
inform us what has become of your grand-daughter.”
Reginald’s words seemed to restore the rajah’s cour-
age. His first care was to examine the bodies which
filled the passage, in the hope that some might be
found breathing ; but in all life was extinct. Reginald
urged the rajah to hurry forward, in case the rebels
should return before they had time to search the
palace. They walked on through the deserted corri-
dors and passages, looking into the rooms as they
passed, but not a living being was to be seen. At
LA Wy
—
Cc.
LAPLANTE =
DISCOVERY OF THE MURDERED GUARDS.
THE (IBRARY
OF TRE
UNIVERSITY BF ILEINGIS
THE WOUNDED GUARD. 165
length, as they were passing a room the door of which
was partly ajar, a groan reached Reginald’s ear; and
calling to the rajah, who was going on, he entered.
By the light of the pale moon which streamed through
a window, he discovered in the further corner the form
of a sepoy stretched on a mat. The blood which had
flowed from several wounds on his head and body had
trickled over the ground. The man had been ap-
parently endeavouring to stanch them, but had fainted
before he had done so effectually. Reginald knelt
down by his side, and did his best, by means of a
handkerchief which he ‘tore into bandages, to stop the
further flow of blood. In a short time the man re-
turned to consciousness ; and as his eye fell on the rajah
his countenance brightened up.
“Have the rebels been defeated?” he exclaimed.
“T thought all was lost.”
“We wish to learn from you what has happened,”
said Reginald. ‘ Numbers of your comrades lie dead
at the entrance, and the palace appears to be deserted.
We know no more.” } ;
“All that I can tell you is that we were attacked
last night by Mukund Bhim with a large band of fol-
lowers ; we fought desperately to defend our post, till
numbers fell killed or wounded, when the rest were
carried off as prisoners. I then, in spite of my wounds,
managed to escape, the rebels having left me for dead.
They had begun to pillage the palace, when they were
166 ALARMING INTELLIGENCE,
summoned away to defeat an attempt of the loyal
inhabitants to keep possession of the city till the
return of the rajah, the report of whose death they
refused to credit.’
“And can you give me no account of my child, the
Ranee Nuna?” asked the rajah. ‘‘ Have the rebels
carried her off, or is she still in the palace?”
“T know not, O Rajah,” answered the wounded
man. ‘‘ While I lay here, expecting every instant to
be put to death, I heard the tramp of feet through the
passages, and cries and shrieks from female voices.”
‘The villainous traitors have deprived me, then, of
my child,” exclaimed the rajah. “Come, my friend,
we must ascertain the worst,’ he said, addressing
Reginald. ‘You must not waste any more time on
this man: if it is his fate to live, he will live ; if not,
he will have the satisfaction of dying in my cause.”
Reginald, although as anxious as the rajah to ascer-
tain what had happened, was unwilling to leave the
brave sepoy, who was still in much need of aid; but
the rajah’s impatience would brook no delay, so telling
the poor man that he would return as soon as possible,
Reginald followed the rajah, who was hurrying from
the room.
They made their way towards the women’s apart-
ments, observing on either side signs of the fearful
struggle which had taken place, though it was still
evident that the rajah’s own guard had remained faithful.
THE WOMEN’S APARTMENTS DESERTED. 167
The doors of the women’s apartments were open—
those sacred chambers into which, hitherto, no man
had dared to enter. Female ornaments and dresses
were strewn on the ground, articles of all sorts were
broken, and the marks of violence were visible even on
the walls. The worst anticipations of the rajah were
realized : Nuna had undoubtedly been carried off by the
rebels. Reginald had difficulty in quieting the old
man’s agitation. He seemed incapable of deciding
what course to pursue. Reginald himself felt deeply
grieved at the loss of the young girl, whose possession,
he foresaw, would add greatly to the power of the
rebels, as, even should they be ultimately defeated, it
would enable them to treat on favourable terms with
the rajah ; and he endeavoured in vain to tranquillize
the mind of the old man, by reminding him that it
would be to the interest of Mukund Bhim to behave
courteously to her.
As it would be dangerous to remain long in the
palace, to which the rebels might at any moment re-
turn, Reginald endeavoured to persuade the rajah to
go back to the merchant’s house, where he might re-
main till the arrival of their friends, should the mendi-
cant have succeeded in reaching them, and should they
be able to enter the city. No other course seemed
practicable, unless, abandoning all effort to recover his
power, the rajah should resume his disguise and attempt
to make his escape from the city. Reginald suggested
168 REGINALD ASSISTS THE WOUNDED GUARD.
this course, and offered to.protect him with his life ;
the rajah, however, would not hear of it.
Darkness had now set in, and, wrapped in his
mantle, the rajah could walk abroad without hazard of
being recognized. They first, however, made a circuit
of the whole palace ; but not a human being was found
alive. Before quitting it altogether, Reginald hurried
back to the wounded sepoy, whom he was unwilling
to leave to perish, as he undoubtedly would if deserted.
The man had somewhat recovered his strength, and
thought that, with Reginald’s assistance, he might be
able to walk a short distance.
“You need not do that,” said Reginald; “ your
weight is not great, and I will carry you on my
shoulders.”
‘No, no, sahib,” said the sepoy, who had from the
first recognized Reginald in spite of his disguise ;
‘should we encounter any of the rajah’s enemies, they
would kill you as well as me; but if you will take me
to. the stables—should the rebels not have carried off
the horses, I might contrive to sit one, and either
make my escape out of the city, or reach the house of
some friends near this who will give me shelter.”
y)
“T will gladly carry you to the stables,” said Regi-
nald; and it at once occurred to him that if he and
the rajah could obtain steeds for themselves they might
make a dash through the gates, or should their friends
arrive they would be able to join them and encounter
A DESERTED PALACE. 169
Mukund Bhim and his followers, who were certain not
to be far off. Taking the wounded man up on his
shoulder, therefore, he staggered with him along the
passages, and down the steps in the rear of the palace
which led to the courtyard, in the further part of which
the stables were situated. The rajah went ahead with
his sword drawn, thinking it probable that plunderers
might be lurking about; but no one was met with.
The whole palace, for some unaccountable reason, was
entirely deserted. The sepoy had expressed a hope
that the horses had been left in the stables, or Reginald
would not have expected to find any there. It seemed
more probable that the rebels would have carried them
off. Should such be found to be the case, he scarcely
knew what he should do with the wounded sepoy. It
was with no little difficulty that he managed to convey
him even the comparatively short distance he had gone,
and he felt that it would be impossible to carry him
beyond the palace to the house of the friends he spoke
of; he should therefore be compelled to leave him in
the stables, where he might die of starvation, unless
discovered by any compassionate person who could
bring him food.
The man seemed to divine his thoughts. “Care
not for me, sahib,’ he whispered in a low voice, that
the rajah might not hear. ‘The One, I trust, whom
you worship, will preserve me. Inquire for the
house of Dhunna Singh ; tell him where you have left
170 THE CHRISTIAN SEPOY.
Wuzeer Singh, and he will find the means of coming
to my assistance. You may trust him, for he is one
who worships the true God, and, if you require aid,
will risk his life in your service.”
Reginald, greatly surprised at the way in which the
man spoke, for he had supposed him to be an ordin-
ary sepoy, promised to follow his directions. But on
reaching the stables they found that, though most of
the horses had been carried off, four or five had been
left in the further wing of the building. Their har-
ness was hung up on the walls, and the rajah and
Reginald, well accustomed to the task, quickly saddled
and bridled three of the best.
“You seem to take great interest in my follower,”
said the rajah, observing the assistance Reginald was
affording the wounded man. }
“He has fought bravely for your highness, and is
wounded and suffering,” answered Reginald. ‘I am
simply doing my duty.”
“May you be rewarded for your charity,’ answered
the rajah, “And now let us mount and sally forth
into the streets. The gates will be closed ere long, and
should my followers not have entered the city, my only
safe course will be to try and join them, and wait for
a favourable opportunity of regaining what I have
lost.”
Reginald having assisted the rajah to mount, next
helped Wuzeer Singh to get on horseback, though it was
LEAVING THE PALACE. 171
with difficulty the poor man could keep his seat; he
himself then vaulted into the saddle, and the rajah, with
the mantle which had before served to disguise him
over his head, rode forth from the palace, followed closely
by Reginald and the sepoy. The darkness which now
reigned over the city favoured their proceedings. At
the same time, it was but too likely that the gates
would be closed; and if so, their friends would be
prevented from entering. Already the streets were
deserted, and no one appeared from whom, directly or
indirectly, they could obtain information. The more
peaceable inhabitants had, it was clear, wisely retired
to their houses; while the fighting-men and rabble
were evidently collected in a distant part of the city,
bent on some mischief or other.
Reginald kept close alongside Wuzeer Singh, to assist
him in sitting his horse, for so great was his weakness
that every moment it appeared that he would fall off.
The soldier expressed his thankfulness. ‘If the
sahib will but take my advice,” he added, ‘‘ he will per-
suade the rajah to come to the house of Dhunna Singh,
who will protect him at all hazards. He has a stable
in which the horses can be put up, and an upper room
where his highness can remain concealed without risk
of discovery when day returns. Dhunna Singh may
be able also to inform him of what has happened, and
he can act accordingly.”
Reginald thought the advice so good that he at
et
172 DHUNNA SINGH’S HOUSE.
once suggested the plan to the rajah, who agreed to
it after some hesitation. They at once, therefore,
turned their horses along a street Wuzeer Singh pointed
out. The few people who passed them probably took
the rajah to be some merchant returning home attended
by his guards, and did not stop to examine them
closely. In a short time they arrived before the gates
of a house of the style occupied by the more wealthy
class of citizens. Here Reginald, throwing himself
from his horse, assisted Wuzeer Singh to reach the small
loophole, through which he could communicate with
those within. After a few words had been exchanged,
the gates were opened and the party entered. A staid-
looking citizen, with several younger men, received them ;
and though they treated the rajah with marked respect, '
they did not otherwise show that they knew who he
was. The old man only addressed him as sahib, and
begged leave to show the way into the interior of the
house ; and while two of the younger men gently lifted _
up Wuzeer Singh and carried him indoors, the rest led
off the horses to the stable. The rajah was at once
conducted to the upper room Wuzeer Singh had spoken
of, where his host paid him every possible attention..
_Wuzeer Singh, meantime, was gently cared for; and an
ample repast was placed before Reginald. Their host,
it appeared, was a Hindoo, who, with all his family,
had been converted to Christianity ; and, desirous of
following the precepts of his faith, he was anxious. to
PROCEEDINGS OF THE REBELS. 173
afford assistance to those in distress. _He showed by his
manner that he well knew who the rajah Was; and
he must have been aware of the great risk he ran in
affording him shelter, should his concealment be dis-
covered by Mukund Bhim or any of his party. Since
the commencement of the disturbances he and his sons
had wisely kept to the house, and so he could only sur-
mise, from the reports brought by two or three people
who had visited at his house, what was taking place.
He believed, he said, that another khan of influence re-
siding on the other side of the city had risen, either with
the intention of supporting the rajah or of endeavouring
to obtain the power for himself. Mukund Bhim having
marched with all his forces to attack him, a despe-
rate fight had taken place. ‘The khan had been de-
feated, and Mukund Bhim’s followers, with the rabble
of the city, had for some hours been engaged in plunder-
ing his house and those of his relatives,—he and all of
them having been put to death. Reginald’s anxiety
regarding Nuna was in no way relieved, as his host
could not tell what had become of her. Several
elephants carrying closed howdahs, accompanied by a
strong party of armed men, had been seen leaving the
southern gate of the city ; but where they had gone, he
had been unable to learn.
The first part of the night had passed quietly away,
and the old rajah, after the fatigue and excitement he
had gone through, slept soundly. Before morning,
174 PREPARING TO SALLY FORTH.
however, he awoke ; and calling to Reginald, who occu-
pied a small room adjoining his, he expressed his wish
that when it was daylight he would go out and ascer-
tain what was taking place.
As soon as their host was on foot, Reginald told him
of the rajah’s wish.
“TI will send one of my sons instead,” he answered.
“He will run no risk; while you, notwithstanding
your disguise, may be easily discovered.”
The rajah consented ; but some time passing by, and
the young man not returning, he grew impatient, and
desired that his horse might be prepared.
“Your highness will not surely venture to ride forth
during daylight,” said Reginald. “ You would certainly
be recognized ; and though many citizens might rally
round you, Mukund Bhim’s party by this time must
be sufficiently strong to cut them to pieces, and you
would fall into the hands of the rebels.”
‘“‘T wish to be in readiness to join our friends, who,
if they come at all, will ere long be within the city
walls ; and I even now fancy that I can hear the tramp
of their horses’ hoofs,” was the answer. ‘Come, my
friend, let us be prepared to sally forth.”
Reginald, though he believed that the rajah was
mistaken, nevertheless obeyed ; and having mounted,
they sat in the courtyard ready to sally forth at a
ioment’s notice.
They had not long to wait before their host’s son
THE RAJAH PURSUED. 175
returned with the announcement that Mukund Bhim,
with a large force, was advancing towards that part of the
city, breaking open the houses, and capturing all those
who were suspected of being favourable to the rajah.
“There is still time to escape by the northern gate ;
and though there may be great risk of falling into the
hands of the rebels, it may be the safest course to
pursue,” he observed.
Reginald was of the same opinion, and urged the
rajah to adopt it. By the advice of their host, the
rajah wound a common turban round his head, the ends
of which hung down so as to conceal his features ;
and as there was not a moment to be lost, the gates
were thrown open, and Ali Singh, followed by Reginald,
dashed out and made his way through some narrow
lanes, now entirely deserted, towards the northern gate.
As they came in sight of it they saw a number of people
—some on horseback, and others on camels or on foot
—hastening out to escape from the barbarities of
Mukund Bhim and his fierce soldiery. They made
their way amid the frightened multitude, and had
_ already got outside the walls when they heard loud
shouts raised ‘behind them, when Reginald, looking
back, saw a party of horsemen issuing from the gate,
and trampling under foot or cutting down all who im-
peded their progress. He at once suspected that their
flight had by some means or other been discovered,
and that the horsemen were in pursuit of them.
176 A RIDE FOR LIFE.
“ We must ride for our lives,’ he exclaimed, telling
the rajah what he had seen.
Fortunately the road in front was foiern bie open,
and putting their horses into a gallop they dashed
forward. Mukund Bhim’s horsemen had by this time
discovered them, and now came on in hot pursuit. Their
chances of escape appeared small indeed. They were
well mounted, however, and their good steeds behaved
faithfully, straining every muscle as if aware of the
importance of exerting themselves. Their pursuers,
fully aware of the prize in view, galloped on even
faster, and were evidently gaining on them,—firing as
they did so, regardless of those they might kill or
wound. More than once Reginald turned his head,
and at length saw a further party of horsemen and
numerous elephants issuing from the gate. His own
horse kept up well, but the rajah’s at length stumbled
and nearly came to the ground; and Reginald feared
that in a few minutes more they would be overtaken
by their merciless foes. Still, there was a possibility of
escaping, if they could gain the wood which they
were now fast approaching. Just as they reached a
turn of the road, however, they saw a large party of
horsemen galloping towards them; and all hope of
escape was cut off.
“We will sell our lives dearly,” said the rajah.
“ Let us turn round and face our pursuers.”
“No, no; gallop on,” cried Reginald. ‘See! they
THE RAJAH VICTORIOUS. Led
are our friends. They have arrived at a happy mo-
ment, and the victory will be ours.”
Throwing off his cloak, the rajah waved his sword,
and was at once recognized by his troopers, at the
head of whom rode Captain Burnett. In another
instant the rajah and Reginald, wheeling round their
horses, joined their ranks, and, without pulling rein,
dashed with headlong speed at the rebels. The first
charge was terrific, horses and riders on both sides
going down; but Burnett’s followers, having only just
emerged from the wood, were fresh, while their opponents,
panting from their rapid gallop, were taken at a dis-
advantage. The old rajah fought fiercely, few daring to
encounter his sharp scimitar. Onward he and his party
fought their way, till nearly every one of the advance-
guard of the foe were cut to pieces or had galloped off on
either side. At length Reginald caught sight of Mukund
Bhim, the leader of the rebels, who, avoiding the rajah,
rode forward to meet him. Reginald, warding off a
blow aimed at his head, thrust his sword into the:
traitor’s breast and bore him to the ground. The rebels,
seeing their leader slain, made but a faint resistance.
The mahouts turned their elephants off on either side,
the huge animals rushing across the country ; and the
foot-soldiers fled back into the city, where many were
cut down, others escaping in the track of the elephants.
The victory was complete ; and the rajah, at the head
of his horsemen, ‘re-entered the city in triumph.
(539) 12
178 AGAIN IN POWER.
The rajah’s power was speedily re-established, those
who might have been inclined to side with the rebel
Mukund Bhim at once returning to their allegiance, and
being the loudest in proclaiming their satisfaction at
the rajah’s success. His first proceeding was to insti-
tute inquiries for his grand-daughter, the young Ranee
Nuna, who had so mysteriously disappeared ; but no
one could give him any information. Emissaries were
despatched in all directions to endeavour to discover
where she had been concealed ; and the rajah proved the
love he bore her by the anxiety he exhibited. Several
of his chief officers and many other persons had dis-
appeared ; and as they did not make their appearance,
it was naturally supposed that they had either been
put to death by Mukund Bhim, or, through having
joined him, were afraid of returning. Among the miss-
ing ones was Khan Cochtt. A search was made for
him high and low throughout the palace, but his dead
body was not to be found, nor were there any traces
of him to be discovered. The rooms he usually occupied
had been stripped of everything of value, and Reginald,
who had no great confidence in the ex-barber, could
not help suspecting that he had made his escape from
the city with all the wealth he could collect, and would
probably next be heard of at Calcutta.
