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 CAPTURED--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 ENGAGEMENT--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.
The colonel's bungalow, though rudely constructed, 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.
"I 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 confidence in
the love and mercy of God. Whatever he 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 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, as 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 hurrying 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 organised
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 be destroyed by the enemy. An
ample supply of provisions had been stored for such an emergency, so
that there was no fear of starvation. The scarcity of ammunition 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, unaware 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 lookout station on a neighbouring height, with his
field-glass observed the glittering weapons of a large body in the far
distance. 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 evident 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, 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 ammunition, 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 hastened 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 attending 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 killed and
wounded in the garrison. Colonel Ross and Reginald happily remained
unhurt, as did Major Molony and Captain Hawkesford. Several officers,
however, had been more or less hurt; and two had been shot dead, as had
been three European soldiers, while working the guns. The natives
behaved with courage and fidelity, notwithstanding the many among them
who fell. Still every day was reducing their store of ammunition; and
the colonel knew that ere long, if the same fire as heretofore was kept
up, it must altogether 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 earthworks. 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, however, 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 therefore emptied into stockings, which
were rammed home with greater ease, and fired with much effect.
The enemy had come on one day even more determined 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 ammunition instead," exclaimed
Colonel Ross, on hearing of it.
"I will attempt to do so," said Reginald. "Are 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:--
"I 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
cooperate; 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 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 unmitigated 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 infantry 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, considering
the large force to be attacked; but all knew that daring deeds generally
succeed when timid proceedings fail.
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.
Among the officers who had volunteered to accompany him, Reginald was
surprised to find Captain Hawkesford.
"I was not aware that you were to accompany us," Reginald could not help
observing.
"I 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.
"I 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 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 Reginald'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 recognised 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 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 leading, 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 Reginald 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 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 assistance, and springing on the chief dragged him
to the ground.
The fall of one of their principal leaders disheartened those who
witnessed it; and hard pressed by Burnett'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 tumbrils 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; 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 Reginald 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, regaining their courage, they might again advance to
the attack. The beaten foe, however, showed no inclination 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. Reginald 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 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 welcome 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 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, however,
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 understood, 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, however, 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 their way through the enemy or capitulate--which
last alternative was not for a moment to be entertained. 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. Consequently,
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 marching on Allahapoor, with the intention of occupying
that 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 uniforms of the enemy's cavalry appeared in
sight. They approached, a vast horde thronging up in the distance.
Column after column of infantry appeared following the cavalry, with
numerous pieces of artillery. The rebels were evidently intent on the
utter destruction 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 negotiation. 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 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.
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
earthworks; 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 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 like 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.
Sometimes 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 prevailed, and when morning dawned the enemy
were seen retiring with their guns. Had they gone altogether, 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 campfires, however, burning
in the distance, showed that they were still there; and as morning
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 fallen,--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 Reginald 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 impossible," 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 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 natives of other lands,
though they do not fly to arms on all occasions. You must not expect to
find a paradise in England, or in any other part of the world."
Unwillingly, the two friends had at length to bid the ladies goodnight
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 thundered 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. 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 expended, 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.
Immediately he had gone, Colonel Ross ordered every animal 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. Not a 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 satisfactory 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 inhabitants 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, therefore, 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
continue their flight. The scouts sent out now reported that no enemy
was near, and they were thus able to remain 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 collected, 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 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,
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 enable the combatants to continue
the fight, and Reginald 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 continued 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 British 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, 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
English 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 though 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, 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, I'll 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. He
was right Faithful, in spite of his strange costume, uttered a cry of
welcome, 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
ground 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 standing 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 wellnigh died, and so,
to my mind, would Faithful, 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."
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 conveyance, 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 proceed down the river to Calcutta. Dick having had enough of
campaigning, begged that he might accompany his master, and look after
Faithful, who was not likely to obey any one else. Reginald, with much
regret, 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 intended 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 his daughter and Nuna to Calcutta, where
they remained till the mutiny was effectually quelled, and Burnett was
able to join them. The two marriages shortly afterwards took place, and
the young couple at once carried out their intention of leaving for
England. 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
costume 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 surrounding 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 lifelike look,
ornaments the entrance hall in Hamerton Castle.
Reginald had no difficulty, with the documents he had recovered, in
obtaining possession of his hereditary 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 supporters of those true soldiers
of Christ who go forth to spread the Gospel of Peace in the dark places
of the world.