Penarth Chronicle and District Advertiser

[Alt BIGHTS NO,t ROBBERY, HENRY FRITH, r* • Author of II The Mystery of Moor Farm," 11 On fasi Wings of the Wind," "Through Floodr Through v Fire? dc.. &c. X CHAPTER VIIL REBELLION. WE must now descend to mere historical facts, and before proceeding with our narrative-which we may add is not altogether imaginative—give our readers a brief resumi of the scenes which had led to guch reprisals as we have described in the foregoing chapter. Such executions were common enough in India in 1857.8; and any one who was serving in the Peninsula during those dreadful years will, we think, bear us out in saying that the narrative is certa'nly not too highly coloured. The Enfield rifle, then lately introduced into the jjative regiments, was the ostensible cause of the great Indian Mut ny. The cartridge requires some lubricating substance, and the Sepoy delined4to use f an arm which had to be smeared with the fat of a Cow, an animal he held in the greatest veneration. Fort William was the first place in which the Areadful rumour gained ground. A native soldier told his friends, and in January the telegraph at 13anackpore was destroyed. Then the 19th N. I. broke out, and was with difficulty repressed. The 84th N. I. followed suit, and were then dis- banded. The idea of losing caste was the pre- vailing one amongst the Sepoys, and the news quickly spread over India. English troops were hurried out, and the 19th Queen's Regiment from England was sent to Calcutta to take the place of the rebellious 19th N; I., as we have cause to remember. At Meerut things were coming to a head. On the $th of May a parade was ordered, but the men refuse to receive the cartridges, even of the old pattern. Those who declined were brought to trial, and condemned. They were sentenced to various long terms of imprisonment; "During that came night the Native Light Cavalry and one or two Sepoy regiments laid their plans for mutiny; but they were in too great a hurry. Had they-waited they might have done more. Before the time agreed upon, the cavalry took the initiative and released all the prisoners in the gaol. The bungalows were fired, and volleys of small arms, with the yells of the maddened Sepoys, announced the terrible fact that the Indian Mutiny had com- menced. The English force at Meerut appeared for the time paralysed; nothing was done, and before sunset the mutineers had initiated all the dreadful scenes which afterwards became so horribly common in India, and escaped at once to Delhi. They were admitted and then joined by the Sepoys in the city. The English could only blow up the great magazine and retire. Then the news reached Simla, and the orders were issued to concen- trate at Umballa to besiege the city of Delhi. We will now resume our narrative. Such was the condition of things when Colonel Peane was ordered to Umballa to take. command of a pative regiment which had shown itself disorderly and mutinously inclined. There was a strong European force there, and the colonel was hurriedly Summoned. He had only time to make hasty arrangements for the transfer of his wife to England with a trusty Ayah, when he was obliged to set off in command of an armed Sepoy regiment in the direction pf Delhi. This may now appear to us as putting one's head into the lion's mouth. It looked very bad for Colonel Peane, and he himself felt he was with his officers going to certain death. The feelings of his comrades did not tend to reassure him; but why the men were not disarmed, nobody could say. However, the march began and continued. Nothing particular occurred until the force arrived within a march of Delhi, and then a disinclination to remain under restraint made itself m nifest. The colonel was reposing after the fatigues of the day, when the camp was startled by the sound of an explosion. What could it mean ? Colonel Dcane was a brave and determined man. He rose and went calmly through the camp, and tinding all quiet, fancied some accident had happened, and was proceeding onward, when his course was Suddenly arrested by some Sepoys and a native Sergeant. I' Don't go on," cried the latter; go back, sir, go back." "Whvp" inquired the colonel. "What is the matter ?" The men are armed. They have mutinied. Go back-quickly." This well-meant advice was immediately acted ipporl. The colonel hastened to his tent, and his groom saddled his horse, the faithful sergeant still keeping watch. Suddenly a volley was heard, the native rushed away, followed by another volley from the men now rapidly approaching. No time was to be lost. All was confusion and uproar. Many Sepoys were asleep, and were only aroused by the firing. Ready tojoin or unwilling to stem the torrent, the majority of the riaiive soldiers threw in their lot with the band of rnuti peers, and the little band of officers made all haste to get their horses saddled and escape if possible. Colonel Deane had no time to lo-e. Without Waiting to dress he leaped into the saddle and rode away as fast as he could, harassed by the bullets, but uninjured, and in a short time all the European officers fonnd themselves assembled, concealed in the jungle, to wait for nightfall, and to take counsel. 1 They determined to proceed to Delhi, but there was a doubt about the path. If the enemy were in force the Europeans would only escape out of the frying pan into the fire." An anxious look-out was kept all night, while the glare of the burning tents, the explosion of the magazine, with howls, crie:" and Shouts made darkness hideous. After a while it was determined that they should Bet out, and they marched together for some time fllmost a1; random. They had made considerable yrogress, however, when a rustling was heard in the bushes, and a half-naked figure came suddenly forth.. The foremost horseman reined up and halted instantly. N Who goes there ? cried the man in English. Who are you ? was the not unnatural rejoinder. Never mind, I can do you a service or not, as you please. My men are hero."

