Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1878-06-19

was slipping beyond their bloody ven
geance.
When at safe distance from his de
tachment, Harry leaped into the saddle
urging his steed forward at the top o
his speed, his breast racked with terri
BILE apprehensions, as he galloped in tn
direction of his mistress.
Florence Bascom was the only chill,
OF Judge Bascom, widower, who hel,
high and lucrative position under tn,
Government. He had looked with favo
upon the growing attachment between
his child and the gallant soldier, fo
Eversley boasted an ancient lineag'
that dated back to the Black Prince.
A sigh of relief escaped from tn,
lovers lips as the white walls of tn,
Judges residence came suddenly int
view. The tranquil rays of the morr
east silvery simmer over the some.
what fancifuI architecture of the viIla
peeping forth amid profusion oftama
rind and feathery cocoanut trees which
surrounded this luxurious retreat.
Securing his horse in the rear of the
garden, Harry lost no time IN seeking
the presence of Florence. whom be
found pale and trembling with Hide.
fined fears.
Her father had been called to Cal
cutta unexpectedly on important busi-
ness, and during his absence the nut
merous retinue of Hindoo servants had
levanted, leaving her sole inmate of the
house. Even her trusted ayah had dis
appeared, leaving the poor girl prey
TO the most terrible vagaries.
In as few words as possible, Harry
related the strange interview he had
held with the native girl in his bunga-
low, and urged the necessity of instant
flight.
I'VE are but short distance from
Calcutta, Florence, and, once there,
we will be safe under the broad folds
of the Cross of St. George. But we
have no time to spare. Wandering
bands of natives may be lurking near,
while my absence, which is more than
likely to be discovered, will surely in
vite pursuit."
Even as he was speaking the shrill
notes of a trumpet floated to their ears
on the still. sultry air.
'''Tis cavalry trumpet, and close
by at that. Come, dearest, We must
linger no longer, but fly for our lives.
Do not tremble, keep up brave heart,
for no harm shall come TO my darling
while life and strength is vOuchsafed
me. | am good for a score OF these mig
gers, treacherous rascals that they are :"
Hurrying through the garden,
Harry placed Florence in the saddle,
and grasping his bride rein led the nag
to the road which stretched along the
dusty plain in the direction of the city.
\ savage shout, a roar of many vol
ees, caused Harry to halt in the shade
of clump of trees, while his vigilant
eyes caught the reflection and glare of
some burning edifiee.
The Sepoys had commenced their
work of rapine and slaughter.
Leaping into the saddle with his be-
trothed in his arms, the soldier gallop-
ped forward, hoping soon to place his
loved one in place of security; but
the sound of horses hoofs in his rear,
followed by savage yell, proclaimed
that his movements had been discov-
cred.
Glancing over his shoulder, he beheld
a number of dark mounted forms, the
rays of the moon revealing their glis-
tening accouterments, while the silver
facings of their uniforms proclaimed
them to be troopers of the native East
India Cavalry.
Courage, Florence, courage" whis-
pered Harry, as he dug the spurs into
the bleeding flanks of his charger. ''We
shall soon be within sight of the city
walls, when aid will come to u.s." but
the trembling girl made no reply to her
lovers words of hope and comfort, and
his face cleaned ghastly white in the
light of the moon as ne listened to the
dull thud of the pursuing steeGs.
A rattling, ill-directed volley from
the carbines of the Sepoys whistled
about the fugitives' ears, warning
Harry that his savage pursuers were
rapidly closing in upon him. He could
not hope to escape by flight; the groan-
ing of tie overburdened charger was
sufficient indication that his powers of
endurance had been tested to the ut
most, and were on the point of failing
The white stone walls of villa burst
suddenly upon the despai-ing eyes of
the desperate man, and he determined
TO seek shelter there as forlorn hope.
Leaping from the saddle, with Flor
ence in his arms, Harry dashed forward,
ascending the front stairs with frantic
energy.
Depositing his almost inanlmate bur-
den on the floor, he turned TO confront
his enemies.
One Sowar had outstripped his fell
lows in the race for life and death.
anxious to distinguish him
self, the fellow had dismounted, and,
sword i'm hand, had rushed recklessly
after the European. With show of
exultation he dashed through the front
door, his uplifted saber floating in the
while his dark, swarthy
glowed with fanatic hate
and ferocity.
Scarcely had the clanking spurs of
the Sowar struck the stairs, when Harry
fired, taking deliberate aim, and the
Sepoy, without a murmer, fell head
long to the floor.
His comrades, who had arrived in
time TO witness the death of the trooper,
filed the air with shouts of vengeance,
at the same time they charged their car
bines, but Harry had removed Florence
to less exposed situation.
Reyolyers in hand, the soldier watch