Little Falls transcript. [volume] (Little Falls, Morrison County, Minn.) 1876-1894, 1880-02-13

AotSu3 NssAAOJH = ouSNcIc1 1Suldll. II
will slip out Of the house, and make a
dash into the enemy's lines, as if I were
DESERVING from you to them and you can
tell your people to fire shot or two after
me with blank cartridge, as I 90. Then
the Sepoys will receive me kindly, and Ill
tell them that your all dying of thirst,
and they only need one day more to be
sure Of you, so that they won't care to
make another attack. "Then when they
have no suspicion, and think I'm quite
one of themselves, I'll steal away and
slip across the river" -.
but are you quite sure the Sepoys
will believe you2" asked Major Arm
strong, doubtfully.
"ihey'il believe this, anyhow" replied
the boy, deliberately making deep cash
IN his bare shoulder, and staining his
white frock with TIE blood, as he glided
from the room followed by Armstrong.
The plan was soon. explained to the men
below, and moment later Ismai's dark
figure was seen darting like an arrow
across the open space in front of the build
ing, followed by a quick discharge OF
blank cartridges from the marksmcn at
the loopholes. The sound of firing drew
the attention of the Sepoys, several of
whom ran forward to meet him.
In another instant he was in the midst
| of them.
II can scarcely see for those bushes"
said Colonel Annesley; "but he seems
to be showing them the wound on his
shoulder, and telling them it was our
doing"
At that moment an exulting yell from
the enemy came pealing through the still
air.
what's the story of our being short of
water, for guinea!" said the majority
lit was very good thought of his. Ii it
only delays their attack two days longer,
there may be time for help to arrive yet.
Slowly and YEARLY the long hours of
that fearful day wore on. The heat was
so terrific that even the native soldiers of
the garrison could barely hold their own
against it, and the handful of English
men were almost helpless. Had the
Sepoys attacked then, all would have
been over at blow; but hour passed
after hour, and there was no sign of an
assault. 80:
At length, as afternoon gave place to
evening, movement began to show it.
self in the enemy's line. Their curls of
smoke, rising above the trees, showed
that the evening meal was in preparation
and several figures, with pitchers in their
hands, ameng whom the colonel's keen
eye soon detected Ismail.
"By George!' cried the old soldier,
slapping his knee exultingly, shat boy
is worth his weight in gold! There's his
way down to the river open to him, with
out the least chance of suspicion! Why,
that lads born general-and nothing
lessp'
Every eye within the walls was now
turned anxiously upon the distant group,
fearing to see at any moment some move
raent which would show that the trick
was detected. How did Ismail mean to
accomplish his purpose2 Would he
plunge boldly into the river, without any
disguise, or had he some further strata
gem in view2 No one could say.
Suddenly, as Ismail stopped to plunge
his light wooden dipper into the water,
it slipped out of his hands, and went
floating away down stream. A CRY of
dismay, Il loud laugh from the Sepoys,
and then the boy was seen running fran
tically along the bank, and trying in vain
to clutch the vessel as it hoated past.
"What on earth is he up to-" grunted
the colonel, completely mystifed.
II see! exclaimed MINOR Armstrong,
triumphantly. "Therc's a boat yonder
among the reeds, and he's making right
for~it. Well done, my brave boyl'
But at that moment yell of rage
from the Sepoys told that the trick was
discovered
Luckily those on the bank had left
their pieces behind, or poor Ismail would
soon have been disposed Of; but the
alarm instantly brought up a crowd of
their armed comrades, whose bullets fell
like hail around the boat and its gallant
little pilot.
"Let us fire volley and make show
of sailying out" said the colonel; 'it'll
take their attention from him."
But in this he was mistaken.
The first rattle Of musketry from the
besieged house did indeed recall most of
Ismail's assailants, but at least dozen
were left who kept up an increasing fire,
striking the boat again and again.
All at once the colonel dash ed his glass
to the floor with frightful oath.
Between two gusts CT smoke he had
seen the boat turn suddenly over. and go
whirling away down the dark river, keel
upward.
There's an end to the poor lad," NUT
tered the veteran, brokenly. "God bless
him for brave little fellow. And now
old friend, we must just die hard, for
there's no hope left:
The first few hours of the night pass
ed quietly, and then the exhausted de-
Tenders, utterly worn out, slept as If
drugged with opium. But little after
midnight the quick ears OF the two vet
eran officers-the only watchers in the
whole garrison, except the centres them
selves caught faint stirring IN the sur
rounding thickets, which seemed to ar
que some movement ON the part of the
enemy.
Listening intently for a few moments
they felt certain that they were right and
lost no time In arousing their men,
! The scanty stores Of food were opened
once more, and, crouchlng together in
the darkness. the doomed men took what
they believed to be their last meal on
earth. 5,rz .5#s
"They.re comingl'' said Major Arm.
strong, straining his eyes into the gloom
through loophole. 81 hear them creep.
ing forward, though can't see them"
what the deuce was that2' exclaimed
the colonel, suddenly. ut looked like q
fiery arrow flying past"
t Its worse than that" said the major
in q low voice. 1.-THE rascals are shoot.
ing lighted chips of bamboo on to The
root to set it on fire. Send the women III
with buckets to flood the thatch-there
not moment to lose" %<r5 vi
7 II go and see to it myself:' crie6
Mrs. Currie, haatening out Of the room.
! But the power of this new weapon haG
already become manitest The house
was an old one, and dry as finder from
the prolonged heat, and as fast as thu
flames were quenched in one place the,
broke out in another. So
When day dawned, the FIRE had alread,
! got firm hold Of one, corner Of the
/ building, and crushing discharge wa.
/ poured upon all who attempted to extiu
i guish it, while the triumphant yells Of
the human tigers below told that they
j felt sure of their prey. s.
]. "It's all over with us old fellow said
j the colonel, grasping his comrade's hand
abut at least, we shall have done ou1
duty. y
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