Executed at the Chronicle Office, Penarth.

"Are yon an enemy or a friend P demanded the colonel, coming to the front. "Neither," replied the mysterious indhftjtial; but I am attached to the British cause. I came is warn you. Don't go into the village yonder-you will be killed." Thank you for the hint if it is honestly meant," replied the colonel. "Whoareyou," No one you know, Colonel Deane," replied the man, who could scarcely be distinguised in the darkness. Go forward at your peril! A path here will lead you to the main road to Delhi. There you will find your camp." Without another word the mysterious individual disappeared, leaving the little wearied troop of officers in much doubt and perplexity. Shall we take his advice, colonel ?" asked the adjutant. "He seems to be honestly disposed." 11 Yes, we had better, I think," replied the colonel. 11 What say you, gentlemen P" The others agreed to accept the well-meant counsel which had been tendered to them, and turn- ing aside, they with much difficulty found the path, and pursuing it at about three in the morning, were again challenged. This time they had only a single horseman to deal with, and in answer to their questions got for reply- Sowar," which means horse-soldier or trooper. The man turned out to be one of Hodson's Horse, and he carried a letter for Colonel Deane, who read it by the gleam of his cigar, which was lighted by flint and steel t-nd smoked for the purpose, the matches having given out. There was good news the rebels had been for the time beaten, and driven into De'hi. The army was encamped outside. So far so good. The weary officers were warmly welcomed, and entertained as well as circumstances admitted of. Having made their report, they were permitted to retire, and seeic the repose they so greatly needed. Colonel Deane's inquiries for the mysterious indi- vidual who had warned them failed to elicit any reply. Captain Hodson, whose name became subse- quently so celebrated, asserted that none of his men had been in the direction indicated, so far as he was aware. He had sent out his scouts, but none an- swered to'the description; and the colonel was com- pletely puzzled. I I Well, T'o !son," he said, when he had procured from his friend some necessary articles of clothing, this seems to me to be a serious business. What will be the next step, do you think ? On our part, or on that of the mutineers do you mean, colonel ? On th, ir part, our line is pretty clear." Well, if they're plucky they'll make a da h at our guns, and we must be prepared for them about the Flagstaff yonder. But my idea is-" he paused as if in deference to the senior officer, 11 for the truly brave are always really modest. "'Your idea is to attack first, I presume ? said the colonel. Certainly. The Pandies maybe overawed now by ajbold stroke; they have not yet quite flung off old associations. Let them once shake themselves free from the discipline, and feel they are their own masters, and we shall have trouble. Take Delhi; that's my idea, and take it at once." This was bold advice, and was, perhaps, the best under the circumstances. But it was ordered other- wise. The fortifications were pretty formidable to look at, at any rate, and the city was supplied with stores and ammunition of every kind. We must remember that our own troops, men who knew every "call" and signal, 'were in hundreds within the walls, and day by day more were flocking in. At daybreak, on the 12th of June, there was an attack made on Metcalfe's house near the Flagstaff, as had been anticipated by the gallant captain, but the 60th Rifles coming up and the ;:Fusiliers, soon gave a good account of them, and pursued the P&ndies to the walls, An error of some corps in mistaking the rebel cavalry for the Guides, led to the former being let off easily. But Hodson was not to be put off his idea. He, with the engineers, sought an interview with the General, and put before him the plan they had con- cocted. The idea was approved, and about three o'clock in the morning, the word was passed round for assault. It had become apparent that to remain seated