The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1884-12-18
WHO WINS?

Delhi. that city of minarets, tho seat
in former years of the Great Mogul,
whose rulo dominated Hindostan, and
whose style and magnifcence reached
the ears of the inhabitants of the old
world in such an exaggerated way as
to make people believe that tho streets
were paved with gold.
In the year 1857, Delhi, though shorn
of it's ancient splcndor, was still place
to talk and dream of.
The bazaars were filled with rare and
costly merchandise, and streets of the
capital contained nothing but Jewell
ry, which was largely exported to
Europe and America.
But in single night all this was
changed, and instead of the hum of
toiling thousands there came tho brazen
notes of the war-trumpot, the boom of
cannon, the rattle of muskctry, and the
stccly flash of naked sabrcs.
British valor was once moro called
upon to dofcnd the honor of Old Eng
land against Il nation in revolt-.a hand
full, so to speak, of devoted men were
pitted against Scpoys, outnum bering
them hundred 10 one or more.
Two officers were seated in n tent
enjoying q weed and cup of fragrant
which n hard battle had been fought
against the enemy, victory declaring
for the side Of the British.
'This is q Change with vengeance"
remarked Captain Vaudcleur, Il gallant
soldier in crack cavalry regiment.
"a fortnight ago we were dancing at
General Coghlan' party. with his sweet
granddaughter, Cicely, as an engaging
partner; now we capcr to different
music. with no lady friends to smile en-
couragemcnt upon u.s."
Quito right, old fellow" laughed
Cyril Bcnthorpc, surgeon in the corps,
and as brave and handsome fellow as
ever used lancet to relieve SUFFERING
humanity. Pm afraid we wcro both
hard hit in that quarter; an affection of
the heart, which, perhaps, 81 rebel bull
let will cure one of these days"
Its soldiers lot if it does" said
Vandeleur lightly. Il had no idea
though, Bcnthorpc, that you were in
the lists ag"@st me; but VIC needn't
be less friends for that" need we, old
man?"
"Certainly not" said his friend,
whose face assumed moro serious air
as he added: "By the way, l wonder
why we have received no news from tho
old general. hope the rebels are civ
ing him no trouble"
"By Jovc! | never thought of that.
But here comes Major Prngle. looking
Ike another Bombastcs Furioso, full of
EcWs.'
Halo. you fellowsr' said the ma
Jor, "do you know that some friends of
yours arc in great pcrilP Irefcr to the
Co%hlans; but before | say more lust
give me some brandy-pawnec; the ac-
cursed rebels kick up such q dust that
I'm wcll-nigh chokcd."
Vapdeleur helped the somewhat bib
ulous major to the stimulant, whilst ex-
changing ser Jus glances with Ben
thorpe. =
"Wo're sorry to hear that, Prinple."
remarked Benthorpc. How did the
news reach our campP"
"a fellow brought few lines from
the general, rolled up, and hidden in
his ear. A squadron of our corps is to
start tonight to relieve the beleaguer-
ed little garrison, if possible, and to
bring its members in," said Pringlo,
holding out his glass to be reflled.
81 should like to go, Pringle," re-
marked Vandelcur as he poured out
bumper for his chief with q view of
propitiating him.
$50 should l." putin Benthorpo Gag
erly.
''What, two of you badly hit in that
dircotionp" laughed Pringle. "Weu,
well. Pm no l4SSsy's man myself, and so
won't enter into rivalry with you fol-
lows. l have already detailed you
both in orders for the smart little af-
fair. The trumpet will sound boot and
saddle at nine. We shall havo q moon
to guide us, thank goodness!"
When tho major left, which he did in
hurry after his last glass of brandy
pawnce, the friends sat on in silence
for some minutes, evidently deeply con-
cerncd about the fate of Ciccly Cogh-
Ian, q lovely brunette, with laughing
black eyes and hair as dark as a raw
ems wlng-just such girl as to con-
quor whole regiment Of improssiona-
bic oificors-tho very beau ideal of a
soldiers wilc-gay, impulsive, yet full
ol Womanly tenderness and gcntleness.
500 here, Bcnthorpc," said Vande-
icur' VINO was the first to break the ST.
loncG that had como upon both, II love
who shall have her."
''llowP in what wayP'
"Wo are both going to the roliof 90
the p.acc-the man who reached bo.
side first shall win her hand-that is
provided she is willing; tho other fol.
low must retro gracefully"
Bonthorpc pondcrod over the propos-
al for few minutes and then placing
his hand in Vandclour's, said with afl
n soldiers frankncss:
"Dono with you, old follow, it's
bargain. lfyou win, I'll congratulate
you; if |, ] shall expect the samo troat-
mcnt atyour hands"
Anything moro incongruous than
thus stalking love on tho issue of n dan
: gerous expedition could not be imao-