The Osceola times., 1884-07-26
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A Thrilling Incident of the Sepo,
Rebellion.
Delhi, that city of ninarets, the seat II
former years of the Great Mogul, whose
rule dominated Hindostan, and whose
style and magnificence reached the ear
Of the inhabitants of the old world il
such an exaggerated way as to make peo
ple believe that the streets were pavet
with gold.
In the year 1857, Delhi, though shorr
of its ancient splendor, was still plac'
to talk and dream Of.
The bazaars were filed with rare ane
costly merchandise, and streets Of thu
capital contained nothing but jewelry
which was largely exported to Europe
and America.
But in single night all this was chang
ed, and instead of the hum of .toilint
thousands there came the brazen notes
ofa war trumpet, the boom of cannon
the rattle of musketry, and the steely
fash of the naked sabres.
British valor was once more called
upon to defend the honor of Old Eng.
land against nation in revolt-a hand
full, 80 to speak, Of devoted men were pit.
ted against Sepoys, outnumbering them
a hundred to one or more.
To officers were seated in tent enjoy
ing weed and cup of fragrant coffee
after the toll of the day, on which hard
battle had been fought against the enc
my, victory declaring for the side of the
British.
"This is a change with a vengeance"
remarked Captain Vandeleur, gallant
soldier in crack cavalry regiment. "a
fortnight ago we were dancing at Gener-
al Coghlan's party, with sweet grand
daughter, Cicely, as an engaging partner;
now we caper to different music, with no
lady friends to smile encouragement
upon u.s."
"Quite right, old fellow" laughed Cy-
ril Benthorpe, surgeon in the corps, and
as brave and handsome fellow as ever
used lancet to relieve suffering humani-
ty. "Pm afraid We were both hard hit
in that quarter-an affection of the heart
which perhaps. rebel bullet will cure
one of these days"
"It's soldiers lot If it does" said Van
deleur lightly. 81 had no idea, though,
Benthorpe, that you were in the lists
against me; but we needn't be less friends
for that, need we, old man?"
Certainly not" said his friend, whose
face assumed more serious air as he ad-
ded: by the way, | wonder why We
have received no news from the old gen.
eral. | hope the rebels are giving him
no trouble"
"By Jove! l never thought of that.
But here comes Major Pringle, looking
like another Bombastes Furioso, full Of
news"
"Hallo, you fellow!" said the major,
'do you know that some friends of yours
are in great perilP ! refer to the Cogh-
lans; but give me some brandy-pawnee;
the accused rebels kick up such dust
that I'm well-nigh choked."
vandeleur helped the somewhat bibu-
lous major to the stimulant, while ex-
changing serious elances with Benthorpe.
"We're sorry to hear that. Pringle," re-
marked Benthorpe. "How did the news
reach our camp?'
"A fellow brought few lines from the
general, rolled up, and hidden in his ear.
A squadron OF our corps is to start to-
night to relieve the beleagured little gar
rison, if possible, and to bring its men,
bers in," said Pringle, holding out his
glass to be refilled.
al should like to go. Pringle," remark
Vandeleur, as he poured out bumper
for his chief, with view of propitiating
him.
$50 should l." put in Benthorpe, eag-
erly.
What, two of you badly hit in that
direction?" laughed Pringle. swell
well, Pm no lady's man myself, and SC
won't enter into rivalry with you fellows
l have already detailed you both in or.
ders for the smart little affair. The trum.
pets will sound boot and saddle at nine
We shall have moon to guide us, thank
gooiness!"
When the major left, which he did in
a hurry, after his last glass of brandy
pawnee, the friends sat on in silence fol
some minutes, evidently very deeply
concerned about the fate of Cicely Cogh
Ian, lovely brunette, with laughing
black eyes and hair as dark as a raven.
wing-just such girl as TO conquer
whole regiment Of impressionable Off
cers--the very beau ideal of soldier,
wife-gay, impulsive, yet full Of woman
ly tenderness and eentleness.
See here, Benthorpe," said vantleleur
who was the first to break the sienc,
that had come upon both; II love Cicsly
90 do you; let US decide now who shal
her."
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