before Delhi, under the circumstances, would be needless. The smallness of the force, the constant reinforcement of the enemy, the want of train and requisites for an investment, all pointed to the .necessity for a COUll de main. Certainly Take Delhi." This was the watchword, so to speak. So the orders were issued, and the men marched pilently down, the 60th Hitles well to t e front, as usual. Silently the columns advanced in the darkness. Not a movement within the walls betokened that the enemy had any notice or suspicion of our coming. The 1st Bengal Fusiliers came along as boldly as their comrades. All was ready. Hodson was certain of success then if ever, was the time. Then if ever; but now here were the majority of the troops waiting within a few hundred yards. The powder bags were ready by the Lahore Gate. Where was the other Brigadier? The pickets had not come up as directed. Mur- murs began to be heard; the eastern sky promised dawn, and to attack the town with such a force un- aided would have been madness. Where is ? Why doesn't he come ?" were a few of the questions asked, or, at least, a moderate version of the questions men put to each other. But the precious minutes went by, the Brigadier did not come, the attack was countermanded, and the troops were sent back. O f The uproar—the storm of anger that was poured upon the head of the absent commander — was enough to turn one's hair grey. Whether one-third of the condemnation to which the absent officer was consigned ever reached his ears maybe doubted; but the attack was abandoned, amid universal disappointment. Colonel Diane rode leisurely back to the canton- ments, and after a few days there was fighting enough to satisfy all parties. But as the colonel was riding to his quarters, a trooper of irregular cavalry passing him saluted, and passed rapidly on. "Hi, you Sowar," cried the colonel in an excited tone. Hair! I command you." The man either heard not or heeded not. He was a tall, fire swarthy fellow, and yet the manner of his salute and the cast of his fine features were familiar to the English officer. That fellow is no native," he exclaimed, as he paused hi? horse. Halt, dye hear, sir r" But the Sowar was deaf apparently, for he con- tinued his rapid course, and the colonel had the mortification to see him pass on towards the canal near the ridge of rocks which terminates by the Jumna. "That fellow is a any." muttered .the_ colonel,

M andTTe pretends to belong to Hodson 0 J* j must have this inquired into." fM As he made this reflection he turned tov a\xtM ridge near which lay the bazaar and the officers 4rgg ters. The camp was pitched by the Sepoy P facing the city, the canal in rear. ,QgSja The fugitive, as we may call him, passed lj and made for the village of Mundee on the eX<je» Confound him! muttered the trooper, & lent English. I'll have to do better at hiM nearly found me out, and I can't get at nun- j by jingo, for Lucy's sake I'll keep my oatn. j^jjj turn Pandy if the worst comes to the worw- i out, my gallant colonel; tiro can play k»r«." O CHAPTER IX. 4, SHIPWRECK •$& WE must now leave the troops" before Delhi come back to Bombay, vtae »1I w»8 bmU« confusion. Any reader can imagine for g to read the journals of the period if he vis & picture the state of things in India at tha Our way is over the sea. v to A fine "troopship" was making her V England with invalids, civilians. women, children. Th -i dreadful massacre, hut alas on J^d beginning of it, which had alnady taken P aJ1d induced all who could do sn to send their dear ones home. But though many devoted women elected o remain and share their hus 0 lot for better or for worse though many W1 self-sacrifice waited to hear LOWS of the love tidings which never carnc to some of them with children who had arranged to leave before the mutiny actua ly broke out, *e England in the first available vessel.. V'jjef' The Durham Castle was a fine specimen class, and she made her way bravely honi6 dashing the salt spray from her handsome b 0wsl leaving a long white track behind her in the hea", 86ft.. i. flut' AU the conversation turned