The rajah had vowed to take vengeance on all who
had sided with the rebels, and his officers were now
visiting every part of the city in search of suspected
Hi)
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é
Wiff
Mify Wi
YY
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THE FATE OF THE.TRAITOR KHAN.
THE i fneRy
Of IKE
UNIVERSITY OF IEKINGIS
DISTURBED STATE OF THE COUNTRY. 181
persons. Many hundreds were captured, and the
streets of the city, according to Indian custom, would
soon have been running with blood, had not Reginald
and Burnett entreated the rajah to show clemency to-
wards his foes. They pointed out to him that it was far
more noble to save life than to take it; that the people
were his subjects, whom he was bound to protect ; and
that the larger number had joined Mukund Bhim under
the idea that he himself was dead. As he acknow-
ledged that Reginald had been the means of saving his
life, and that Burnett had also rendered him essential
service, he was willing:to listen to their counsel,—
though nothing would induce him to spare the lives of
the treacherous chiefs, several of whom were captured,
and compelled to pay the penalty of their crimes with
their heads.
Tranquillity was now apparently perfectly restored
in the city ; but it was reported that in the country
large parties of the rebels were still in arms, wander-
ing about in various directions, and plundering the
defenceless. A near relative of Mukund Bhim was
said to be at their head, but his whereabouts could
not be discovered. Whether or not all the reports
were true, they proved the disorganized state of the
country, and made Reginald and Burnett wish heartily
for the arrival of the expected resident and the British
troops.
Still no information had been received regarding the
182 PLANS FOR RECOVERING NUNA.
Ranee Nuna, and the rajah continued plunged in the
oreatest grief and anxiety about her. Both Burnett
and Reginald shared his feelings, and offered to set off
in search of her. Burnett was most anxious to go.
He had been struck by her beauty and captivated by
her manner, so unlike that of Oriental females, and all
the romance of his ardent nature had been aroused,
though he might possibly not have been actually in
love with her. They at length offered to go in com-
pany, but of this the rajah would not hear. ‘I must
have one of you remain with me, as I need your counsel
and assistance, seeing I have no friend in whom I
can trust,’ he answered; “but if tidings do not arrive
to-morrow, [ will give permission to one or the other
to set out. I am grateful to you both, but the one I
appoint must abide by my decision.”
Reginald and Burnett of course expressed themselves
ready to obey the rajah, and they were too firm friends
to feel jealous of each other.
Reginald had not forgotten the wounded sepoy
whose life he had been the means of saving, and the
first time he could leave the palace he made his way
to the house of Dhunna Singh, who had afforded him
shelter. He received a warm welcome from the good
man; and he was glad to find that Wuzeer Singh was
already in a fair way of recovery from the wounds he
had received. The man was most grateful to him for
saving his life.
A CHRISTIAN SOLDIER. 183
“May the God we both worship preserve you,
sahib,” he said; “and thankful shall I be, if I can
ever have the means of showing my gratitude to
you.”
Reginald had a good deal of conversation with hin,
and learned that he had been converted to Christianity
by Protestant missionaries at some place where he
had been stationed. He had, however, obtained his
discharge, and had taken service with the rajah, for
the sake of being near his Christian friend Dhunna
Singh. He was evidently a most intelligent man,
and all his spare moments were devoted to the study
of the Scriptures and such other works as he could
obtain to enlarge his mind. His great delight was to
join his friends where, with closed doors, they could
worship God in freedom. They none of them neglected
the duty of endeavouring to spread the gospel among
their countrymen, though they did so with the ne-
cessary caution, and had hitherto escaped the persecu-
tion to which they would have been subjected had
their object been discovered by the priests.
Reginald promised to pay them another visit ; and
he confessed to Burnett that he had learned many im-
portant truths from these men, whom, had he met casu-
ally, he should have looked upon as ignorant heathens.
He was also much struck by their firm confidence in
the goodness and love of God to fallen man, and the
desire of that Great Being to reconcile sinners to him-
184 A CONVERSATION RENEWED.
self by the all-sufficient and complete atonement wrought
out by his well-beloved Son on Calvary.
“Ah, sahib,” exclaimed Wuzeer Singh, ‘“ how merci-
ful God is to demand from us a simple, loving faith
alone as the condition on which we are saved. Were
he to insist on our good works and pure and holy
lives, who could ever hope to merit heaven? For
sinners we were, and sinners we remain ; but, praised
be his name, ‘ the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from
all sin.’”
Such was the faith of these men, and it supported
them, isolated as they were in the midst of a heathen
population, who would have torn them to pieces had
they suspected the creed they held.
On Reginald’s return to the palace, he found the ©
rajah alone. He had anxiously wished for an oppor-
tunity of renewing the conversation so suddenly broken
off, and of obtaining information regarding his father’s
property, and the important documents which he sup-
posed the rajah had in his possession. He again tried
to get him to lead to the subject; but finding this
in vain, he remarked, ‘“ Your highness appeared anxious
some time ago to know what had become of the son of
the Englishman who was once in your service, and
who had the happiness of saving your life in battle.”
“ You speak of Rinaldo Khan,” said the rajah, fix-
ing his eye on Reginald.
“That was the name by which my father was
THE RAJAH’S GRANDSON. » 388
>
known,’ was the answer; “for I am the boy whose
fate you desired to learn.”
“You the son of Rinaldo Khan!” exclaimed the
rajah. ‘Come nearer, my son, and let me see your
features. Yes, yes, I believe you; these are the
lineaments of my beloved daughter. Did your father
ever tell you who was your mother?”
“| know only that she was a native lady of high
rank, and that it cost my father much pain to be com-
pelled to leave her.” : |
“Did he tell you that you were his only child ?”’
inquired the rajah, still keeping his gaze fixed on
Reginald’s countenance. “ But whydolask? Your
sister Nuna was born after he, as you say, was com-
pelled to fly from the country in order to save his
life. The English in those days had not the power
they now possess, or he would have quickly returned
and taken vengeance on the traitors who deprived me
of his services ; for a truer and a better friend I have
never possessed.”
“T feel almost overwhelmed at what your highness
has told me,” exclaimed Reginald. ‘Am I then your
daughter’s son, and the brother of the Ranee Nuna?”
“ You are truly, I believe, my grandson. My heart
felt drawn towards you from the first; and as I am
now childless, I would desire to place you in the posi-
tion your father would have enjoyed had he remained
with me,” )
186 REGINALD’S MOTHER.
Reginald - could scarcely speak for astonishment.
He had expected to gain important information from
the rajah, but what he now heard was of a totally
different character to that which he was seeking.
Though his mother was an Oriental, his heart was
English, and he had no wish to spend his days in
India, however high the rank he might enjoy.
The extraordinary information he had received made
him still more anxious to recover Nuna, who, if she
was really his sister, had a right to claim all the
assistance he could afford her ;*and he at once, there-
fore, begged the rajah to allow him to set forth on
his expedition without delay. Before going, however,
it was of the greatest importance to know what had
become of the documents which the rajah was supposed
to possess.
He had learned from his father that his mother was
a Christian, but he found a difficulty in reconciling this
with the communication the rajah had just made him.
He was afraid, however, of putting the question abruptly.
“Your highness tells me that my mother was your
daughter,” he said at length. “I have long earnestly
wished to know more about her than my father told
me. [I was young when he died, and though his
words were fixed on my memory, I might not probably
have comprehended the meaning of all he said.”
“My daughter was one of those beings who are
seldom found on earth,’ answered the rajah ; “and so
»
FAMILY HISTORY. 187
was she who gave her birth. Her mother was fair
as the houris in Paradise; the daughter of an English
officer sent here on a mission by that great man Lord
Clive. Her parents died, and she was left under the
protection of my father. J saw and loved her, and
she consented to become my wife; but nothing would
induce her to change the faith she held. I respected
her opinions, the more so as they made her that which
I esteem most excellent; and she taught me to re-
gard women in a very different light to that in which
I had formerly held them, Her only child she brought
up in the same faith; and when that child—your
mother— grew to womanhood, she was married to your
father, according to the rites of your religion, by an
English minister, who was travelling through the
country.”
“That fact my father impressed on me; and, as far
as my interests are concerned, much depends on it,”
said Reginald, who had been listening eagerly to the
account the rajah had been giving him. ‘‘ There were
certain papers signed on the occasion, which, with
other documents, my father left behind in the country,
and which to me are of the greatest importance.
Has your highness possession of them, or can you in-
form me where they are to be found ?”
“Papers! Documents! Of what do you speak ?
I remember that some time back Khan Cochtt, in
whom I then placed unlimited confidence, at my order
188 THE MISSING DOCUMENTS.
examined into the state of my treasures, and found
some papers which I was unable to decipher. He
informed me that they were of no value; but I
directed him to allow them to remain in the casket
in which they were placed. Some time afterwards,
on visiting my treasury with the intention of placing
the documents in the hands of some person under-
standing English, to be certain that Khan Cochtt had
not deceived me, I found that the casket had dis-
appeared. Cochtit protested that he knew nothing
about the casket, and pretended to make diligent
search after it.”
“If they were the papers which my father directed
me to recover, they are, as I before told your highness,
of the very greatest consequence, and I entreat you
to assist me in recovering them.”
While Reginald was engaged in this exciting con-
versation with his supposed grandfather, an attendant
entered the room, announcing that an officer who had
just arrived, bringing important information, requested
an audience immediately ; and Reginald was compelled
to wait till he could again speak in private to the
rajah.
CHAPTER VI.
REGINALD’S EXPEDITION IN SEAROGB@ OF NUNA—BURNETT SETS OFF FOR THE'SAME
PURPOSE—ADVENTURES IN A TEMPLE—DISAPPEARANCE OF FAITHFUL—THE
BRAHMIN’S TREACHERY—BUXSOO GAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION—PLANS
FOR LIBERATING NUNA—FAITHFUL ESCAPES FROM HER PRISON, AND TURNS
THE TABLES ON THE TRAITORS.
HE important information which had arrived
was to the effect that the expected English
resident, with two regiments of sepoys and
a company of English troops, was on his
way to Allahapoor, and would in the course of a few
days reach the city.
The preparations for their reception now gave ample
occupation to the rajah and his nobles.
As soon as Reginald had an opportunity, he told
Burnett of the unexpected information the rajah had
communicated regarding his birth.
“JT have no reason to doubt it, yet it seems so
strange, that I can scarcely believe the fact that I am
the grandson of the old man, and that the beautiful
girl of whom we caught a glimpse is my sister.”
“T can believe it very readily,” answered Burnett.
“To tell you the truth, I fancied that I saw a likeness,
190 PLANS FOR RECOVERING NUNA.
and it struck me that she was far more like a European
than an Oriental; besides which, no Indian woman of
high rank would have been allowed to be present at the
introduction of strangers. It was very evident that
the rajah had broken through the usual customs of the
country when he permitted us to see his grand-daughter.
The more I think of it, the more anxious I am to try
and recover her, as it seems strange that she should —
have been spirited away without any clue to the
place in which she is concealed. You must get the
rajah’s leave to set off at once; and beg him to allow
us to go together. My plan will be to scour the
country with two or three hundred horsemen; and if
she is concealed, as I suspect is the case, by -ssome
fugitive rebels, we are certain to come upon them, and
shall be able to compel them to surrender her.”
“You may command the horsemen, if the rajah will
give them, and I will try a plan I have thought of.
My idea is to set out with Dick Thuddichum and Faith-
ful, and one native as a guide. I have fixed upon
one of the sons of Dhunna Singh,—a fine, intelligent
young fellow, who will, as we travel through the
country, pick up information from the natives, and
thus we shall be more likely to find out where Nuna
is concealed than will be any number of armed men.”
Burnett confessed that Reginald’s plan might be
more successful than his ; but they had to wait till the
next morning for the rajah to decide.
A WARNING. 191
The morning came at length, and as soon as the
~ rajah was on foot they hurried into his presence. He
received Reginald with marked affection, and was
most gracious to Burnett. Reginald having described
his plan, pointed out the advantages of having two
expeditions ; and although the rajah continued very
unwilling to let both of them go together, he at length
consented to Burnett’s proposal, and issued an order
for two hundred horsemen to accompany him,—a
sufficient number to overawe any rebels who might
still be in arms.
Having paid their farewells to the rajah, the friends
hastened away to make preparations; Reginald at
once repairing to the house of Dhunna Singh, to ex-
plain his intended plan. He did not hesitate to tell
him also of the discovery which he had made, that he
was the rajah’s grandson.
“ Praise be to Him who governs the world that you
are so, for we may then hope to have a Christian
prince to reign over us who will help the oppressed
and suffering, and will see justice done to all men,”
was the answer. “Ido not so much congratulate you,
khan, as I do myself and all those beneath you, for
your post will be one of difficulty and danger. You
little think of the dark deeds often done in the palaces
of our nobles and rulers. I would not throw a shade
over your path, yet I warn you to beware of secret as
well as of open foes, for many of the former will sur-
192 REGINALD’S COMPANIONS.
round your throne and smile most blandly when they
are most actively plotting to destroy you.”
“T will remember your warning, should I ever
become Rajah of Allahapoor ; but I hope the day may
be far distant when my grandfather shall cease to rule
the country. But of the matter on which I came to see
you: I have to ask that one of your sons will accom-
pany me, for I know that I can trust them all. Had
Wuzeer Singh been sufficiently recovered, I would have
engaged his services; but as he is not yet able to
travel, I must depend on the assistance of one of them.”
“They are all at your service, sahib; but I would
recommend Buxsoo, my second son, as he has travelled
much about the country, and has intelligence and
ready wit.”
The old man forthwith summoned the son he named,
and he, without hesitation, agreed to accompany Regi-
nald. He begged, however, that he might take a
faithful servant—-Sambro, a black slave, who was
powerful and brave, and thoroughly to be depended on.
Reginald accepted his offer; and in a few minutes
pvoth were ready to accompany him to the palace,
where Dick Thuddichum and Faithful were waiting
for them. Buxsoo and Sambro were there introduced
~ to Faithful, who showed at once that she understood
she was to treat them as friends.
They waited till the shades of evening settled down
over the city, that they might take their departure with-
A NIGHT IN A PAGODA. 193
out exciting observation, when they quickly traversed
the numerous deserted streets till they reached the
northern gate. It was instantly opened on Reginald’s
showing an order from the rajah. No one recognized
them, or inquired where they were going ; indeed, the
inhabitants of Allahapoor were not addicted to troubling
themselves about affairs that did not concern them.
The travellers had got a mile or two from the city
when the moon arose and enabled them to continue their
journey during the greater part of the night. There
was no lack of ruins of mosques and pagodas, of forts
and once gorgeous tombs, in which they could find
lodging when they needed rest; so at length Buxsoo
proposed that they should stop at a pagoda which,
though deserted by the priests, was almost entire. To
this Reginald at once agreed, for, unaccustomed to
walking such long distances, he felt very tired.
“Why, as I am alive,” exclaimed the major, ‘I do
believe that you are Mr. Reginald Hamerton! And
your highness will pardon me if I make a mistake.”
Reginald at once acknowledged who he was, and
the major, greatly relieved, rode on with him and
Burnett to the fort. Scouts were at once sent out to
ascertain, if possible, the position and strength of the
enemy. Major Molony said that he had _ received
orders to assist in escorting the ranee to Allahapoor ;
and it was agreed that, as soon as they received intelli-
gence that a force was marching out of that city to
assist them, they should proceed,—the major feeling
confident that his sepoys would be able to keep in
check any number of the rebel forces.
CHATTER Ay uu
A GUNPOWDER PLOT—COCHUT CAUGHT—BALKISHEN HOISTED WITH HIS OWN
PETARD—THE MAJOR’S NARRUW ESCAPE—COCHUT GIVES IMPORTANT IN-
FORMATION— DICK DESPATCHED WITH IT TO CALCUTTA—REGINALD ENTERS
THE CITY--THE RAJAH’S ILLNESS—TIDINGS OF THE CASKET—VISIT TO THE
TEMPLE—THE CASKET RECOVERED—DEATH OF THE RAJAH.
{HE traitor Balkishen had not been idle. He
We had managed to collect the rebel forces, and
had been with them in the very fort that
Reginald and his party now occupied. When
aise evacuated it, he with his slave Bikoo had re-
mained behind, intending to proceed from thence
secretly to Allahapoor, according to the information he
might receive from his ally, Khan Cochtt. Below the
fort were some vaults in which, some time before, the
rebels had stowed a large supply of powder and other
munitions of war, concealed in huge oil-casks. Just
as he was about to set out, he was joined by Cochut,
who brought intelligence which seemed to afford the
two conspirators immense satisfaction.
“The fatal draught has been taken,—there can be
no doubt of it. The whole city will soon be in a
iter
tumult!’ whispered the khan, as if afraid the very
A GUNPOWDER PLOT. 251
walls would hear him. “Our friends will take pos-
session of the city, and the young rajah will be dis-
appointed of his hopes. When you arrive, they will
receive you with shouts of joy, as they know you will
restore the good old ways, and have nothing to do
with the infidel Feringhees. For myself, I detest the
English, and should delight in seeing them driven out
of the whole of India.” ,
Balkishen assured Khan Cochit that his services
should be amply rewarded ; and they agreed to remain
a day or two longer in the fort, and then to proceed
leisurely to Allahapoor, calculating that they should °
receive the expected intelligence of the rajah’s death
just before they reached the city. The sudden arrival
of Burnett's advance-guard, however, prevented them
from escaping, and they found themselves shut up like
rats in a hole, with a scanty supply of food, and afraid
to strike a light lest a spark should set fire to the
combustible materials around them.
