A DASHING EXPEDITION.
On arriving at the cantonments, the party were soon
surrounded by the troops, who had been called under
arms at the sound of distant firing, but had been
dismissed again on the arrival of a message to the
effect that the enemy had fled. The news had
spread rapidly that some fugitives had escaped from
Sandynugghur, where it was supposed that the massacre
had been general; and officers pressed forward to
shake their hands, and the men uttered words of kindly
congratulation and welcome. The greeting swelled
into a cheer as the detachment fell out, and, scattering
among their comrades, told of the desperate defense,
and of the slaughter inflicted upon the enemy by this
handful of men. The fugitives were, of course,
taken first to the messroom, Captain Dunlop being,
however, carried off by the surgeon to his quarters,
to have his wound examined and attended to.
It seemed almost like a dream to the worn and weary
party, as they sat down again to a table laid with
all the brightness and comfort of civilization, and
felt that they were indeed safe among friends.
Many were the questions asked them by officers who
had friends and acquaintances among the military and
civilians at Sandynugghur; and the fugitives learned
that they were, so far as was known, the only survivors
from the massacre. The story of their escape,
and the safety of the girls, was told briefly, and
listened to with eager interest; and very deep and
hearty were the congratulations which the boys received
for their share in the history. In return, Major
Warrener learned what had taken place in the last
ten days.
The story was not reassuring; tidings of evil were
coming from all parts. As yet the number of stations
where risings had taken place was comparatively small;
but the position was everywhere critical. In Agra,
Allahabad, and Benares, the attitude of the native
troops and population was more than doubtful.
At Lucknow and Cawnpore every precaution was being
taken, but a rising was regarded as inevitable.
In fact everywhere, save in the Punjab, trouble had
either come or was coming. General Anson was
collecting in all haste a force at Umballah, which
was intended to advance upon Delhi—where
the ex-king had been proclaimed Emperor of India—but
his force would necessarily be an extremely small one;
and no help could possibly arrive up country for many
weeks. There was therefore only the Punjab to
look to for aid. Happily, the troops of the Madras
and Bombay presidencies had so far remained faithful.
“I suppose you have a good many men from Delhi,
civilians and military, as well as from other places?”
“Oh, yes, we are crowded; every bungalow has
been given up to the ladies, and we all sleep under
canvas.”
“I intend to ask leave to get up a troop of
volunteers,” Major Warrener said; “in
the first place to go out and bring in my daughter
and niece, and afterward to do any scouting or other
duty that may be required.”
