Litchfield enquirer., 1876-07-06

who had dismountel from his painting bay, and as he ascended the side, there was no mistaking the tall erect, fine, muscular figure and martial bearing of 2 tha stranger.
 He was m officer in the British army. a captain in the Third Irregular Native Cavalry, and had been stationed at a post about seven miles back in the country.
 @My name is Marshman, Fred Marsh man, he said. as he grasped my hand, and it's devilish glad I am to see you. Iheard your gun last night, wondered whst t could mean, and started to ride over this morning, when my command rerolted, murdering every officer but myself, shonld have fallen also but forshe timely aid you rendered. Delhi has Hllen into the hands of the conspira- tors The Sepoys are everywhere re- yolsmg, md the air is full of the most horrible rumors of violence and blood she'd
 aThank God you are here, and never before did I so love your Stars and Stripes. In the name of humanity you must assist me. There is family resid- ing about ten miles from here exposed to the fanatical and savage fury of these demons. There is no one to protect them, for even the father is absent at Calcutta on business. The mother and two daugh- ters are alone. I am engaged to the eldest, so you can in 8 measure under stand my feelings. There is not a mo- ment to lose, or if you cannot aid me, l must go alone, and that at once.'
 "In very few words explained to the poor fellow how I was situated, and although could not consistently en- danger Uncle Sam's property, and the poor disabled fellows in the sick bay, I volunteered my individual aid, which was gratefully accepted
 fin five minutes Twas ready with my uniform coat, buttoned closely up, and my epaulette gleaming in the hot sun. for you must know gentlemen that I felt as though I was about to engage in desperate undertaking, and if lost the number of my mess, was determined it should be with my full insignia of rank. sai
 "Marshman was clad in semi-white military eundress, and furnished him with Q cutlass and brace of revolvers- the same as carried.
 'eTo my executive I whispered a few nasty instructions, with orders to return to Calcutta if 1 did not return inside of forty-eight hours.
 "The Americans whom had come to as- sist had taken warning in time and fed to the city, so Captain Marshman in- formed me.
 Five minutes later, and I was stand ing on the muddy banks of the Ganges. while my companion leaping into his saddle soon captured one of the feet wing horses browsing near, the former occupant of the saddle having been sent to Davy Jones locker by our salute of grape. saasH{ a1rs.. .......
 AAO ""o O AOD40 SPcClAHcu OA d uldu and officer, that Sam Marshman and I could not help plying him as he lashed his thoroughbred into a gallop, his eyes set and stern, and face pale and rigid.
 "Side by side we galloped. Not a word having been exchanged from the time we left the river bank until he checked his horse, saying:
 "There is the house, lieutenant, yon- der, amid that palm grove, unharmed as yet, thank God. Forward, for we have no time to spare. or much mistake the demons. ..
 "A high chenamed wall surrounded the bungalow, which was pierced by several gates. We entered the magnifi- cent gardens attached to the residence, dashed up to rear door, where we left the horses, and following closely after Marshman, I soon found myself in the presence of two young ladies, one of whom rushed into Mir. Fred's arms.
 T felt rather awkward, must confess, but I managed to lift my cap to the sis- tel, who turned her sweet, girlish face up to mine and in tremulous voice asked me if thought there was any danger.
 Before I could reply I heard the sharp blare of 6 cavalry trumpet. Peeping through the eblinds, I saw a number of well-mounted Sepoys galloping leisurely down the road leading to the front of the bungalow.
 ".Now for it! whispered the army officer. in 3, voice hoarse with excitement. @Mrs. Deane, fortunately, has accom- panied her husband. We have only Julia and Esther to care for. Do you take Julia, while will live or die by my bethrothed!' and darting through the hallway we were once more in the saddle with the girls clinging. bravely to us.
 Scarcely had we got clear from the garden, when my companion, who was slightly in advance, drew up in the shade of huge tree, at the same time looking anxiously down the road or path swey leading to the Banshee. His prac- tieed eye had caught the glitter of steel and military accoutrements.
 aOur retreat was cut off, and in few moments more the dark figures of the horses and their riders were plainly dis eernible.
 They are coming toward us' ex- claimed Marshman, and with that de-, tachment in our rear, it will be death if we finger here. We will strike the river higher up, lieutenant, where the jun gle is thick; but am well acquainted with it's darkest recesses, and we will give them the slip yet
 @His voice rang out clear and cheery, affording fresh courage to the tremb- ling females. Again we launched out into gallop; at the same time faint cry came floating over the rice fields on the light breeze. .
 They were in full chase astern, and glancing over my shoulder, I counted fourteen well-armed and uniformed men. Rather heavy odds. gentlemen. |