A day and a night passed away. Unless they could
make their escape, all their plans would be defeated ;
for if Balkishen could not make his appearance in the
city at the right moment, a rival might gain the
power, from which it would be difficult to displace him.
They were neither of them very conscientious per-
sons. J Ta
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COCHUT CAUGHT. 255
the syces in charge of the horses, he held a pistol in
his hand.
answered
Sambro; for he was the black slave. “Come along,
my friend ; come along.”
256 THE TRAIN FIRED.
At that moment casting his eyes on Bikoo, who
stood trembling near by, he made a sign to the elephant,
which immediately wound its trunk round the slave’s
body, and walked behind Sambro and the khan. To
the surprise of the latter, he found the gates open, and
saw a number of elephants and a large party of foot
and horse winding along the road. He and his fellow-
conspirator, not being aware of the custom of English
troops to perform their marches during the cooler
hours of the day—that is to say, in the latter part of
the day and early in the morning—had not calculated
on the possibility of their prey escaping them. Still,
apparently, some of the troops had not left the fort ;
and he could only hope that those he wished to destroy
were still there. He therefore turned many an anxious
glance back at the fort, and kept urging Sambro to
move faster.
Meanwhile, Balkishen having waited till he thought
his accomplice would have been able to secure the
horses, set fire to the train, and then hurried away to
join him. On ascending the steps, however, his foot
slipped and down he fell. In vain he shouted to
Khan Cochtit and Bikoo to come and help him. The
slave was too far off to hear his master’s voice. The
match went on burning, approaching the fatal barrel
with fearful rapidity. In vain Ballishen endeavoured
to rise. He had dislocated his ankle, or otherwise in-
jured it. Again and again he shrieked out. Though
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THE 1 /6RARY
Of THE
UNIVERSITY OF IEEINGIS
THE FORT BLOWN UP. 259
unable to stand, he crawled up the steps. To save
his life, he must have run faster than he had ever before
done. In his imagination he pictured the match not
an inch from the barrel. In a few seconds the fire
would touch the powder, and all would be over.
Major Molony had mounted his horse, and the
sepoys having moved on, the European troop had just
fallen in outside the fort, and were beginning to march,
when suddenly an awful roar was heard, and a vast
sheet of flame ascended from the middle of the fort.
The major, clapping spurs into his horse’s flanks and
dashing forward, ordered his men to run for their
lives. But the warning came too late, for many of
the poor fellows were struck down. Though pieces of
stone and huge masses of timber fell around on every
side, the gallant major escaped uninjured, as did
happily the larger portion of his men; and, as he
rode forward to meet Burnett, who came galloping up,
he passed Sambro, dragging on Khan Cochit, and the
elephant carrying the slave Bikoo. Sambro explained
the way in which he had captured the khan and his
companion, and described their suspicious conduct.
Burnett ordered him to give them in charge of a party
of sepoys, who were directed on no account to let them
escape.
A short halt was called, for the purpose of burying
the dead. During the time, Burnett and the major
examined the fort, but made no discovery which
260 THE REBELS RETREAT.
enabled them to fathom the mysterious circumstance.
Not a living being remained within it. Should any
unfortunate persons have been left behind, they must
have been blown to pieces. Burnett then rode for-
ward to explain what had happened to Reginald; but
as a long delay was unadvisable, he deferred the
examination of Khan Cochit and his companion till
their noonday halt.
Though Reginald was very happy to devote himself
to his young sister, and to go through any amount of
ceremony which his new position demanded of him,
he soon got tired of sitting in a howdah; so ordering
a horse to be prepared, he mounted, and took his place
with Burnett at the head of his troops.
The scouts sent out returned with the report that
the enemy had retreated—probably overawed by the
imposing force protecting the ranee—and the intelli-
gence that other troops were advancing from the
capital. A strong body of these troops were met at
the spot fixed on for the noonday halt, and hand-
somely-furnished tents were already pitched.
‘That there had been a nefarious plot to destroy the
lives of himself and his sister, Reginald felt convinced ;
therefore, as soon as the necessary ceremonies had been
gone through in receiving the officers of the newly-
arrived troops, Reginald ordered that Khan Cochit and
the slave should be brought before him. The only
person present besides Burnett was Buxsoo, on whose
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UNIVERSITY OF IEEINGIS
COCHUT EXAMINED. 263
judgment and acuteness Reginald knew that he could
rely to elicit the truth from the slave, if not from Cochtt,
who was not at all likely to confess it unless from
dire necessity. Both were subjected to a close cross-
examination ; and Buxsoo also examined them, in a way
worthy of an English lawyer. Reginald, indeed, felt
convinced that they had been instrumental in blowing
up the fort. The slave pleaded that he had to obey
the commands of his master, who was _ probably
destroyed ; while Cochtit, who had no such excuse to
offer, exhibited the most abject fear, and offered to
give information of the «greatest-importance, provided
his lfe was spared and iis property secured to him.
He declined, however, doing so in the presence of
Buxsoo.
“You may say anything before him without fear
of being betrayed,’ answered Reginald; “I am re-
sponsible for his fidelity. And if I find that the
information you give is not perfectly correct, I shall
leave you to the fate you deserve; but if, on the
contrary, it is of the consequence you state, I will
undertake that you shall be allowed to go, with all
your wealth, ill-gotten as I am afraid it has been.”
After much hesitation, Cochtt declared that the
natives throughout the greater part of the country
were ripe for rebellion against the English, and all
who fa. ared their rule; that the rajah had been
especially marked out for destruction, because he was
2
264 IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
evidently attached to the Feringhees; and that before
long it was hoped that they might be driven out of
the country.
Again and again Cochtt protested that what he
said was correct. Reginald appealed to Buxsoo, who
acknowledged that the statement made by Cochit
was probably too true. He himself had had his sus-
picions aroused for some time, but he had not as yet
gained sufficient information to enable him to warn the
authorities.
Reginald consulted with Burnett, and they agreed
that they were bound at all events to warn the-
authorities at Calcutta as soon as possible, and also
to let Colonel Ross know what they had heard. The
difficulty was, to find a messenger who could be
trusted. Burnett was unwilling to go, for he felt that
his presence was necessary for the protection, not only
of the ranee, but of Reginald, as he fancied that he
could at all events trust his troopers while he con-
tinued in command of them. If Buxsoo were sent, he
might be suspected and stopped, and too probably
murdered on the road.
“Then I will send Dick Thuddichum,” said Regi-
nald. ‘ No one will suspect him; and any message I
give he will deliver to the letter. He is well known.
in Calcutta by persons who can vouch for him, and
who will immediately enable him to obtain an inter-
view with the Government gentlemen or members of
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EXAMINATION OF COCHUT AND BIKOO.
THE (IGRARY
OF THE
UHIVERSITY BF IEtIats
DICK SENT TO CALCUTTA. 267
Council ; and he will explain why I considered it
prudent not to send any written despatch.”
Burnett agreed to Reginald’s proposal; and Cochtt
and Bikoo having been given into safe keeping, Dick
was summoned and received the necessary directions.
In a few minutes he was ready for his departure, with
his master’s verbal despatches carefully stowed away
in his capacious head, out of which no one but those
to whom they were to be delivered ee eae! to
draw them.
“ You'll look after Faithful, sir!” exclaimed Dick,
giving a hitch to his trousers. ‘I don’t much like leay-
ing the poor beast to the mercy of these nigger fellows,
lest they should play her any: tricks. Though with
me she’s as gentle as a lamb, she don’t much fancy
them. But you'll not forget her, sir, I know. Just
let her have half a sheep a day, at least. It will
keep her in condition, and prevent her from doing any
mischief, or helping herself to a blackamoor baby,
which she might be apt to do if she didn’t get her
proper food; and small blame to her, seeing, so to
speak, it’s her nature.” |
Reginald assured Dick, that notwithstanding the
affairs of state which would occupy his attention, he
would take good care that the faithful tigress was not
neglected.
“Tm sure as how it wouldn’t be your fault if she
was, sir,” answered Dick. “But it’s them niggers
268 DICK BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
I’m mistrustful of; though, I think, if you was to let
"em know that you'll hang half-a-dozen of them if any
harm comes to her, they'll be inclined to treat her
properly.”
The mind of the honest sailor being at length set
at rest on that score, he took leave of his master and
Burnett.
Dick made his way without interruption to the
Ganges, where he found a boat descending the river,
and in due course reached Calcutta. Following Regi-
nald’s directions, he soon got himself conducted before
the members of Council—the Board fortunately sitting
at the time. He entered with his usual undaunted
air, not at all abashed by finding himself in the
presence of so august an assembly.
On being asked what information he brought, he
doffed his hat, and replied,“ Please your worships, I
am sent by my master, the young Rajah of Allaha-
poor—as he now is, seeing that his grandfather, the
old rajah, has ordered him to tack that title to his
name—to tell your worships that the rascally natives
have determined, if they can get the chance, to cut
the throats of every mother’s son among the English,
on the first opportunity... It may be soon or it may
be some time hence, but he thinks it as well that you
should be warned, and be prepared for whatever may
happen.”
Dick then gave verbatim Reginald’s message ; after
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THE LIBRARY
OF THE
WHIVERGITY OF ILEINGIS
A MESSAGE FROM THE RAJAH. 271,
which he was directed to retire, while the members
held a consultation on the extraordinary information
they had received.
The next day Dick was ordered to return, and to
inform his master that the Council would pay due
attention to the warning he had been good enough to
send them.
We must now go back to Reginald. While en-
camped next day at noon, the expected reinforcements
from the city arrived, with a despatch from the rajah
telling him that he was very ill, and urging him to
advance without delay: It was his wish that his
grandson shoud enter the city in due state, to pro-
duce an impression on the population. Reginald had
therefore, against his own inclination, to don a still
richer costume than he had yet appeared in; and
with a body of officers and guards walking on either
side of him, and Burnett’s troopers following on horse-
back, he prepared to enter the city. The ranee, no
longer looked upon as a chief personage, sat concealed
in a howdah on the back of an elephant towards
the rear of the procession. The vast crowd assem-
bled filled the air with their acclamations; and had
not Reginald been well acquainted with the state of
affairs, he might have supposed himself the popular
ruler of a happy and loyal people. He very well
knew, however, that any one of the nobles and guards
272 REGINALD ENTERS THE CITY.
surrounding him would be ready, at a convenient
opportunity, to send a bullet through his head, or give
him a cup of poison; and that the populace, now
shouting his praises, would with equal delight drag
his mangled body through the streets, should a rival
succeed in deposing him. His satisfaction at the
exalted position he had so unexpectedly obtained’ was,
therefore, not without alloy. His thoughts, however,
flew away to Violet Ross, and he could not help
hoping that her father would no longer object to him
as a son-in-law. That she had remained faithful, he
had no doubt; and he should soon have the happiness,
he hoped, of again seeing her. Should she object to
live surrounded by the splendour of an Oriental court,
he was ready, could he do so with honour, by placing
the country under the English Government, to give
up India, and assume that position in England to
which he hoped to prove himself entitled, should he
recover the missing documents of which he was in
search.
Such were the thoughts which occupied his mind
as he rode through the streets, amid the obsequious
and bowing multitude who thronged around. As he
approached the palace, rich carpets covered the road ;
and the rajah’s body-guard, with their officers in
gorgeous costumes, stood drawn up to receive him.
He felt considerable anxiety at not seeing the rajah
himself, and it was increased on being informed that
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A TRIUMPHAL ENTRY.
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINGIS
THE RAJAH’S ILLNESS. 275
he lay too ill to rise, but that he waited the arrival of
his grandson on his couch in his private apartment.
Saluting the officials of the palace as he passed along,
he hurried to the old man’s side.
“T am thankful that you have come, my son, for
I am sick unto death,’ said the rajah. “My own
physicians know not what is the matter with me, and
I have sent to beg that the English doctor who has
accompanied the resident may forthwith come and pre-
scribe for me.” .
Reginald, of course, expressed a hope that the doctor
would soon arrive, and haye. the happiness of restoring
him to health.
“ And now let me hear an account of your adven-
tures,” said the rajah.
Reginald briefly gave it; not forgetting to speak in
the highest terms of Burnett, in the hope that the rajah
would be induced to sanction his marriage with Nuna.
He then thought it right to tell his grandfather of the
information he had received from Khan Cochtt.
“He is a cunning fellow, and may have wormed it
out of some of the natives, though I doubt whether
>
many would trust him,” observed the rajah. “But
you tell me that a slave of that traitor Balkishen has
been captured ; let him be brought tome. He knows
more about his master’s affairs than any one else, and
for the sake of saving his life will willingly give all
the information he possesses.”
276 BIKOO BROUGHT BEFORE THE RAJAH.
Reginald was still with the rajah when Nuna
arrived. She was overwhelmed with grief at seeing
him so ill He spoke to her kindly, but it was evident
that he had transferred his affections to his grandson,
whom he looked upon as his successor. Reginald did
his best to make amends to her for the change in their
-grandfather’s manner; but she seemed rather pleased
than otherwise, having had no ambition to occupy the
exalted position to which she had been destined.
Perhaps she reflected that it might remove all objec-
tions the rajah would have entertained with regard to
bestowing her hand on her brother’s friend.
Soon after she had retired, the slave Bikoo, for
whom Reginald had sent, was brought, heavily chained,
into the presence of the rajah, who at once promised
him his life on condition that he would afford all the
information he possessed regarding the proceedings of
his late master Balkishen.
“You have described him certainly as a great
villain,’ observed the rajah, when the slave had
apparently finished his account; “ but is there nothing
else youcan add? I was already aware of most of the
circumstances you have told me.”
“J will confess to another crime, if I may be par-
doned for taking part in it; for consider, O Rajah!
in your benignity, that I am but a slave, and my
master compelled me to act the part I did,” answered
Bikoo, trembling all over.
NEWS OF THE CASKET. 277
“You have my promise, wretched slave, that no
punishment shall overtake you on account of any-
thing you may confess,” said the rajah. “Say on,
slave.”
Bikoo, recovering himself, continued,“ I managed
to steal into your highness’s treasury, from whence I
carried off a casket full of papers, of which my master
desired to possess himself.”
“What has become of them?” asked Reginald
eagerly. ;
“Remember that if you speak not the truth you
will immediately be put to death,” added the rajah.
~“O Refuge of the World, far be it from me to
deceive you,’ answered the slave. ‘The casket was
placed by my master, with other treasures, within the
tomb of the learned saint Danee Domanuck, in the
temple of the great god Doorga, before which the pious
priests of our faith, at morn, noonday, and eventide,
are wont to stand reciting the prayers and the wise -
sayings he composed ; but so absorbed are they in their
devotions that they will not discover who enters the
temple, and the casket may without difficulty be
recovered. If my pardon is granted, I will under-
take to carry it off from the spot in which I before
placed it.”
“ Pardon or no pardon, the casket must be brought
here before sunset,” exclaimed the rajah. ‘“ But what
assurance have I that you speak the truth, and will
278 PLAN TO RECOVER THE CASKET.
not endeavour to make your escape should I order
your chains to be knocked off, and allow you to go
free ?”
“Refuge of the World, I am incapable of such
treachery,” said Bikoo, putting his hand to his heart.
“With your highness’s leave, I will accompany the
slave,’ said Reginald. “If I assume my European
costume I shall not be recognized, and the priests
will suppose me a stranger led by curiosity to visit
their temple. If the slave speaks the truth, the casket
may then be obtained without difficulty; and as I
will go well armed, I will protect him should the
priests attempt to take it from him.” ye
“You may go, my son,” said the rajah; “but, as a
protection, take fifty of my guards and station them
outside the temple, with directions to be ready to rush
in at a signal from you, and to capture the priests,
should they attempt to stop you. That will bea -
shorter way of proceeding than the slave proposes ;
and those priests are all great rascals, to my certain
knowledge.” ,
Reginald had grave doubts whether, after all, the
slave was not deceiving him. He could scarcely
believe that the object for which he had been so long
in search was almost within his grasp. The rajah
urged him to return as soon as possible, and was
evidently unwilling to have him long out of his sight.
After giving orders to the chief officer of the guards
4
m.
IN THE TEMPLE. 279
to select a band of fifty trustworthy men, he changed
his Oriental costume for his seaman’s dress, taking care
to stick a brace of pistols and a dagger in his belt.
Then ordering Bikoo to accompany him, he set out for
the temple, which was in a remote part of the city.
Quaint and monstrous designs ornamented all parts
of the building. Leaving the guard outside, Reginald
passed under a low archway, when he found himself in
a hall, on each side of which he could distinguish,
through the dim obscurity, the hideous forms of the
presiding divinities of the temple.
“T see no priests or worshippers in the place,” he
whispered to Bikoo.
“The holy men are engaged in their devotions in
the lower hall, where the tomb of the saint is situated,”
answered Bikoo, leading the way.
Reginald followed, holding a pistol ready for use,
should his guide prove treacherous, or the priests
appear inclined to oppose his entrance. At the further
end of the upper hall was a flight of steps leading
downwards. The slave descended them, and Reginald
boldly made his way after him. His ear then caught
the sound of persons uttering prayers in low mono-
tonous tones; and on reaching the bottom of the steps
he saw, by the light of a lamp which burned on an
altar on one side of the vault, a number of strange-
looking beings. Some had long matted hair hanging
over their faces, and heavy iron hoops round their
280 THE PRIESTS AT THEIR DEVOTIONS.
necks ; most of them with garments scarcely sufficient
for decency. Some were standing upright, beating
their breasts ; others were kneeling or extending them-
selves flat on the ground, against which they were
striking their heads.
