The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1884-10-15
WHO WINS?

in former years of the Great Mogul,
whose rule dominated Hindostan. and
whose style and magnificenee reached
the ears Of the inhabitants OF the old
world In such an exaggerated way as
to make people believe that the streets
were paved with gold.
In the year 1857, Delhi, though shorn
OF its ancient splendor, was still place
to talk and dream of.
The bazaars were filed with rare and
costly merchandise, and streets OF tho
capital contained nothing but jewell
~, which was largely exported to
Europe and America.
But in a single night all this was
changed, and instead of the hum OF
toiling thousands there came the brazen
notes of the war-trumpet, the boom of
cannon. the rattle of musketry, and the
steely flash Of naked sabres.
British Valor was once more called
upon to defend the honor of Old Eng
land against nation in reYolt-a hand
full, so to speak, OF devoted men were
pitted against Sepoys, outnumbering
them hundred to ono or more.
Two officers were seated in tent
ENJOYING q weed and a cup of fragrant
coffee after the toll of the day, on
which a hard battle had been fought
against the enemy, victory declaring
for the side of the British.
''This is a change with vengeance"
remarked Captain Vandeleur, agallant
soldier in crack cavalry regiment
"a fortnight ago we were dancing at
General Coghlan's party, with his sweet
granddaughter, Cicely, as an engaging
partner; now we caper to different
music, with no lady friends to smile en-
couragement upon u.s.
Quite right, old fellow" laughed
Cyril Benthorpe, surgeon in the corps,
and as brave and handsome fellow as
ever used lancet to relieve suffering
humanity. Pm afraid we were both
hard hit in that quarter; an affection OF
the heart, which. perhaps, rebel bull
let will cure one of these days"
otis a soldiers lot if 1t does" said
Vandeleur 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
manP''
Certainly not" said his friend.
whose face assumed a more serious air
as he added: "By the way, wonder
why we have received no news from the
old general. hope the rebels are Civ
ing him no trouble.
'.By JoYe! / never thought of that. |
But here comes Major Pringle, looking |
like another Bombastes Furioso, full Of |
news. :"
'Hallo, you fellowsr' said the ma
ior, ''do you knoIy that some friends of |
yours are in great peril? l refer to the |
Coghlans; but before say more just
give me some brandy-pawnee; the &C
cursed rebels kick up such dust that |
I'm well-nigh choked."
Vandeleur helped the somewhat bib
ulous major to the stimuIant, whilst ex-
changing serious chances with Ben
thorpe.
"We're sorry to hear that, Pringle,'i
remarked 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 tonight to relieve the beleaguer-
ed little garrison, if possible, and to
bring its members in" said Pringle,
holding out his glass to be refilled.
81 should like to go, Pringle," re-
marked Vandeleur as he poured out a
bumper for his chief with view of
propitiating him.
so should l." putin Benthorpe Gag
erly.
What two of you badly hit in that
direction?" laughed Pringle. ''Well,
well, I'm no lady's man myself, and so
won't enter into rivalry with you fell
lows. have already detailed you
both in orders for the smart little af-
fair. The trumpet will sound boot and
saddle at nine. We shall have moon
to guide us, thank goodnessr
When the major left, which he did in
hurry after his last glass of brandy
pawnee, the friends sat on In silence
for some minutes, evidently deeply con-
cerned about the fate of CicelY Cogh-
Ian, q lovely brunette, with laughing
black eyes and hair as dark as raw
ems wing-just such a girl as to con-
quer whole regiment of impressiona-
bic offieers-the very 6eat ideal of
soldiers wife-gay, impulsive, yet full
Of womanly tenderness and gentleness.
See here, Benthorpe," said Vande- !
leur, who was the first to break the ST. |
lenee that had come upon both. al love
Cicely. so do you; let US decide now
who shall have her." Il
'How9 in what wayPn
. I'VE are both going to the relief of {
the place-the man who reaches her
side first shall win her hand-that is, 4
provided she is willing; the other fell /
low must retire gracefully Il
Benthorpe pondered over the propos-
al for few minutes, and then placing {
his hand in Vandeleur's, said with all
q soldiers frankness:
'.Done with you, old fellow, it's q j
bargain. If you win. III Congratulate
you; if ]. shall expect the same treat J
ment at your hands.
Anything more inconeruous than
thus stalking love on the issue of dan
gerous expedition could not be mag
med. II
Love, indeed when buliets not many z
hundreds of yards from where the pair
st were flying about like hail, seeking
! billet in the corporal frame Of some 9
znlucky wight who was unfortunate
enough to get in their way. q
Round shot from long eighteen Q
Founders and shells from hoWitzers
we're bowling about as if the vast maid o
n, or sandy plain. were . YeFitsble
kittle-alley where Titans were anus p
ng themselves at favorite pastime. o
knocking over human beings n lieu OF 9
line-pins Up
But love Is stronger than death, (which b
annot quel its life. for while the black 9
nigel itself dies when the last great n
rump shall awaken the dead, both n
mall and great. love lives on for ever, 8
ailing over jasper seas to the music Of e
ngels' voices. g
The moon had Just shown itself over b
tope of mango-trees when the cavalry q
farted on their errand Of mercy. to :
escue women and children from death
nd dishonor, and 70 suecor brave men.
no at that moment were battling
gainst great odds for dear lie.
Delhi was soon left behind. ana the =
com Of cannon became fainter and u
linter, until at length Il ceased alto 81
ether. The squadron rode through pL
lent villages, emboWered IN palm-
rees, whose tall tops looked fairylike q
the moonlight which flooded every s
teW village ours harked delianes.
"a occasionally troop Of jackais =
lnqe night hideous with their fear p.
= short halt was called near tnnk. ell
miniature lake. where tie horses e.
ere Hatersd. and the men partook Of
.en Eslreshment IS their harsrsncks e.
This done they saw 70 theif 1irfhs
d rsm0untlns b VOID of command. -.
IS tho sound of the trump6t shonld
1ln the rebels Of their approach. the e.
s1Ioped forward. tho CHATTER q theh
nerds and aeeon.raul1n1s ayake1 "a.
g echoes q kho'nzghk and founding
a11e1zlr Of Impending strife. &c.
80. - IS ~. = &