upon the W break. Would England ever be able to r j0gfc troops in time? Was the Peninsula for to us? Could we conquer the Sepoys_. croakers said not. But then the}7 were civi K a rule, and did not all ap reciate the circuint nor the tenacity of the British soldier. jady Amongst the fassengers in the cabin who attracted considerable a' tention. jp 9 was known to be engaged against the r. ,e"e^t0 superior command, and lr r opinion was liste when she could be induced to join in the c°B aJ1(j tion at table. She was tall, with tine featu eVj, aristocratic bearing and manners. But dently in a very delicate condition, and n°-11 bet sheer necessity, she declared, would have indu jjj to undertake the voyage at that time of year' to her then condition, f< .r she was expecting a be born by the time the vessel reached Engla £ 0fi As the voyage proceeded, the doctor begju ^-jjjr very anxious concerning her. The trial ox her husband in dan«er and the uncertainty all: voyage, the chances of storm and temp weighed with him as likely to af'eet the 8? mind of his patient, for she had been parti committed to his care. regclt "Do you think I shall be ill before lovely- England, doctor r" she inquired anxiously, "1 evening, as she sat upon deck beside her trie have no maid, and am terribly anxious." we Mtlst My dear madam," replied the doctor, wrollgt not permit ourselves to have fancies; it is ver} uB" and, believe me, unnecessary. But even it expected were to happen, I can promise J"°u cellent nurse." "Really!" exclaimed the lady, as ifta been removed from her mind. J der nO "Yes;" he replied, "so you need beiu M apprehension. I must myself leave the aft Cape, I regret to say, but I will take care^ort, sfi arrangements shall be made for your com „ my successor is a very competent practition But the services of the successor were not ° a# required. It fell out that a bad storm ,er fo* the Durham Castle was in considerable dane ere1 some time. Nothing but the steadinesS of t captaiØi and the marvellous self-possession of prevented a panic. The wind lulled, and s^ucCeede"' a moderate breeze, and the proverbial calm I the storm.. How beautiful it was! Scarce a ,fg^eU. rolling ocean, whose great hunch-backe cor> pitched and rolled the fine ship like an jy!?8'. upon the glassy surface. Everyone, inclu °egg ot Deane, came upon deck and enjoyed the ir cabifl9> the evening after the confinement of t £ l0m & which, with the scarce appreciable change retug»j state-room, had for three days been the s I of the passengers.. _„.rpInent What has happened? a ward. The mate dives suddenly into the s vxpeS cabin, and then hurries up—the boatswa eru»ti°- peculiar call—the crew hurrj'- up with con a# visible in their faces. Some make for tn unloose the tackling; other:; drag an indiar j across the deck and man the pumps. The ship must have sprung a leak. J The passengers crowd together upon^ g3 9$ deck. Those from forward—soldiers t invalids—mingle freely and unreprove wives and widows of officers. One .P with a tiny new-born babe at her br 'urS much sympathy, and Mrs. Deane enea not .¡et1j comfort her, but the young woman IS J responsive. j„n2'er?" 'j Have we sprung a leak ? Is there Is there land near ?" Shall we be saved, sir ?" mer°/ "All is lost, all is lost! Lord, have us!" hi°k 1 g These were some of the exclamations Q as the crew were passing and rePa, 0 £ servfL<}, answer was returned except to the ia decl „i<J made by a young man. He was told m ^o if not profane, terms to hold his alu ,ii.f be chucked overboard to the shar.K ]ie sU This gentle hint had the desired ehec"'> H sided and was heard no more. n fire No it was not a leak. The ship iniag'i* How, no one knew, and no one j supP;flg Whose fault it was will never be kno^ of for the unhappy men who were Fa' caused the lire by rank diso^ediec. > ^fore away, and will never be arra'gne earthly judge or commissioner. p fote The smoke which came driving up aS way now rendered all concealment fire dangerous. Death faced the Pass0J;rjand so {o water. How could they hope to reJc^n attend many miles away ? How could eBcape in the boats? _— j