Before a tomb of richly-carved stone stood an aged
man, with a long white beard, but with scarcely more
clothing on him than his companions had. In his arms
he held a large open volume, and though he could
not, from the position in which he held it, have read
its pages, he was apparently repeating the contents.
Reginald doubted whether he was sufficiently absorbed
in his task not to observe him as he approached.
Bikoo glided noiselessly behind the tomb, while Regi-
nald stood ready to assist him, watching the counten-
ances of the degraded beings engaged in this strange
mode of worship. Most of them stood as motionless
as statues, with their eyes seemingly fixed on vacancy,
their lips only moving as they uttered their meaning-.
less prayers. For a moment it struck Reginald as a
clever trick of the slave to effect his escape. But at
length he saw him emerge from the darkness, carrying
something wrapped in a cloth, which he held close to
his side to prevent the priests from seeing it. He
hoped in another moment to have the long-wished-for
treasure in his hand, when the seemingly unconscious
beings before him dashed forward to seize Bikoo, who,
springing for protection to the young rajah, gave him
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THE PRIESTS AT THEIR DEVOTIONS.
THE HBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF IEHINGIS
REGINALD OBTAINS THE CASKET. 283
the casket. The priests on this turned on the white
stranger, whom they now apparently perceived for the
first time.
“Sacrilege! sacrilege!’ they cried out. ‘ You are
robbing us of our treasures. The curses of the gods
will fall on you.”
“My friends,’ exclaimed Reginald, presenting his
pistol, ‘stand back, and I will explain myself. This
casket belongs to me, and was stolen by one of your
fraternity, so that I am but recovering my own. If I
am rightly informed, a considerable amount of property
stolen from other persons les concealed in this vault.
My guards are without; and, summoned by me, they
will enter, and, taking possession of all the treasures
they can find, will deliver them to their proper owners.
If you refrain from interfering with my proceedings, I
will allow you to continue your devotions, and to
remain at present as guardians of the treasures con-
cealed in this place.”
The priests, considering that ‘“ discretion was the
better part of valour,” and seeing the bold bearing of
the young stranger, allowed him and Bikoo to mount
the steps; when, traversing the hall, they quickly
made their way into the open air, glad to escape from
the mephitic atmosphere of the vault and the fury of
the priests—who, as soon as they had recovered from
their astonishment, broke forth in loud cries and threats
of vengeance. They grew cooler, however, on discover-
284 RETURNS WITH HIS TREASURE.
ing the rajah’s troops at the entrance of the temple,
and hurried back to their devotions with the advice
they had received from the stranger strongly impressed
on their minds. Many a prayer was offered up that
Doorga would protect their ill-gotten wealth from the
grasp of the infidels.
Followed closely by his guards, Reginald, who had
a horse in waiting, rode back to the palace, carrying
the precious casket, which he was unwilling to trust
to other hands. On his arrival an officer met him at
the gate with a message from the rajah, who was anxi-
ously waiting his return. Reginald found him, to his
surprise, on foot, pacing slowly up and down a broad
verandah overlooking the city, to which he had caused
his divan to be carried, that he might enjoy the fresh
air.
“Have you been successful, my son?” exclaimed
the old man eagerly, as Reginald approached. “ Tell
me quickly ; for a dimness has come over my eyes,
and I feel a strange sinking of the heart, which fore-
bodes I know not what.”
Reginald exhibited the wished-for casket.
“It is the same, my son,” he exclaimed ; “ and con-
tains, I trust, the valuable documents your father com-
mitted to my care. Let me see them; I shall know
them at once.”
Reginald was about to try and open'the casket, when
he saw a peculiar expression pass over the countenance
DEATH OF THE RAJAH.
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY GF tELtNOls
THE RAJAH’S DEATH. 287
of the rajah, who staggered and sank back on the
divan near which he was standing. The old man
gazed at him with a look of affection, and tried to
speak ; but in vain. He drew his breath every instant
with more and more labour; and then came one more
sigh, and he seemed to be sleeping calmly. Reginald
threw himself by his side and took his hand. It failed
jo return his grasp. He gazed at the old man’s counte-
nance, unable to persuade himself that he was really
dead ; but he became aware of the fact by the loud
cries of the women, who, with fans in their hands, had
been in readiness to cool his fevered brow as he lay on
the couch.
“Oh, I wish that the English doctor had arrived
before,” thought Reginald. “He might have saved
his life.”
At that moment he was aroused by the voice of
Burnett, who, approaching, exclaimed,—
“T trust the rajah is not worse.’ Dr. Graham has
ridden hard to come to him.”
“YT have arrived too late,” said the doctor, as he
took the old man’s hand, and looked into his counte-
nance. “ But not too late to form an opinion of the
disease which has carried him off He has been
poisoned ; and a further examination will confirm what
I say.”
Reginald was horrified ; but the doctor asserted that
he was right.
288 POISONED.
“Let me advise your highness to be careful of what
food you partake and what beverages you drink. The
same hand which mixed the potion for your grand-
father may be ready to administer a similar one to
you,’ added the doctor.
CHAPTER IX.
REGINALD RAJAH OF ALLAHAPOOR—ARRIVAL OF CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD—VISIT
TO BUXSOO’S FAMILY—THE CAPTAIN TAKEN BY SURPRISE—A BANQUET—-
REGINALD ESCORTS NUNA TO THE RESIDENCY—- MEETING OF NUNA AND
VIOLET,
, I HE late rajah had been carried to the tomb of
r" &
Paice, his ancestors in state, and Reginald had been
duly installed as his successor amid the accla-
mations of the people. But remembering the
warning he had received, he was very far from enjoy-
ing his new position. Willingly would he have left
the country, and the Oriental magnificence in which
he lived, had he not felt that it was his duty to remain
and endeavour to ameliorate the condition of his sub-
jects.
Nuna had been much grieved at the loss of her
grandfather, and had hitherto been unwilling to appear
in public; though she could not help looking forward
with satisfaction to the greater liberty she would be
able to enjoy. Reginald had had a long conversation
with her about his friend Burnett; and she had con-
fessed that she would rather become his wife than that
(539) 19
290 NUNA CONFESSES HER LOVE.
of the most wealthy and powerful prince in the country.
So Reginald, knowing his friend’s sentiments, con-
sidered the matter settled.
He took an early opportunity of telling Burnett,
who thanked him heartily for having undertaken his
cause with the ranee.
“You will ever find me, I trust, my dear Reginald,
faithful and devoted to your interests,” he added.
“That I am very sure you will be,” said Reginald.
‘“ But, charming as my sister is, I suspect her education
is not quite up to what a young English lady’s should
be. We must get her better instructed in certain female
accomplishments. I contemplate asking Colonel Ross
to allow her to reside with his daughter in the canton-
ments, where she cannot fail to benefit by Violet’s
example, and such instruction as she is able to impart.
I wish that the colonel would get over his visit of
state, that I might return it, and have the opportunity
of seeing Violet, when I would broach the subject. It
is tantalizing to have her so near, and yet not to be
able to go and see her.”
Burnett thought Reginald’s plan a very good one,
and was sure that Nuna would be delighted with it.
So occupied had Reginald been since the death of
the rajah, that he had been unable to write to Colonel
Ross, who might possibly be still ignorant of who he
was. For the same reason he had not as yet written
to Violet. Managing at length to withdraw himself
REGINALD’S LETTERS. 291
for a short interval from the crowd of courtiers and
nobles who had arrived to pay their respects—of sup-
plants who came with petitions or complaints—and
of officers of various grades who waited to receive
orders—he had retired to the only room in which he
could enjoy that privacy which he so much required.
Near it was one occupied by Burnett ; and on the other
side was a chamber which he intended for the use of
any European guest who might visit the palace.
He quickly wrote the letter to Colonel Ross, telling
him of the wonderful change in his circumstances.
He assured him that he now possessed the documents
of which he had been in search, and which enabled
him to claim a handsome estate and title in England ;
and he expressed a hope that Colonel Ross would not
refuse to allow him to look forward to the possession
of his daughter’s hand. It was, it must be stated, a
very humble and moderate letter, considering the posi-
tion the writer enjoyed.
He then began one to Violet, giving a brief account
of all his adventures; assuring her that his love was
unaltered, that the splendour of his court had no
attractions for him, and that he would abandon it as
soon as he had performed his duty to the people by
placing them under the English Government, and _re-
turn with her to her native land. He had still much
more to say—indeed, he was not altogether satisfied
with what he had said—when an attendant entered
292 THE RECEPTION OF CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD,.
and informed him that an English officer had arrived
with despatches from the cantonments, and desired to
deliver them in person.
Reginald, with. somewhat of a sailor's carelessness,
left his papers on the table at which he had been
writing, with the casket and the precious document it
contained. Remembering that he ought to assume the
state and dignity in which his grandfather always
appeared in public, he habited himself in his rajah’s
costume, and, with the chief officers of his household,
entered the reception-hall ; at one end of which he took
his seat on a raised ottoman, which served as a throne,
his grim body-guard in full armour lining either side
of the hall, while the late rajah’s scimitar and shield
hung above his head. All being arranged, he directed
that the officer should be admitted.
On the curtain being drawn aside for the entrance
of his visitor, Reginald’s eyes fell on Captain Hawkes-
ford, who was advancing towards him. He kept his
countenance, wondering whether he should be recog-
nized ; but it was evident from the captain’s manner
that he did not suspect into whose presence he had
been admitted. Speaking Hindoostanee with tolerable
fluency, he did not require an interpreter ; and having
gone through the usual ceremony, he delivered his dis-
patches, which Reginald eagerly read. The captain then
gave a verbal message he had been directed to deliver.
It was to the effect that the resident hoped to be allowed,
Gouri,
“Ta
THE YOUNG RAJAH AND CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD.
THE CAPTAIN MAKES A MISTAKE. 295
in the course of a day or two, to pay his respects to
his: highness, to congratulate him on his accession to
the dignity of Rajah of Allahapoor, and to express his
sympathy at the loss he had sustained by the death of
his father, of which he had only just heard. The
resident had been led to suppose that the ranee would
have succeeded ; and he was rejoiced at the thought
that the government of the country was in the hands
of one who, he doubted not, would be well able to
rule the people, while he begged to assure him of the
cordial support of the British Government.
Reginald—who had his reasons for not wishing Cap-
tain Hawkesford to discover who he was—naturally
fearing that his pronunciation might betray him,
answered with due caution, and kept his eyes fixed
on the captain’s countenance. The result of his scrutiny
convinced him that his guest was still under the im-
pression that he was in the presence of a native prince.
He was still further assured of this when Captain
Hawkesford asked if his highness could inform him
what had become of the young Englishman who was
said to have been at the court of the rajah, and to
have accompanied him in his disastrous expedition
against the hill tribes. It was his duty, he observed,
to warn his highness against that young man, whose
objects were open to suspicion ; for although he was
accompanied by an English officer, he had come up the
country without any authority from the Government at
296 AN UNFLATTERING DESCRIPTION.
Calcutta. It was considered more than probable that
he was a Russian spy, whose aim was to create a dis-
turbance, and either to set the people against their
rulers, or, by instigating the rulers to conspire against
the English, to allow the easy access of a Russian army
into the country.
‘‘Does the British resident send this as a message
‘to me?” asked Reginald, restraining his indignation.
‘“‘T was not directed to deliver it,” answered Captain
Hawkesford,; “ but I considered that it would be advis-
able to warn “your highness,—and I mentioned the
subject merely, as it were, in the course of conversa-
tion.”
“T will follow your advice, and watch the proceed-
ings of the young man—who is, I have every reason to
believe, still in the city,’ answered Reginald. . ‘““The
late rajah held him in high esteem, and from what I
know of him I should not have supposed that he was
a Russian spy, or a person likely to be engaged in
plots against the English Government.”
“Your highness should be aware that conspirators
find it necessary to assume all sorts of characters and
disguises, and that, plausible as the person in question
may have appeared, he is not the less likely to be an
arrant rogue.”
‘We will suppose him, then, to be a rogue, till he
has been proved to be an honest man, and narrowly
watch his proceedings,” said Reginald in a tone which
A VISIT TO DHUNNA SINGH. 297
made Captain Hawkesford start, and look earnestly at
Reginald. The latter, however, kept his countenance,
and after some further conversation directed that the
English officer should be conducted to the guest-room,
where he might rest till the time appointed for a ban-
quet, at which several nobles, as well as Captain
Burnett, were to be present.
Reginald, after having received a few petitions, and
transacted some other public business, retired to his
room, where he threw off his robes of state, and
assumed his light seaman’s dress, which he infinitely
preferred to wear. He had an object, however, on
this occasion, in doing so. He wished to visit his
Christian friend Dhunna Singh privately, whose sons,
including Buxsoo, were busily employed in gaining
information for him; for he was well aware that he
could not trust any of his nobles, or any other person
about the court. There might be honest men among
them, but he had as yet been unable to discover them.
The intelligence he had received from Dhunna Singh
was unsatisfactory. There could be no doubt that the
plot of which he had before heard for his destruction,
and for the overthrow of the British rule, was fast
ripening, and he could not but regret that the old
rajah had petitioned for the English forces,—which,
though they might, under ordinary circumstances,
have materially assisted in keeping his own subjects
in check, were utterly inadequate for the purpose should
298 AN INTRUDER DISCOVERED.
the whole country rise in arms, as he was led to fear
would be the case. He resolved, in consequence of
the information he had lately received, to send Captain
Hawkesford back with a despatch to Colonel Ross,
warning him of the danger, and urging him to be on
his guard,
After waiting for some time to see Buxsoo, who
had been out in the city picking up fresh information,
Reginald returned to the palace accompanied by Faith-
ful, who usually attended him when he went out with-
out a guard. Entering by the rear of the palace, he
made his way, as was his custom, up the back steps
to his private room. A curtain hung before the door-
way, and what was his astonishment and indignation,
on drawing it slightly aside, to see Captain Hawkes-
ford seated at the table, pen in hand, and busily em-
ployed in making notes from the documents which he
had taken out of the casket! He hesitated for some
moments as to how he should act towards the captain.
He could, however, scarcely restrain his anger when
he saw him, after reading the despatch to Colonel
Ross, deliberately glance his eye over the letter to
Violet. Boiling with rage, he drew from his belt a
revolver, without which he never went abroad, and
silently walked up to the table, which he reached
without being perceived by the intruder. Faithful,
entering at his heels, sprang forward and raised her
head above the table, on which she placed one of her
Mn fy
—Yffy
S
uu Ss)
IN AN UNPLEASANT POSITION.
THE CAPTAIN
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY BF TELINGIS
THE CAPTAIN SUES FOR PARDON, 301
huge paws, directly facing the captain, who threw him-
self back in his chair with a look of horror and despair
in his countenance.
“What treatment do you expect from the man
whom you have maligned, whose private letters you
have, contrary to all the laws of honour, ventured to
peruse?” exclaimed Reginald. ‘I am not going to
imbrue my hands in your blood ; but this tigress would,
at a word from me, tear you limb from limb. You
have broken through all the laws of hospitality, and
in consequence of my carelessness obtained a secret
with which I wished no one to be acquainted till the
proper time arrived for making it known.”
?
“ {—-[—-[—I_ humbly beg your pardon,” exclaimed
the captain, his voice trembling with terror. “I had
no idea that you and the young rajah of Allahapoor
were one and the same person. When I spoke as I
did, I merely repeated the reports I had heard. I
entreat you to forgive me, and I faithfully promise to
keep your secret.”
“TI have no choice but to trust you,’ answered
Reginald sternly. ‘“ You see that your father, who
would have deprived me of my property and title, has
no prospect of success if I live and can produce these
documents. What you would have done with them
had I not opportunely arrived, I cannov prevend to say.
But I am not anxious for further conversation. Retire,
sir, to your room. It is my desire that you appear at
302 THE INTRUDER RETREATS.
the public banquet as if nothing had happened, and
after that return as soon as you can to the canton-
ments with the despatches which I will deliver to you
for Colonel Ross. The private letter you have had the
audacity to read, I will send by another messenger.
And now, sir, I say again, go, and meditate on what
has happened. That I have spared your hfe, may
induce you to act with some degree of gratitude.”
Hawkesford, obeying the order he had received, rose
from his seat. A loud growl uttered by the tigress
made him spring rapidly towards the door. She
would probably have followed and caught him, had she
not been restrained by the voice of her master.
Reginald having closed the door behind the retreat-
ing officer, sat down, and thought over the position of
affairs and the numerous important matters which
pressed on his mind. That he was surrounded by
dangers of all sorts, he felt convinced. He knew full
well that he had traitors within the walls of his palace ;
and that his subjects, who had lately received him
with shouts of exuberant joy, might at any moment
turn again and shout loudly for his destruction ;. while
his troops could not be depended on. He had his
stanch friend Burnett by his side, and he could rely
on Dhunna Singh and his sons; while Faithful, he felt
sure, would defend him with her life. He was not,
however, so much concerned about his own personal
safety as he was for that of Nuna; and as every sup-
>.
=>.
=.
FIRST STATE BANQUET. 303
porter was of consequence, he could not help wishing
for the return of Dick Thuddichum.
So absorbed was he in his thoughts that he did not
calculate how the time went by, and he was still
sitting at his desk when an attendant appeared to
announce that the banquet was prepared. Not for-
getting this time to lock up his documents, and to
stow away the casket in a place of safety, he hastily
donned his Oriental costume, and entered the grand
hall, where the guests were already assembled, with as
serene a countenance as he could command. Taking
the seat hitherto occupied by the old rajah, he sum-
moned Burnett to a place by his side; requesting
Captain Hawkesford, who stood with a somewhat down-
cast look, to take one on the other hand; the nobles
and other guests dropping into their places according
to their rank, leaving one side of the table, as was
usual, unoccupied. Reginald had left the whole
arrangements to the “ master of the ceremonies,” having
forgotten to express any wish on the subject; the cus-
toms which had been in vogue during the old rajah’s
time were consequently adhered to.
As soon as the more substantial part of the feast
had been concluded, a band of dancing- girls and
musicians made their appearance; followed by a puppet-
show, which might have afforded amusement to a
party of children, but which to Reginald’s taste ap-
peared absurd in the extreme. He felt far more dis-
304 REFORMS RESOLVED ON.
gusted with the performances of the nautch-girls, and
he resolved to prohibit their introduction in future.
He expressed his intention to Burnett.
“T agree with you,” was the answer; “but I am
afraid that your plans, if carried out, will make you
unpopular with your courtiers.”
“T would rather be unpopular than sanction so bar-
barous a custom.”
“There are not a few barbarous customs which you
will have to get rid of before you will be satisfied,”
said Burnett.
“No English lady would like to see her sex so
degraded by being compelled to exhibit themselves as
these poor girls are,” said Reginald, thinking of Violet.
“J suspect that the performances at an English
opera-house can scarcely claim a higher position than
the exhibitions of these nautch-girls,” observed Burnett.
“T never went to an opera in England, but I should
not have supposed that a scene like this would have
’
been tolerated in a civilized country,” said Reginald.
“Your highness is very particular,’ observed Cap-
tain Hawkesford with a scarcely suppressed sneer.
“No man can be too particular in doing what is
right,” said Reginald, turning away from his guest, to
whom he had hitherto paid just as much attention as
etiquette required.
He was glad, however, when the banquet came to
a conclusion; when, issuing an order that Captain
ARRIVAL OF COLONEL ROSS. 805
Hawkesford’s escort should be in readiness to start,
he, with studied formality, wished him good-bye ;
and telling Burnett that he desired his company, he
retired to his private apartment.
Burnett in a short time made his appearance.
“T cannot stand this sort of thing much longer,”
Reginald exclaimed, as he paced up and down the
room. “I will try to carry out the necessary re-
forms, and I will then beg the British Government to
take possession of the country, and to preserve order
as best they can. JI am sure Violet will never be
happy here ; and I intend proposing a return to Eng-
Jand as soon as her father will consent to our marriage.”
“There is not much probability that the colonel
will refuse his permission,’ observed Burnett, laughing ;
“and I trust that you will allow me, at the same time,
to become the husband of your sister.”
The next day, Colonel Ross arrived to pay his state
visit. Reginald received him with a full display of
Oriental magnificence. As soon as etiquette would
allow, he begged his presence in his private apart-
ments, where, having briefly narrated his adventures,
he gave an account of his birth and prospects. He
declared that his sole ambition was to become the
husband of. Violet, and to devote himself to the de-
lightful task of making her happy.
“You have hitherto known me only as Reginald
Hamerton, and such I might have remained had I
(539) 20
806 SATISFACTORY EXPLANATIONS,
not visited Allahapoor, where, in an unexpected
manner, I was acknowledged by the rajah as the son
of his daughter, and by his means succeeded in ob-
taining possession of certain documents which I had
been charged by my father if possible to obtain.
Some were title-deeds of large estates in England :
the most important, however, being the marriage
certificate of my father and mother; the existence of
which was denied by those who disputed my claim
to the title of Lord Hamerton and the possession of
the estates.”
Colonel Ross, as Burnett had shrewdly suspected,
did not hesitate to afford Reginald his hearty sanc-
tion to his marriage with his daughter. “ Indeed,”
he added, “ after having discovered that my daughter's
heart was truly yours, I had determined to waive any
objections I entertained, should I, on further in-
quiries, have found you as worthy of her as she be-
lieved you to be.”
Reginald was warm in his expressions of gratitude.
He felt infinitely happier than he had been for many
along day. Indeed, all the difficulties with which he
was surrounded appeared to have vanished. Colonel
Ross willingly agreed to his proposal that Nuna should
take up her residence in the cantonments with Violet,
and it was arranged that Reginald should escort his
sister there the following day. The colonel was re-
siding in a bungalow which had been repaired for his
NUNA VISITS VIOLET. 307
reception, and which would afford sufficient accommo-
dation for Nuna and the few attendants she wished to
accompany her. Reginald would gladly have set off
with the colonel, but he was unwilling to leave Nuna
in the palace alone; he was compelled, therefore, to
restrain his impatience until the following day.
He wisely kept his plan a secret; and when the
richly-caparisoned elephants, escorted by a body of
horse, were seen moving through the city, it was sup-
posed that the ranee was simply going to pay a visit
of state to the daughter of the English resident.
Reginald rode on horseback, with Burnett by his
side, and attended by a party of his trusty guards; and
he arrived some time before his sister. It need not
be said that he was fully satisfied with the way in
which Violet received him. When Nuna arrived and
dismounted from her elephant, Violet was also ready
to give her an affectionate greeting.
As Violet led her to a seat, Nuna gazed round the
neat and nicely furnished room. ‘“‘ Oh, this is what
I shall enjoy far more than the gorgeous magnificence
of a palace, with the pomp and ceremony I have had
to undergo,” she exclaimed. ‘ You must teach me
English ways and manners, for I want to become quite
an English girl, like you.”
Violet promised to do her best; and she and Nuna,
greatly to Reginald’s satisfaction, were soon as inti-
mate as if they had been acquainted all their lives.
CHAPTER X.
CHUPATTIFS—UNSATISFACTORY INTELLIGENCE—REGINALD, ON HIS WAY TO TOE
RESIDENCY, HEARS THE SOUND OF FIRING—A MUTINY IN THK CANTONMENTS
—COLONEL ROSS AND HIS PARTY RESCUED—ESCAPE TO A VILLAGE AMONG
THE HILLS—THE CAMP FORTIFIED—CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD’S ENMITY CON-
TINUES—REAPPEARANCE OF FAITHFUL—IMPORTANT INTELLIGENCE BROUGHT
BY HER—PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE.
—
5 FAYOR several weeks matters went on quietly at
AW? Allahapoor. Aided by Burnett, Reginald was
uN ’
able to carry out many of his projected re-
forms, though not without opposition from
some of the chief men, and often from those
ho were likely to benefit by them. The indefati-
gable Buxsoo brought him information of what was
going on beneath the seemingly quiet surface of
society. It was far from satisfactory. He reported
that persons were moving from district to district, dis-
tributing “ chupatties,’—-sacred cakes, which answered
the purpose of the “fiery cross” of Scotland. With
amazing rapidity these cakes were passed over the
length and breadth of the land. It was supposed that
they came originally from Barrackpore. The watch-
man of one village gave the watchman of the next vil-
CIRCULATION OF CHUPATTIES. 809
lage two cakes, with an injunction to make six fresh
ones, and retaining two, to pass the others on in the
same way. What the object of the cakes was, most of
those who received them were in ignorance; but they
fully understood that some matter of importance was
to be carried out, and they were bound to obey the
orders they might receive from the centre of opera-
tions. Reginald charged Buxsoo to ascertain, if
possible, the secret object of this distribution of the
chupatties. That they meant mischief of some sort or
other, there could be no doubt.
Burnett, in the meantime, improved the discipline
of his horsemen, and endeavoured to ingratiate him-
self with them. Reginald also increased the number
of his guards, selecting those men most likely to prove
faithful. Wuzeer Singh had by this time recovered
from his wounds, and had resumed his duties. Regi-
nald offered to promote him; but he begged to remain
in the ranks, assuring his master that he could there
render better service than he could were he made an
officer.
Reginald and Burnett, as may be supposed, paid
frequent visits to the cantonments; and they were
eagerly looking forward to the arrival of a chaplain,
who would unite them to the ladies to whom they
were engaged. Reginald, of course, kept Colonel Ross
fully informed of all the intelligence he obtained.
The colonel, however, was convinced that the British
310 SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES.
rule was so firmly established in India that nothing
could shake it; that whatever the meaning of the
chupatties might be, they could not possibly be in-
tended to instigate the people to rebellion. His own
regiment, he declared, was stanch to the backbone,
and nothing would make them swerve from their duty.
Burnett said the same of his cavalry; and declared
that to a man they were ready to follow him to the
death. Reginald, however, was not convinced; and
the very next day Buxsoo brought him intelligence
which confirmed his suspicions, The sepoy regiments
in the British service had lately been armed with
Enfield rifles, and a report had been spread that the
cartridges to be used in them-—and the ends of which
had to be bitten off—had been greased with the fat of
pigs and bullocks. This was done, it was said, that
every Hindoo soldier might thus become unclean and
lose caste, and have no other resource but to turn
Christian ; the British Government having determined,
it was affirmed, to compel all its subjects to embrace
Christianity. |
“Very miserable Christians they would be, if such
were the case,” observed Buxsoo; “but my poor
Hindoo countrymen, brought up in gross ignorance,
are ready to believe the most childish reports.”
Information arrived, some few days after this, that
at Lucknow and other places the sepoy troops had
mutinied, but that the mutiny had been put down by
DISORGANIZED STATE OF THE COUNTRY. 311
a strong hand, and it was believed that order had been
restored. Day after day, however, unsatisfactory in-
telligence came in from all quarters; and even in the
British provinces bands of the marauders suddenly
sprang up, and commenced plundering and burning
villages. Burnett was accordingly directed to scour
the country round Allahapoor, in order to put a stop
to such proceedings.
Buxsoo having informed Reginald that the Moham-
medan part of the population were about to rise and
create a riot, the result of which might probably be the
plundering and burning of the city, he immediately
summoned the most influential Mohammedan nobles
and others to meet him in council. They arrived
fully armed, many of them assuming a bold and
insolent air, and evidently ready to dispute his
authority. As soon as they were seated, he addressed
them in gracious tones; reminding them that he had
not sought the position he now held, and that his sole
aim since assuming the reins of government had been
to promote the welfare of all classes, and to advance
the happiness and prosperity of the country. While
he was speaking, he observed Wuzeer Singh glide in
and place himself, with a revolver in each hand, behind
his chair of state, but so excited were the persons
assembled that his entrance was not remarked.
Reginald continued his address, inviting one after an-
other to speak in return. His determined demeanour
312 MUTINY BREAKS OUT.
had its due effect, and he managed to keep the atten-
tion of his assembly till the day was nearly ended, and
the time fixed upon for the outbreak had passed.
The following morning, at an early hour, Reginald,
full of anxiety as to what might next occur, rode out
to the cantonments, accompanied by a few of his
officers and a small company of his guards—some being
on horseback, but most of them on foot. He had ex-
pected the return of Burnett with his cavalry that
very morning, but he had not yet appeared. As
Reginald approached the cantonments, he was startled
by the sound of continued and rapid firing. Ordering
the foot-guards to follow as fast as they could, he
dashed forward with his horsemen, among whom was
Wuzeer Singh, towards the scene of action. He saw
clouds of smoke and flames ascending in several places,
evidently from buildings on fire; while the sound of
musketry, though more desultory than at first, was
still heard. He urged on his horse to its utmost
speed, feeling painfully anxious for the safety of
Colonel Ross and those dear to him; and in another
minute he beheld a spectacle which filled him with
dismay and alarm. A small body of English troops
who had their quarters in the part of the cantonments
nearest the city, had, it was evident, been attacked,
and after bravely defending themselves, had been cut
down or put to flight; for he now met several men
endeavouring to make their escape from an overwhelm-
iL,
A GUARD SURPRISED.
.
.
OUTBREAK OF THE MUTINY
THE LIBRARY
OF IE
UNIVERSITY OF IEEINGIS
OFFICERS MURDERED. 315
ing body of cavalry, who were savagely sabring all who
attempted to withstand them, while numbers lay on
the ground, brought down by the bullets of their foes.
As he called on them to rally, they obeyed him, think-
ing that they were about to be supported, and presented
a bold face to the advance of the horsemen. The latter
on this—observing, as they must have done, Reginald’s
guards rapidly advancing to meet them—wheeled round
and galloped off to a distance. He, to his dismay, re-
marked that the horsemen had the appearance of Bur-
nett’s troopers, and he could not help dreading that
the men had mutinied. and murdered their com-
mander. He asked Wuzeer: Singh his opinion. ‘It
?
is too likely to be the:case,” was the answer. ‘“‘ Cap-
tain Burnett placed more confidence in them than they
deserved ; for though some were faithful, there were
many traitors among them.”
Reginald’s chief anxiety at present, however, was
about the safety of Violet and Nuna, and the other
ladies, as well as that of Colonel Ross and the officers
under him. He learned from a British soldier that the
sepoy regiment had mutinied, and having killed several
of their officers who had remained with them and
attempted to bring them back to their duty, had
marched off with their arms, after setting fire to
several bungalows; that the Europeans had been sur-
_ prised when on the point of pursuing them by the
rebel cavalry, who had dashed suddenly into the
316 VIOLET AND NUNA IN DANGER.
cantonments, cutting off all connection with their
officers and any of the natives who might have
remained faithful. Having for some time gallantly
defended themselves, they had been compelled to
retreat, and would undoubtedly have been destroyed
had it not been for the arrival of Reginald and his
party.
No one could inform him whether the house
occupied by Colonel Ross had been attacked ; there-
fore, anxious to ascertain the truth, he ordered his
men to advance. He was about to push forward with
his small body of horsemen, when Wuzeer Singh
pointed out the rebel cavalry in considerable force in
the distance, ready to pounce down upon him. He
had therefore to restrain his eagerness, in order to allow
his guards on foot to come up with him. At length
he came in sight of the building which contained those
so dear to him; and on seeing how totally unfitted it
was to offer any effectual resistance, he trusted that
the mutineers had not attempted to attack it. He
hastened on, his heart beating with anxiety. As he
and his party were seen from the windows, Colonel
Ross, and several officers who had taken refuge
there, came out to meet him. They greeted him
warmly, and expressed their thankfulness that he had
come so opportunely to their rescue, as every minute
they were expecting to be attacked by the rebels;
while they were convinced that they had but little
MUTINY OF THE CAVALRY. 317
chance of successfully defending the house. When
they first saw the rebel cavalry, they supposed that
they were coming to their assistance; but this hope
vanished when they saw the horsemen dashing forward
towards that part of the cantonments where the com-
pany of British soldiers was quartered. Their fear
was that the latter would be surprised before they could
have time to make any preparations for defence. Their
hopes had risen and fallen as the sound of musketry
continued ; but they at length began to fear, when
the firing ceased, that the party had been cut to pieces.
Their satisfaction therefore was great, when they found
so considerable a number of English soldiers with Regi-
nald. But even counting the force he had brought
with him, they could not hope to defend the residency
should any regular attack be made by the rebels, who
had carried off several guns, which many of them were
well able to serve.
“Your only resource then, Colonel Ross, is to allow
me to escort you to the city; within the walls of
which you and your party will, I trust, find protec-
tion,” said Reginald.
Colonel Ross, after a short consultation with his
officers, accepted the offer, and preparations were at
once made for moving. Reginald enjoyed a few
minutes’ conversation with Violet and Nuna. The
latter, poor girl, was in a state of great anxiety at not
hearing from Captain Burnett. The horsemen had
318 RETREAT FROM THE CANTONMENTS.
been recognized from the residency as belonging to
his regiment, and fears had been expressed in her
presence that he had fallen. Violet did her best to
console her, by suggesting that they had been detached
for some separate duty, when they might have been
tempted to join the mutineers; or perhaps that they
had deserted while encamped, without injuring him or
those who remained faithful to their colours.
Some elephants had been procured to carry the
ladies and the articles of chief value; and most of the
officers had their horses, though some had been carried
off by the rebels. Scouts had been sent out in all
directions to ascertain the movements of the mutineers ;
and two of them now came back with the intelligence
that the men of the sepoy regiment having been joined
by another which had marched across the border, as
well as by the cavalry and native gunners with their
guns, they were advancing on the cantonments. No
time, therefore, was to be lost. The ladies, including
Mrs. Molony, were immediately placed on the elephants
—two of which animals were also employed in dragging
the remaining field-guns; the baggage was secured, and
the order to advance was given.
Just at that moment a sowar was seen rapidly
coming up from the direction of the city ; whom, as he
approached, Reginald recognized as his faithful ally,
Buxsoo.
“Alas, O Rajah! alas!” he exclaimed, “I bring
REVOLT IN THE CITY. 319
sad tidings. Scarcely had you left the gates of the
city when a tumult arose, and the houses of many per-
sons supposed to be favourable to you were attacked.
Several people were killed, and others narrowly
escaped with their lives. The whole population are
up in arms. Loud cries are raised against the Eng-
lish and those who support them. ‘Down with the
foreign rajah!’ is the cry of every one; while they
swear that should you return they will destroy you
and all your friends. The armed men broke into the
prison, and liberated all the prisoners. Among these
were Khan Cochtit and the slave Bikoo, who did their
utmost to increase the tumult. The khan declared
that the old rajah had made him his successor; and he
began to address the people, promising them freedom
from all taxes, and universal liberty. A considerable
number sided with him, and he was marching in
triumph to take possession of the palace, when a
strong party of chiefs and others who knew he spoke
falsely attacked him, whereupon his followers were put
to flight, and he himself cut to pieces. Seeing how
things were going on, and fearing that you might return
unprepared, I disguised myself as you see me, and
galloped off to bring you the intelligence.”
After Reginald had held a consultation with Colonel
Ross, it was agreed that any attempt to enter the city
would be madness; while it would be impossible to
defend themselves in the residency, or in any part of
320 THE MARCH TO THE HILLS.
the cantonments. The colonel inquired whether there
was not some strong building in the neighbourhood, of
which they might take possession and fortify it ; where,
if provisions could be obtained, they might hold out
till relieved by a British force.
“There are several towards the south,’ replied
Buxsoo ; “but the rebels swarm in that direction, the
whole population being up in arms.”
There was, however, a hilly district a few miles to
the north, he said, inhabited by a tribe who were
neither Mohammedans nor Hindoos, and to whom con-
sequently the chupatties had not been. sent. They
had always remained faithful to the rajah of Allaha-
poor, and would certainly receive the young rajah with
open arms. If they could reach that district, they
would there be able to throw up fortifications, and
defend themselves for any length of time against such
a force as the enemy were likely to assemble in that
quarter.
The plan proposed was their only alternative, and
Colonel Ross at once agreed to it.
Guided by Buxsoo, the party immediately directed
their course northward. Burnett's insurgent cavalry
had disappeared, and none of the mutinous sepoys
were in sight, so they advanced as rapidly as the slow-
stepping elephants could move. The native troops
Were in the van, the few horsemen on either flank,
while the British brought up the rear. They were
FEARS FOR THE CASKET. 321
thus prepared, as well as circumstances would allow,
for any attack which might be made upon them. They
were not, however, unobserved. The officers, through
their field-glasses, made out in the far distance a
number of armed men on foot, evidently watching
their movements; and directly afterwards these were
joined by a body of horse, which advanced much
nearer. Colonel Ross on this immediately called a
halt, and ordered the guns to be prepared for action ;
while Reginald, drawing up his small body of cavalry,
made ready to charge directly the guns had delivered
their fire. The bold front thus shown by the little
party awed the mutineers, however, who wheeled round
and galloped off to a safe distance. So again the
party advanced, and made such progress that before
evening the hills they hoped to reach appeared in sight.
Buxsoo now dashed forward to prepare the natives
for the arrival of the young rajah. He went with
every hope of success, but Reginald had his doubts
on the subject; indeed, he had seldom before felt so
cast down. He had contemplated giving up his
government with becoming dignity, amid the tears and
regrets of a faithful people; but now he found himself
suddenly discarded by those he was so anxious to
serve. He recollected too that he had left the precious
documents which, after so much labour, he had suc-
ceeded in obtaining in the rebel city. Should the
palace be burned, as was but too likely to be the case,
639, 21
322 WELCOMED BY THE MOUNTAINEERS.
they would be irretrievably lost. All his bright hopes
might thus vanish; for although Colonel Ross would be
convinced that they had existed, and would not sup-
pose that he had deceived him, yet, after all, he might
be unable without them to prove his claim to his title
and estates, and would be reduced again to the position
of a needy adventurer. Thus the colonel might be
unwilling to trust his daughter's happiness to his keep-
ing. Inclined to look at everything from a gloomy
point of view, then, he was prepared for a cold, if not
for a hostile, reception from the villagers.
He was anxious too, though certainly in a much
less degree, about Faithful. He had left the tigress
shut up in her usual abode in the palace, under charge
of her keeper; but the man might be killed, or he
might neglect her, and she would be starved to death ;
or should the rebels break into the palace, they would
undoubtedly kill her. He had therefore little hope of
again seeing his favourite.
The day was now drawing to a close, and Buxsoo
had not returned. Perhaps the people had fled; and
if so, they must just pitch their camp in the strongest
position to be found, and make such preparations for
defence as time would allow. His spirits, however,
revived when he saw a large concourse of some-
what savage-looking fellows come rushing forward,
with Buxsoo at their head. As soon as they caught
sight of the young rajah, they began leaping, and shout-
THE CAMP FORTIFIED. 323
ing, and firing off their matchlocks; and as he rode up
to them they uttered their hearty welcomes, kissing
his hands, and exhibiting every mark of affection. As
no time was to be lost, at his desire they led the way
back to their village; near which Colonel Ross, with a
soldier's eye, quickly selected a spot for the encamp-
ment. By throwing up entrenchments round it, he
considered that they might fortify themselves sufhi-
ciently to offer an effectual resistance to an enemy.
It contained also a spring of water, an important con-
sideration. The villagers, besides, were charged to
collect all the provisions possible from far and near for
the use of the garrison.
Colonel Ross and his officers, before lying down,
designed a plan of the fortifications, which Buxsoo and
Wuzeer Singh undertook, with the aid of the natives,
to commence immediately. The latter showed them-
selves willing labourers, and immediately assembled with
their muskets slung over their shoulders and pickaxes
in their belts. All night long they were heard work-
ing away, one party relieving the other; Colonel Ross
and his officers taking it in turns to superintend them.
Before daylight the two guns were in position, and con-
siderable progress had been made in the work. While
some of the villagers were labouring on the entrench-
ments, others were employed in collecting provisions;
and thus the hopes of the party that they should be
able to make an effectual resistance rose considerably.
324 PREPARATIONS FOR DEFENCE.
Major Molony oad Captain Hawkesford now under-
took to drill a number of the people, who would, it was
believed, make very efficient soldiers, although their
firearms were mostly of a wretched description. Colonel
Ross and Reginald, however, were both excessively
anxious, as they knew—what others did not—that they
had but a limited amount of ammunition, and should
they be subjected to a prolonged attack the whole
might be exhausted; and the powder possessed by the
natives was of too coarse a description to be employed
in their firearms.
Still no tidings had come of Burnett, and Reginald’s
fears for his friend’s safety increased. The fate of the
casket, too, was continually in his mind. He blamed
himself for not having either sent it to Colonel Ross for
safe keeping, or despatched it by a trusty messenger to
Calcutta. But the risk of the latter proceeding was, he
had considered, too great in the present disturbed state
of the country. Had it been left with Colonel Ross,
he would now have had it. He told Violet of his
anxiety, and she endeavoured to console him with the
hope that the papers might escape destruction.
“Tf they are lost, my dear Reginald, and you are
deprived of your rightful inheritance, it will be my
pride and joy to try and make amends to you for
your loss of fortune; and I am very sure that my father
would not retract his promise under any circumstances
which may occur.” What lover could desire more ?
y
FORTIFYING THE CAMP.
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
QNIVERSITY BF IEkiNGIs
THE MUTINY SPREADS. 327
Reginald—as well as every man in the camp—being
fully employed during the day, he had but few oppor-
tunities of seeing Violet. She, on her part, had the
task of endeavouring to comfort poor Nuna, who was
almost in despair about Burnett.
Reginald endeavoured to obtain information of what
was going forward by means of sending out scouts in all
directions. The intelligence they brought back was
more and more alarming. Every day the news was
that the sepoys had risen in fresh directions. Fearful
massacres had taken place at Cawnpore, Delhi, and
numerous other cities. -A.small body of Europeans was
closely beset at Lucknow:; and the generally expressed
opinion was that British rulein India was for ever at
an end.
“The natives have yet to learn of what stuff the
English are made,” observed Colonel Ross. ‘‘ When
the European regiments advance to the rescue, they
will form a different opinion.”
His calm temper and the good spirits he maintained
encouraged his countrymen, and contributed much
towards inducing the natives to remain faithful. At
present they had but little fear of being attacked, as
the scouts reported that the larger number of the
rebels either occupied Delhi, or were concentrating
round Cawnpore and Lucknow. Still there were
sufficient numbers in other places to prove formidable,
should they design to attack the fort. .
828 THE PALACE BURNED.
In the meantime, all was not peace within the small
circle of their community. Reginald had told no one of
Captain Hawkesford’s conduct, but that officer scarcely
attempted to conceal his hatred of him, and took every
opportunity of making unpleasant remarks, especially
in the presence of Violet and Colonel Ross,—though
they were of such a character that Reginald could not
well notice them. He knew Violet’s opinion of Captain
Hawkesford, however; and he believed that her father
did not hold him in much higher estimation.
The fact was that Captain Hawkesford felt almost
confident that Reginald had left the casket, with its
valuable contents, behind at Allahapoor ; and he calcu-
lated, not without reason, that they would never be
recovered. He scarcely concealed his satisfaction,
therefore, when intelligence was brought that the palace,
after being ransacked by the populace, had been com-
pletely burned to the ground. Reginald heard the
news with a quivering lip, though he endeavoured to
hide his feelings.
“Tt is as I feared,” he said to Violet. “ My only
hope now is that I may have an opportunity of win-
ning fame and fortune by my sword; and for your
sake I will strive to do so, or perish in the attempt.
For myself, I confess that, after the brief experience I
have had of the little satisfaction wealth and splend-
our can afford, I would rather live in a quiet home in
England, devoting myself to doing all the good in my
VIOLET COMFORTS REGINALD. 329
power to my humbler neighbours, than be compelled
again to play the part of an Oriental ruler.”
“ Believe me, Reginald, I would far rather share
that humble home with you than become the bride of
the most wealthy noble in the land,” said Violet,
gazing affectionately at him.
What more could Reginald wish ?
“J trust, dearest, that our wishes may be accom-
plished, and that it may be the will of Heaven that we
shall return in safety to Old England,” he replied.
The thought of poor Faithful came into Reginald’s
mind, That unfortunate animal, confined in her den,
must have perished miserably in the flames. He truly
grieved less for the loss of all his treasures than he did
for his strange pet—so gentle with him in spite of
her savage nature, so attached, and who had rendered
him such essential service. ‘Her sad fate will
go well-nigh to break honest Dick’s tender heart,
when he hears of it,’ he said to himself. ‘I wish,
too, that I had Dick back. I fear, however, that he
will find great difficulty in getting up the country ; and
I almost hope that he will not make the attempt.”
Captain Hawkesford after this became still more
overbearing, and almost insulting in his conduct, yet
he so far kept within bounds that Reginald could not,
even had he wished it, under the circumstances in
which they were placed, have found a valid reason for
quarrelling with him.
330 THE RETURN OF FAITHFUL.
Though Reginald, of necessity, assumed the character
of a chief among the natives, he did duty with the
English officers, —visiting the outposts and sentries
whenever his turn came. The strictest watch was
kept, for their position was well known at Allahapoor,
and it was more than probable that an expedition
from that city would set out to attack them.
Reginald was one night going his rounds, the moon
shining brightly, when he approached one of the English
sentries at an outpost. He stopped for a moment to
observe the soldier-like appearance of the man, who
stood, musket in hand, silent and rigid as a statue.
He was about to speak, when his eye fell on a crouch-
ing form stealing along amid the tall grass, which com-
pletely concealed it from the soldier. It was a tiger ;
and the creature seemed about to spring on the sentinel,
Reginald drew a pistol from his belt, and was on the
point of cocking it, at the same time shouting out to
the sentry to be on his guard,—when the animal, in-
stead of springing at the man, came bounding towards
himself, uttering a purring sound very unlike the usual
roar of a tiger. The next instant he recognized Faith-
ful, who had only just then discovered him. He had
just time to shout to the sentry—who was bringing
his piece to his shoulder—to stop him from firing, or
in another instant Faithful would probably have been
shot through the body. She purred and fawned on
her master, and took every means of showing her de-
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THE LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
THE CASKET REGAINED. 333
light at having again met him, though he could not
help suspecting that she had approached the sentry with
no very peaceful intentions. As he stroked her head
and neck, his hand came in contact with a thin chain,
and, to his surprise and infinite satisfaction, he found
secured to it the casket he had given up as lost.
Having finished his rounds, accompanied by Faith-
ful, he returned to the fort to examine his prize, and
to ascertain that all was safe within. By the light
of a lamp which burned in his hut he now perceived
that poor Faithful looked very thin and wretched ;
and knowing that, pressed by hunger, she might prove
dangerous to some of his companions, he immediately
despatched a native to bring in a portion of a sheep
to satisfy her craving appetite. In the meantime he
eagerly opened the casket, the key of which he had
about his person. The papers were safe; and he found
another document secured to the bottom of the case.
It was in Hindoostanee, and charged any one who
found it to carry the casket to Reginald, with the
promise of a handsome reward for doing so.
Besides this, there was a long account of the way
in which the casket had been rescued by the writer
at the burning of the palace. He expressed an evi-
dent regard for him, and assured him that there were
many who entertained the same feeling; warning him,
at the same time, that it would be dangerous for him
to return to the city. Though the paper was not
334 A TIMELY WARNING.
signed, Reginald at once knew that it must have come
from his Christian friend, Dhunna Singh. In smaller
characters—-so as, if possible, to escape the observation of
an ordinary reader—was a further piece of intelligence.
The writer had also rescued Faithful from the palace,
and had kept her, he said, at his house, till it was
important to send her off He had great difficulty,
however, in feeding her; notwithstanding which she
had remained as gentle as usual, apparently under-
standing the object he had in view. ‘‘ And now the
time has arrived,” he added. ‘It is well known
where you are; and an expedition, consisting of horse
and foot, with several guns, is about to set out to
attack you. Knowing the bravery of your companions,
however, I do not despair of your being able to de-
fend yourselves; and if I can hear of any of your
friends in the neighbourhood, I will send them word
of your situation, and urge them to come to your
relief.”
Although Reginald would have waited till the next
morning to announce to Colonel Ross his extraordinary
recovery of the casket, the warning he had received of
the intended attack he considered to be too important
to be neglected for a moment. Leaving the casket
in the hut, therefore, under the charge of Faithful,—
being very sure that no one would enter to carry it off,
—he hastened to Colonel Ross’s quarters. In a few
words he narrated what had occurred, and gave the
PREPARATIONS FOR AN ATTACK. 335
important information he had received. The colonel
having congratulated him warmly on the recovery of
his papers, next turned to the consideration of the best
mode of receiving the expected attack.
“Did we but possess an ample supply of powder,
we might hold out as long as the enemy are likely to
besiege the fort: and, depend on it, if they meet with
a stout resistance, they will soon lose patience, and
move off to attack some other less well defended
place. But if they persevere for any length of time,
our want of ammunition may prove fatal to us. Our
only resource then will be to make a desperate sally,
and to capture their guns and tumbrils.”
At any moment the fort might be attacked, for
as the paper brought by Faithful was not dated, it
was difficult to say how long it had been on its
journey. From the tigress’ starved appearance, Regi-
nald thought it likely that she might have been de-
layed ; and that, to a certainty, she must have come
by the cantonments, where, after escaping from the
city, she would search for him, It was therefore settled
that a strong force should at once be stationed on the
lines, and the advance-guard pushed still more forward.
The necessary orders having been given, and Regi-
nald being relieved, he returned to his hut to sleep,
with a lighter heart than he had possessed for many
a day.
CHAPTER XI
DESPERATE STATE OF AFFAIRS—THE FORT ATTACKED—NEWS OF BURNETI—THE
SORTIE— CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD’S TREACHERY-—FAITHFUL DEFENDS HER
MASTER—BURNETT AND HIS TROOPERS COME TO THE RESCUE—GUNS CAP-
TURED—THE FOE PUT TO FLIGHT——-FATE OF CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD—-A LULL
—BETTER NEWS—THE FORT AGAIN ATTACKED—AWFUL SUSPENSE— ENEMY
TAKE TO FLIGHT—FORT EVACUATED—THE MARCH—PURSUED—A FIERCE EN-
GAGEMENT-—REGINALD LEFT WOUNDED ON THE BATTLE-FIELD—RELIEVING
FORCE APPEARS—FAITHFUL AGAIN PROTECTS HER MASTER—DICK DISCOVERS
HER—BRITISH VICTORIOUS —REGINALD RECOVERED—RETURN TO CALCUTTA
—DEATH OF FAITHFUL—VOYAGE HOME—CONCLUSION,.
Ga structed, had been made as comfortable as
circumstances would allow. Reginald, as may
be supposed, proceeded to it at an early hour,
and was welcomed by Violet in the breakfast-room.
Her father had not told her of what had occurred, and
Reginald was thus the first to give her the satisfactory
intelligence.
“T am indeed thankful, for your sake,” she answered,
as she took his hand ; “and the recovery of the casket
will encourage us to trust that we may yet be carried
through all the dangers and difficulties which surround
us. I have never despaired, and have placed full con-
fidence in the love and mercy of God. Whatever he
AN INTERESTING CONVERSATION. 337
orders is for the best, I know, though I cannot tell
why he has allowed so many of our unfortunate
countrymen and countrywomen to perish miserably.
It may be that he intends to give an important lesson
to the survivors, and to remind us that our Government
has not ruled this country as a Christian people ought
to have done, or taken effectual means to spread his
Word among the benighted inhabitants.”
“That idea has occurred to me more than once,”
said Reginald. ‘I have been ready enough to support
and trust to the Christians, but I have done nothing
to spread the gospel among them; but if I ever again
have the power, I will try to do so.”
?
“We may have the power some day,” exclaimed
Violet. ‘If we cannot do so in person, we may afford
support to the missionaries who are ready to venture
their lives among the heathen for the sake of carrying
to them the blessed gospel. I am sure that we shall
be bound to do our utmost with the means which may
be placed at our disposal.”’
Neither Reginald nor Violet forgot this conversation.
Day after day went by without any news of the
approach of the rebels. At length many in the fort
began to hope that the enemy would not appear. Some
even proposed that they should abandon the fort, and,
making their way to the Ganges, descend the river to
the nearest post occupied by the British. To this,
however, Colonel Ross was strongly opposed. From
=) 22
338 APPROACH OF THE FOE,
the information he received, he knew that the whole
country swarmed with rebels ; and these would certainly
attack them in the open country, even if they were
not followed by the insurgents in boats from the city.
The idea, therefore, was abandoned, and every effort
was made to strengthen the fortifications. .
Captain Hawkesford still exhibited his ill-feeling
towards Reginald. Whether or not he knew anything
of the recovery of the casket, it was impossible to say ;
but, unabashed by Violet’s indifference, if not disgust,
he continued to pay her attention whenever he got
an opportunity, as if he still entertained some hope of
displacing Reginald in her affections. She could not
feel otherwise than offended; but she knew it was
important, at that time, not to create any ill-feeling
among the few officers who surrounded her father, and
she therefore did not complain to him, &s she might
otherwise have done.
At length, one day one of the scouts, who had gone
out in disguise in the direction of the city, came hurry-
ing in with the intelligence that a large force was
marching northward, probably with the intention of
attacking the fort. They might be expected to appear
before noon on the following day. The loyal natives,
who had by this time been organized and well drilled,
were therefore summoned in, with their wives and
children, as were also all the people whose dwellings
were situated in exposed situations, and were likely to
THE ENEMY IN SIGHT. 039
be destroyed by the enemy. An ample supply of pro-
visions had been stored for such an emergency, so that
there was no fear of starvation. The scarcity of amn-
munition was their chief cause of anxiety, and orders
were issued not to throw a shot away.
The day passed away without the appearance of the
enemy. At night, however, every one was on the
alert, as it was thought probable that the rebels, un-
aware that their approach was known, might attempt
to surprise them.
Dawn broke, and still all was quiet ; but as the sun
rose, an officer, who had climbed to a look-out station
on a neighbouring height, with his field-glass observed
the glittermg weapons of a large body in the far dis-
tance. He hurried down with the intelligence ; and in
a short time the advancing host, composed of a body
of cavalry, several pieces of artillery, and a large number
of foot, could be seen from the fort itself It was evi-
dent that the enemy were aware of the strength of the
place, but expected quickly to capture it with this
overwhelming force. The garrison, however, undaunted,
prepared for its defence. The ladies were placed in the
rear of the fort, situated behind some rocks, where they
would be protected from the shot. The horses were
also picketed in a situation as much as possible out of
harm’s way.
The enemy, trusting to their numbers, came on
boldly, halting at a little distance to reform their ranks,
340 THE FORT ATTACKED.
and immediately opened a hot fire on the fort. The
garrison replied to it with spirit, the two guns being
worked by the artillerymen with great rapidity. It
appeared as if the enemy were about to take the place
by storm, when the hot reception they met with induced
them to abandon their design; and so great was the
execution made by the two guns of the fort, that they
at length retreated beyond their range, and firing on
both sides ceased.
Gladly would Colonel Ross have husbanded his am-
munition, but had a feeble fire been kept up at first,
it would have encouraged the enemy to come on with
greater determination. Several of the garrison had
been killed or wounded, but none of the officers had
fallen. As soon as possible, therefore, Reginald has-
tened to assure Violet of his own and her father’s
safety. On hearing that several men had been
wounded, however, she and two or three other ladies
entreated to be allowed to assist Dr. Graham in attend-
ing to them; but he replied that as yet he could do
without their assistance. He was glad, however, ere
long to accept their offer, when he and his assistant-
surgeon found their strength almost exhausted by the
number of wounded brought to them.
The following day the enemy recommenced firing as
before, and again retreated towards evening. This
sort of work continued for many days in succession,
every day unhappily increasing the number of the
A DESPERATE STATE OF AFFAIRS, 341
killed and wounded in the garrison. Colonel Ross and
Reginald happily remained unhurt, as did Major
Molony and Captain Hawkesford. Several officers, how-
ever, had been more or less hurt ; and two had been shot
dead, as had been three European soldiers, while work-
ing the guns. The natives behaved with courage and
fidelity, notwithstanding the many among them who
fell. Still every day was reducing their store of am-
munition ; and the colonel knew that ere long, if the
same fire as heretofore was kept up, it must alto-
gether fail. The Allahapoor gunners could be seen
working their guns,—tall fellows with bare shoulders
and arms, and richly ornamented turbans on their
heads ; wearing loose trousers, and with long tulwars
hanging at their sides. Their shot, however, made
but little impression on the well-constructed earth-
works. Their fire was returned by the guns from the
fort ; while the Enfield rifles, never silent, seldom failed
to bring down a foe. Several gallant sorties were made ;
one of the enemy’s guns was spiked, and another nearly
brought in, when it stuck fast in the rough ground,
and had to be abandoned. Their own two guns, how-
ever, from being so constantly fired, had become almost
worn out, and would no longer carry shot or ordinary
canister. The contents of the canisters were there-
fore emptied into stockings, which were rammed home
with greater ease, and fired with much effect.
The enemy had come on one day even more deter-
342 NEWS FROM BURNETT.
mined than before, it seemed, to succeed, when a
report louder than usual was heard. One of the two
guns in the fort had burst, killing three artillerymen
and wounding others.
“We must get possession of their guns and ammuni-
tion instead,” exclaimed Colonel Ross, on hearing of it.
said Reginald. ‘Are
?
“T will attempt to do so,’
any ready to follow me?”
There was no lack of volunteers.
“Stay,” said the colonel; “we must consider the
plan of operation most likely to succeed.”
Notwithstanding the presence of the enemy before
the fort, the scouts were still able to make, during the
dark hours of night, and sometimes even in the day,
their way in with intelligence. During the discussion
a faithful sowar approached, holding a small strip of
paper in his hand, which he had brought carefully
concealed about his person. It contained but a few
words :—
“T am at hand, and know how you are situated. I
purpose making a dash at the foe at sunrise on the
5th of July. Do you be prepared to co-operate ; and
if you have a sufficient force, make a bold sortie, and |
the day will be ours. Delhi is invested. Lucknow
still holds out.— BURNETT.”
The news thus unexpectedly received inspired fresh
courage into the hearts of all those to whom it was
thought wise to communicate it. Of course Burnett’s
ON
<4
ls
THE REBEL GUNNERS.
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
ONIVERSITY OF IEKINGIS
ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SORTIE. 345
projected attack and the sortie were kept profoundly
secret. The news that his friend was alive and well,
and still at the head of a faithful band, afforded un-
mitigated joy and satisfaction to Reginald, giving him
fresh hope. He longed to communicate the welcome
information to Nuna and Violet; but no time could be
spared, and he could only send a line on a slip of
paper to bid them be of good cheer, and to tell them
that Burnett was safe.
A brief time only was required to settle what was
best to be done. Reginald.undertook to lead the whole
force of cavalry, which was to make a circuit from the
rear of the fort, so that they might be concealed till
they were ready to dash at the guns. A party of in-
fantry were at the same time to be prepared to rush
forward to spike some of the guns, and to drag the
others within the lines. A dozen Europeans, with two
of their officers, were to lead the party of infantry,
composed of the most determined and best disciplined
natives. These were to follow when the cavalry, having
accomplished their first task,—united, as they hoped
would be the case; with Burnett’s force, were to cover
the foot as they returned to the fort with the captured
guns, or pursue the enemy should they be put to
flight. The undertaking was a hazardous one, con-
sidering the large force to be attacked; but all knew
that daring deeds generally succeed when timid pro-
ceedings fail.
346 A FAREWELL.
Reginald hurried off with his gallant companions,
to prepare their horses for the meditated sortie. On
passing the women’s quarters on his way to the rear
of the fort, as it wanted but a short time to sunrise,
he saw Violet, with Nuna and Mrs. Molony, who had
already risen and were on their way to the hospital
huts, and he could not resist stopping for one moment
to bid her and his young sister farewell,—it might be
for ever. Should he and his brave followers perish,
what a terrible fate might be theirs! He instantly,
however, banished the thought.
‘‘ Heaven will preserve us, dear ones,” he said, as
he embraced his sister and Violet. ‘I have good news
for all of us. He on whose account your heart has
long been cast down has escaped all dangers, and is
near at hand, and I hope ere long to see him and to
return with him in triumph to the fort. The cowardly
rebels will not dare to face us. When we attack them
in the open ground, they will fly like chaff before the
wind. Though Burnett does not tell us the amount
of the force with him, I trust that it will be sufficient
to enable us to follow up our victory and prevent the
enemy from rallying.”
A few more words only were spoken, and Reginald
hurried on to the spot where the horses were picketed.
The men were busily engaged in saddling their steeds ;
which done, every one carefully examined his arms,
and felt that his sabre was loose in its scabbard.
THE SORTIE. 347
Among the officers who had volunteered to accom-
pany him, Reginald was surprised to find Captain
Hawkesford.
“T was not aware that you were to accompany us,”
Reginald could not help observing.
“T have the colonel’s leave; and I wish to have an
opportunity this morning of proving which of us is
the best swordsman,” answered Captain Hawkesford
in a peculiar tone. ‘“ We have long been rivals,
and I intend to settle the matter one way or another
before the close of day,” he muttered.
“| have confidence in your gallantry, and believe
?
you to be a good swordsman,” answered Reginald, not
hearing his latter remark. )
In a few minutes all were ready; and the order
to march being given, each man sprang into his
saddle and fixed himself firmly in his seat. In
perfect silence the gallant troop of horse rode out
of the fort, led by Reginald; while the infantry,
who were destined to attack the guns, stood ready
for the signal he was to give,—a wave of his sabre,
—when they were to jump from the entrenchments
and rush onward to attack the foe. The enemy’s
guns had already been fired, and were replied to as
usual by the fort, though many well knew that but a
few rounds of ammunition remained.
Many an anxious eye watched the progress of the
cavalry. They halted behind the last point by which
348 THE ENEMY’S GUNS ATTACKED.
they were concealed from the enemy. From this
Reginald could glance over the plain. He waited
till, a ruddy glow appearing in the east, the upper limb
of the sun was seen slowly ascending above the horizon.
Passing the word to the rear, he struck his spurs into
his horse’s flanks. Then turning his face to the fort,
he waved his bright scimitar in the air and dashed
forward, his followers pressing close behind him,—while,
at the signal, the infantry marched from the fort in
compact order. Dashing rapidly forward for a few
seconds, they halted to deliver their fire at the gunners,
who were already dispirited by the appearance of Regi-
nald’s horsemen close upon them. He did not fail, as he
urged forward his steed, to cast a look over the plain
—where, to his intense satisfaction, he saw a body of
cavalry galloping out from behind a wood, with an officer
at their head, whom he at once recognized as Burnett.
On they came, fleet as the wind, towards the foe.
Shouting to his men that reinforcements were at hand,
Reginald dashed forward. Numbers of the native
artillerymen were cut down at their guns, others fled
towards the infantry, who were hastening to their
rescue. So unexpected had been the sortie, that the
enemy were completely taken by surprise; the arms of
the infantry being piled and the horses of the cavalry
picketed, while the men were at some distance from
them. The time occupied in the attack on the guns
enabled them to mount; by which time Reginald and
REGINALD HEADING THE SORTIE FROM THE FORT.
THE LIBRARY
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF IkbiNQIS
A FIERCE CONFLICT. 351
Burnett's troops having united, they found a strong
force drawn up to encounter them.
“We must go at them, notwithstanding their
numbers,” cried Burnett; and he and Reginald lead-
ing, and leaving the guns to be carried into the fort
by the infantry, they and their horsemen galloped’
forward to encounter the rebel cavalry, who, having
made a circuit, were endeavouring to recapture the
guns. The party who had been first in the saddle
succeeded in cutting down some brave fellows who
were spiking the guns, when they were met by Regi-
nald and Burnett’s horse. Fierce was the conflict ;
sabres were clashing, the men on both sides shrieking
like demons. It seemed as if neither party would
give way. Still by slow degrees the rebel horsemen
were driven back.
Reginald had seen Captain Hawkesford fiercely
engaged with a native officer, as he himself dashed on
to attack another whom he had just cut down, when
he heard a loud cry behind him: turning his head,
he caught sight of his rival with his sword uplifted,
to all appearance about to cut him down. To defend
himself was impossible, as another foe was advancing
towards him. The next moment he saw Faithful—
who, unknown to him, had been following at his heels
——spring at Captain Hawkesford’s throat. It was but
a glance, for the next minute he was compelled to
engage in mortal combat with a powerful chief whom
352 GUNS CAPTURED.
he well knew, and who was noted as being one of the
best swordsmen in the country. In the heat of the
fight he had got somewhat separated from his men,
and he had to depend on his own skill and courage.
Neither failed him; and for several seconds he kept
his enemy at bay. Still, an imperfect guard would
prove fatal; when again Faithful came to his assist-
ance, and springing on the chief dragged him to the
eround.
The fall of one of their principal leaders disheartened
those who witnessed it; and hard pressed by Bur-
nett’s well-disciplined horsemen, the whole of the
rebel cavalry at length wheeled round and galloped off,
hotly pursued by the former. It would have been
prudent had Burnett and Reginald not pursued the
flying enemy so far, for in the meantime the infantry,
rallying, made a furious attack on the party which had
captured their guns; and, although repulsed, they
succeeded in carrying off two of them, besides those
which had been spiked. Their ammunition and tum-
brils were, however, captured by the British.
At length Burnett and Reginald, desisting from the
pursuit, turned their horses’ heads towards the fort,
when, succeeding in getting between it and the foe,
they captured another gun. The infantry, though
rapidly retreating, presented too formidable a front to
allow them the hope of successfully breaking through
their ranks and putting them completely to the rout ;
fl
TREACHERY PUNISHED.
TH: ay
Us i
UNIVERSITY Uf ILLINOIS
THE ENEMY’S RETREAT. 355
they therefore contented themselves by hovering round
the retreating force, and keeping them in check till
the guns and ammunition were secure within the fort.
Some time had been occupied by the events which
have been described, and the pursuit had carried Regi-
nald and Burnett to a considerable distance from the
fort. Several of their men had fallen, and others had
been so badly wounded as to be scarcely able to sit —
their horses. The leaders were therefore compelled
to restrain their eagerness, to assure those who, they
knew, were anxiously waiting for them of their safety ;
and they returned at a slow pace, having to keep
watch on the movements of the enemy, in case, regain-
ing their courage, they might again advance to the
attack. The beaten foe, however, showed no inclina-
tion to do this, and were-seen continuing their retreat
to Allahapoor. Probably the news of the successes
already achieved by the British forces had reached
them, and they had by this time abandoned the high
hopes they had entertained of driving the Feringhees
from the country.
As Reginald and Burnett arrived at the spot where
the hardest fighting had taken place, they were grieved
to see that so many of their party had fallen. Regi-
nald dismounted from his horse, for the purpose of
ascertaining whether any of those who lay scattered
about on the field still breathed. At that moment
Faithful came trotting up to him, and looked up in
356 CAPTAIN HAWKESFORD’S FATE.
his face, as if to receive his approval of her conduct
during the day. Not till then did he recollect the
momentary glimpse he had obtained of Captain
Hawkesford’s uplifted sword and the tigress flying at
his throat. Could the unhappy man, influenced by
disappointment and rage, have really intended to take
his life? If so, he had paid dearly. Advancing a
few steps, Reginald caught sight of his body. Near
it lay his head, severed by a sharp tulwar. Several
other bodies lay about treated in the same manner,
so that it was impossible to say whether the tigress
had killed him. Probably some of the enemy, who
had passed backwards and forwards over the spot,
had committed the act of barbarity. Of all those
who had fallen, none were found alive.
Again mounting, Reginald rejoined Burnett, who
had been similarly engaged, and together they rode
back to the fort.
It is scarcely necessary to describe the joyful wel-
come they met with. Poor Nuna quickly recovered
her spirits ; and their success gave new life to all in the
fort. A strong party of natives was sent out to bury
the dead, and foes as well as friends were placed in one
common grave.
The garrison had still many weeks of anxiety to
endure. The only roads by which they could hope
to reach either of the English provinces were blocked
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THE FORT AGAIN BESIEGED. 359
up by the enemy ; who also occupied numerous posts on
the Ganges, which would effectually prevent them from
descending that river. Sometimes they were without
information for many days together. Then news would
come of fresh disasters ; the truthfulness of which, how-
ever, they had reason to doubt. Soon a too authentic
account of the frightful massacre at Cawnpore, like all
other bad news, which flies apace, reached them. Then
came the succour of Lucknow by Sir Henry Havelock
and Sir James Outram. Still week after week went by,
and they remained shut up in the fort. Some time in
November they: heard of the storming of Delhi, and the
rescue of the women and children from Lucknow.
Notwithstanding these successes of the British, the
rebels still continued in arms. Again the fort was
besieged ; the enemy being instigated, it was under-
stood, by one of the chiefs at Allahapoor, whose object
was to destroy the young rajah; but the garrison were
as ready as before to defend it stoutly, notwithstanding
the threats of the enemy to put them all to the sword
should they offer any resistance, ~
With so many mouths to feed, provisions were, how-
ever, growing scarce, and it was only with the greatest
difficulty that their stores could be replenished. The
small quantity of gunpowder captured from the foe
would enable them to hold out for some time yet; but
should the enemy persevere, they would be reduced to
the greatest straits, and be compelled either to cut
360 VIOLET A TRUE HEROINE.
their way through the enemy or capitulate— which
last alternative was not for a moment to be enter-
tained. News of varying import reached them, brought
in by the scouts. One thing was certain, that although
great success had been achieved by the British, the
enemy still held together in large numbers. Conse-
quently, encumbered as they would be with sick and
wounded, it would be hazardous in the extreme were
they to attempt to make their way through the
country towards any of the cities already in the power
of the English. Another consideration weighed greatly
with Reginald: he would not desert the villagers who
had remained so faithful to him,—knowing, as he did,
that the rebels of Allahapoor would certainly wreak
vengeance on their heads.
For several days the garrison had enjoyed perfect
tranquillity. The colonel kept up the spirits of all the
party by assuring them that relief would come, and
urging them to bear patiently the hardships they were
now called on to endure. Violet showed herself a
true heroine, by ever wearing a cheerful countenance,
by her constant attention to the sick and wounded,
and by trying to keep up the spirits of the other ladies.
Nuna imitated her example.
Their trials, however, were not over. Intelligence
sufficient to alarm the most stout-hearted came in: that
a force of upwards of twenty thousand men was march-
ing on Allahapoor, with the intention of occupying that
THE ENEMY’S RETURN. 361
city, and that they threatened to take the fort and
destroy its garrison before doing so.
Colonel Ross did not conceal the information he had
received. “We must hold out, as before, as long as
our ammunition lasts ; and that failing, we must place
the ladies and wounded in our midst, and cut our way
through the foe.”
All swore to fight as long as they had arms to wield
their swords.
Two days passed away, when about noon, as the
hot air quivered over the plain, the blue and red uni-
forms of the enemy’s cavalry appeared in sight. They
approached, a vast horde thronging up in the dis-
tance. Column after column of infantry appeared fol-
lowing the cavalry, with numerous pieces of artillery.
The rebels were evidently intent on the utter destruc-
tion of the fort. The lesson given by the mutineers
at Delhi, Cawnpore, and many other places, warned the
English and their allies against any attempt at negotia-
tion. As the fort had before resisted with so small a
garrison as it then possessed, now, when they had
several. pieces of artillery and were reinforced with
Burnett’s horse, they had good reason to hope that
they should be able to resist the fiercest attack the
mutineers were likely to make. At length came the
awful question, Will the powder hold out? Colonel
Ross had calculated the hours it would do so. It
would encourage the enemy were he not to return
362 THE FORT AGAIN ATTACKED.
their fire with vigour, and dishearten the natives of his
own party should they discover the short time they
would have the means of resisting their sanguinary
foes. 7
The enemy’s guns at length drawing near, opened
fire, without any attempt at. throwing up breastworks,
their only shelter being such as the ground afforded.
Had they not been supported by so large a body of
cavalry and foot, Burnett declared that nothing would
have been easier than to capture them; as it was, he
waited for an opportunity which he thought might
occur. Most of the shot, as before, struck the earth-
works; for the Enfield rifles prevented the guns from
being brought near enough to do much damage. The
rear of the fort, it must be remembered, was protected
by rugged heights, to the summit of which no native
engineers were capable of carrying up even the smallest
guns ; indeed, they were inaccessible to the most nimble
mountaineers, ‘Thus there were only two sides of the
fort to be protected ; the valley which ran down on the
left being so completely commanded by the fort, that
a hostile party attempting to enter it would have
been instantly destroyed.
Night on this occasion brought no cessation of firing,
and it soon became apparent that the enemy intended
to storm the fort. Two guns were moved so as to
command the valley, up which, during the darkness of
night, they might possibly attempt to steal. Every
A GALLANT DEFENCE. 363
man was at his post. After the firing had continued
for some time it suddenly ceased. Many thought the
enemy were retiring ; but it was lke the lull before the
storm. A few seconds only had passed away, when three
dark columns were discerned by the garrison creeping
up towards them. On they came in overwhelming
numbers, the artillerymen in the plain firing over their
heads, while the British guns began blazing away with
canister, sending destruction amid their ranks. Column
after column had advanced, but were driven back in
confusion ; not a man ever reached the lines. Some-
times the cavalry galloped up, but they were quickly
forced to retire.
All night long the battle raged, but the dauntless
courage of Colonel Ross and his band of heroes pre-
vailed, and when morning dawned the enemy were
seen retiring with their guns, Had they gone alto-
gether, or would they return? was the question. It
was too probable that, instigated by the mutineers in
Allahapoor, they would renew the attack.
Two more days passed by, allowing the garrison to
repair their fortifications. Once more, as day was
declining, the enemy was seen approaching ; with the
intention, probably, of making an assault during the
night. Still hour after hour went by; every man
remained at his post, and yet no enemy came near
them. The camp-fires, however, burning in the dis-
tance, showed that they were still there ; and as morn-
564 THE ASSAULT.
ing approached, Colonel Ross, who was ever on his
guard, warned the officers to be as watchful as at first,
and ready at any moment to repel an attack.
He was right. It was still dark when the heads of
several columns were seen emerging from the gloom,
and already close upon the fort. On came the rebels,
as soon as they were aware that they must be seen,
giving utterance to the most savage shouts and cries.
At the same moment they opened a heavy fire. They
were met, as before, with showers of grape and well-
directed volleys of musketry, which quickly drove
back those who had not fallenn—with the exception of
a party of desperate fanatics, who attempted to force
their way over the entrenchments. Some succeeded
and were cut down, others were shot in the ditch, and
not one escaped. The garrison had scarcely breathing
time before another similar attack was made, which
was repulsed in the same way.
‘How much longer can we stand out?” asked Regi-
nald of Colonel Ross.
“Another attack like the last will exhaust the
whole of our powder, when our only resource will be
to abandon the fort—for to hold it will then be impos-
sible,’ was the answer.
The day passed by. Anxiously was the arrival of
the scouts who came over the hills looked for with the
expected intelligence of the movements of the British.
Flying columns of the avenging army were sweeping
THE GARRISON ON THE WATCH. 365
the enemy before them; but they were, it was supposed,
yet a long way off. Still the colonel endeavoured to
keep up the courage of those he commanded; and the
officers, following his example, did their utmost to
encourage the men to prepare for another assault.
The strictest watch was kept, for it was thought that
should the enemy again venture to attack the fort, it
would be by night.
The garrison were not mistaken. Two days more
had passed, when again the columns were espied by
the watchful sentinels. The troops flew to their arms,
the artillerymen to their guns.
Reginald and Burnett, when relieved from their
duty in the evening, had snatched a few minutes
from the rest they so much required to pay a visit to
Violet and Nuna. They talked hopefully of the future,
and both expressed a wish, as soon as the rebellion
was quelled, to leave India and reside in England.
“Oh, that must be a happy country,” cried Nuna,
“where there are no wars or disputes, where the rich
do not oppress the poor, and the latter are happy and
contented, and everybody lives in friendship with
each other!”
Burnett smiled. “I am afraid only a part of your
picture is true. England has numberless advantages
over this country, and I hope ere long to take you
there; but I am sorry to say that the English people
quarrel and dispute with each other as much as the
366 AWFUL SUSPENSE.
natives of other lands, though they do not fly to arms
on all occasions. You must not expect to find a para-
dise in England, or in any other part of the world.”
Unwillingly, the two friends had at length to
bid the ladies good-night and return to their posts at
the batteries. Just as they reached them, the signal
was made that the enemy was approaching, and the
silence which had hitherto reigned in the fort was
suddenly broken by the loud report of the guns as
they sent forth their doses of canister, scattering death
amid the advancing columns. The musketry opened
at the same time; and now the rebels, finding that
they were again disappointed in their expectation of
surprising the fort, began firing away in return. As
gun after gun was discharged, Colonel Ross knew that
their slender store of powder was becoming more’
nearly exhausted. It might hold out till the enemy
took to flight; but they might persevere longer than
usual—and if so, finding that the guns no longer thun-
dered forth, they would in all probability storm the fort.
He at length sent for Burnett and Reginald. “My
friends,” he said, speaking quite calmly, “if in half an
hour more the enemy are not beaten, we must fight
our way out through their midst, unless we can hope
to defend our position with our swords and bayonets.”
Burnett proposed making a sortie with his cavalry,
in the hope of creating a panic by the suddenness of
his attack. But from this Colonel Ross dissuaded him,
THE FORT EVACUATED. 367
He could scarcely hope to produce any material effect,
and would only weaken his strength by the loss of.
several of his men.
Rapidly that half-hour went by; when, just as it was
found that the last charge of powder had been ex-
pended, the cry arose, ‘‘They run! they run!” On
this Burnett ordered his bugler to sound the call “ to
horse;” and in less than two minutes every man of his
troop was mounted, and, following their leader, had
dashed out in pursuit of the retreating foe. Imme-
diately he had gone, Colonel Ross ordered every ani-
mal in the camp to be prepared for carrying the sick
and wounded. Horses had been kept for the use of
the ladies,—-who, having been warned of the possible
emergency, were quickly ready. Nota word of alarm
or anxiety was expressed. The whole force was quickly
drawn up in close column: Reginald’s cavalry, with
the ladies in the centre, leading; the trained villagers
following, guarding the wounded ; the British soldiers
and Reginald’s guards on either flank; while the,
other native troops brought up the rear.
The instant the scouts returned with the satisfac-
tory report that they had seen the enemy moving off,
the order was given to advance, and the little army,
after spiking all the guns in the fort, commenced their
perilous march. Silently they moved, to avoid being
discovered by any of the enemy’s scouts, or the report
of their march being carried to the rebels by the inha-
368 ON THE MARCH.
bitants of the villages near which they might pass.
Happily the enemy had made their attack early in the
night, and the retreating party had thus an advantage
of several hours, which would enable them to get to
a considerable distance before they were likely to be
discovered. For the remainder of the night, there-
fore, they moved on; and not till the sun had already
risen was a halt called, that they might take that rest
which was absolutely necessary to enable them to con-
tinue their flight. The scouts sent out now reported
that no enemy was near, and they were thus able to re-
main encamped for several hours; after which, greatly
refreshed, they again moved on. Colonel Ross was
sensible that his force could not successfully engage
with any large body, but he hoped that, by avoiding
all places where any rebels were likely to be col-
lected, and by advancing chiefly at night, to prevent
any information of his movements from reaching the
enemy.
Violet, who was a good horsewoman, bore the fatigue
of the march well, and even Nuna and the other ladies
kept up their spirits and did not complain. The poor
wounded men were the greatest sufferers; though they
preferred the shaking to which they were exposed, to
being left behind to the tender mercies of the natives.
Before another night’s march had been accomplished,
a sowar who had been sent out as a scout overtook
them with the intelligence that the enemy had heard
PURSUED BY THE REBELS. 369
of their retreat, and were following with a large force,
threatening their complete destruction. Colonel Ross,
on hearing this, resolved—as there was no place at
hand into which they could throw themselves and
defend it against the enemy—to continue the march,
for the purpose of keeping ahead of their pursuers as
much as possible, and only to halt and fight where a
strong position could be taken up with some hope of
offering an effectual resistance. On they marched ;
but in vain did the colonel look out for ground of the
kind he desired. ‘Their scouts came hurrying in from
the rear with the announcement that the enemy were
close upon them. There could be little doubt that
the rebels, burning with revenge at the defeats they
had suffered, would immediately commence an attack.
The country was level for miles on every side; the
colonel was therefore glad to find a spot where he
could halt, with a deep and broad stream on one side,
and a thick jungle in the rear, which neither the
enemy's infantry nor artillery could penetrate. He
accordingly halted here: the infantry drawn up in the
centre, and the cavalry on either, flank, ready to charge
the guns of the enemy, should they have brought any
with them.
In silence the little force waited the expected attack.
The rebels at length appeared. Colonel Ross ordered
the infantry to fire as they came within range; and
then, at a preconcerted signal, Reginald and Burnett,
(539) 94
370 WOUNDED AND DESERTED.
leading on their troopers, desperately charged the rebel
forces. Many on both sides went down, but the
rebels, relying on their numbers, and knowing - the
weakness of the force opposed to them, refused to
give way. The moon afforded sufficient light -to en-
able the combatants to continue the fight, and Regi-
nald could not help fearing that, after all the efforts
of his party, they might be defeated. Again and
again he led his men to the charge—when the sound
of English bugles reached his ears. Just at that
moment a bullet struck him and he fell to the ground,
his steed galloping off unperceived by his followers.
He lay amid a heap of slain, unable to move, while
his horsemen followed up the charge. The fight con-
tinued raging around him for some time. Then he
heard the heavy tramp of cavalry, and the rattling
sound of artillery, followed closely by the roar of the
guns as they opened fire. Lifting up his head, he
saw a dark red line, with bayonets glittering in the
moonlight, emerging from behind the wood. The
enemy also saw them, and poured in on them as they
approached a round of musketry ; but not a moment
did they stop to receive the charge made by the Bri-
tish regiment, which, advancing at the double, drove
them like chaff before the wind. Reginald saw no
more; his head sank back, and he lay like the clods
of the earth around him.
The British troops had had a hard day’s march,
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FAITHFUL FINDS HER MASTER. 373
for, receiving intelligence of the near vicinity of a
large rebel force, they had pushed on to attack them
before they could escape. The remainder of the Eng-
lish column coming up, tents were pitched, while the
cavalry pursued the flying foe, cutting down all they
overtook, no quarter being asked or offered.
Dawn was breaking, when a sentinel at his post
caught sight, at some distance, of a large animal
lying on the ground, which after some little scrutiny
he discovered to be a tiger. ‘‘ The horrid brute is
feeding on the dead,” he exclaimed. “If it was not
against orders to fire, I'd quickly teach it better
manners.” Just then a man, who, from his nautical
appearance, might have been called a “ horse-marine,”
rode up on a small country pony. He had a long sabre
by his side, a haversack on his back, and a brace of
pistols in his belt; and while huge boots encased his
legs, he wore a seaman’s broad-brimmed hat and loose
jacket,— making him look altogether not a little
peculiar.
“What's that you say, mate?” he asked.
The sentry pointed to the animal he had seen.
“Though I mayn’t fire, do you put a bullet through
that brute’s head.”
“That's more than I'll do,” answered the seaman,
who was no other than our friend Dick Thuddichum.
“That animal has more sense than many a human
being; and it’s my belief that my honoured master,
374 DICK RESCUES REGINALD.
whom she’s followed faithfully for many a day, and
whose life she has saved more than once, is not far off.
Just you hold my horse, while I go ahead and have
a look round. If I’m right, Pll shout to some one to
come and help me.”
Saying this, Dick tumbled off his steed, and hastily
stalked over the ground, carefully avoiding the corpses
with which it was strewed. Hewas right. Faithful,
in spite of his strange costume, uttered a cry of wel-
come, and sprang forward to meet him. There, as he
expected, lay his beloved master. ‘‘O Master Reginald!
O my lord, do speak to me, and tell me if you are
alive!” exclaimed Dick, as he threw himself on the
cround by Reginald’s side. “‘ Yes, yes; he’s still got
life in him!” he cried out ; and shouting to the sentinel
to send help, he lifted his master in his arms and bore
him towards the tents. Reginald was speedily carried
into one of the nearest, set aside as an hospital, where
his wound was examined by a surgeon,—Dick stand-
ing anxiously by to hear his opinion.
“It's pretty severe, but is not likely to prove
fatal,” said the surgeon. “He has fainted from loss
of blood, but a stimulant will soon restore him.”’
“Thank Heaven!” exclaimed Dick. “I should
have well-nigh died, and so, to my mind, would Faith-
ful, and another person I know of, if he’d been killed.
But do your best to bring him about, sir, and I will
bless you all the days of my life.”
RETURN TO CALCUTTA. 375
Reginald, as the doctor had hoped, soon recovered
sufficiently to speak. He warmly greeted Dick, and
expressed his delight at seeing him—having greatly
feared that he had been murdered by the rebels. He
then immediately ordered a messenger to go to Colonel
Ross and inform him and Miss Ross of his safety.
And before long Burnett, whose horsemen were
bivouacked not far off, made his appearance. Happy
indeed was the meeting between the two friends. A
palanquin was quickly procured for Reginald’s convey-
ance, aS his wound was not so severe as to prevent his
being moved. It was arranged that he, with the
ladies of Colonel Ross’s party, should be escorted to
the banks of the Ganges, from whence they could pro-
ceed down the river to Calcutta. Dick having had
enough of campaigning, begged that he might accom-
pany his master, and look after Faithful, who was not
likely to obey any one else. Reginald, with much re-
gret, bade farewell to his faithful Indian friends, whom
he strongly recommended to the authorities for the
fidelity they had shown to the English; but he in-
tended to reward them still further as soon as he
had the power.
Colonel Ross, whose health was giving way, owing
to the anxiety he had so long endured, accompanied
lis daughter and Nuna to Calcutta, where they re-
mained till the mutiny was effectually quelled, and
Burnett was able to join them. The two marriages
376 DEATH OF FAITHFUL.
shortly afterwards took place, and the young couples
at once carried out their intention of leaving for Eng-
land. Of course Dick Thuddichum embarked with
them, with Faithful in charge.
Violet, before leaving Calcutta, begged to have a
portrait of the noble creature which had so often saved
her husband’s life, and persuaded Reginald to have his
own likeness taken at the same time in the nautical cos-
tume which he wore on being first introduced to her ;
he himself confessing that he infinitely preferred it to
the magnificent dresses he had been compelled to wear
during his short reign in Allahapoor. That city had
been quickly captured by the English, and, much to
Reginald’s satisfaction, had become, with its surround-
ing territory, an integral part of British India.
It is sad to have to relate that poor Faithful never
reached the free shores of Old England. Whether
it was, as Dick Thuddichum thought, that the sea-air ~
did not agree with her constitution, or that she was
deprived of her usual allowance of half a sheep a day,
she sickened, and gradually grew worse and worse ; her
last fond gaze being at the face of her beloved master.
She attempted to lick his hand, but the effort was vain.
Her head sank on the deck—the tigress was dead.
Her skin was preserved; and Faithful, with an
almost life-like look, ornaments the entrance hall in
Hamerton Castle.
VN
REGINALD AND FAITHFUL
CONCLUSION. 379
Reginald had no difficulty, with the documents he
had recovered, in obtaining possession of his heredi-
tary title and estates. While attending to his English
tenantry he did not forget his faithful Indian friends,
or the benighted inhabitants of that country, and has
ever been among the most zealous and munificent sup-
porters of those true soldiers of Christ who go forth to
spread the Gospel of Peace in the dark places of the
world.
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