Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1884-08-01
WHO WINS 4?

Delhi, that city of minarets, the seat
in former years of the great mogul, whose
rule dominated Hindostan, and whose
style and magnifcence reached the ears
of the inhabitants of the old void in
such an exaggerated way as to make
people believe that the streets were
paved with gold.
In the year 1857, Delhi, t ough shorn
of its ancient splendor was still place
to talk and dream Of.
The bazaars were filled with rare and
costly merchandise, and the streets of the
capital contained nothing but jewelry,
which was largely exported to Europe
and America.
But in single night all this was
changed, and instead of the hum of toll
ing 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 England
against nation in revolt-a handful so
to speak, of devoted men were pitted
against Seyoys, outnumbering them q
hundred to one or more.
Two officers were seated in tent en-
joying a weed and cup of fragrant cof-
fee 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 change with vengeance, "
remarked Captain Vandeleur, gallant
soldier in a crack cavalry regiment. GA
fortnight ago we were dancing at Gen
eral Coghlan's party, with his sweet
granddaughter, Cicely, as an engaging
partner; now we caper to different music,
with no lady friend to smile encourage
ment upon u.s."
"Quite right, old fellow" laughed
Cyril Benthorpe, surgeon in the corps,
and as brave and handsome a fellow as
ever used lancet to relieve suffering hu-
manity. "I'm 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 sotdier'slot if it does" said Ven
deleur, lightly. II 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 manW
Certainly not" said his friend, whose
face assumed more serious air as he ad-
ded: "By the way, l wonder why we
have received no news from the old gen
eral. I hope the rebels are giving him
no trouble"
"By Jove! I never thought of that.
But here comes Major Pringle, looking
like another Bombastes Furioso, full Of
news.n
"Hallo, you fellows!" said the major,
edo you know that some friends of yours
are in great peril? refer to the Cogh-
lans; but before 1 say more just give me
some brandy-pawnee; the accursed 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 glances with Ben
thorpe.
"We're sorry to hear that, Pringle, ;
remarked Benthorpe. elbow did the
news reach our Campo"
ga fellow brought few lines from
the general, rolled up, and hidden in hi.
ear. A squadron of our corps is to star
tonight to relieve the beleagured little
garrison, if possible, and to bring it,
members in, said Prngle, holding ou
his glass to be refilled.
~ should like to 60, Pringle, "remark
cd Vandeleur, as he poured out bumpe
for his chief, with view of propitiatinl
him.
$50 should l." put in Benthorpe, eag
erly.
''What, two of you badly hit in tina
direction 2" laughed Pringle. "Well
well, I'm no lady's man myself, and S,
won't enter into rivalry with you fellows
l have already detailed you both in or
ders for the smart little affair. TIL
trumpet will sound boot and saddle q
nine. We shall have moon to guide us
thank goodnessW
When the major left, which he did il
q hurry, after his last glass of brandy
pawnee, the friends sat on in silence fo
some minutes, evidently deeply concerned
about the fate of Cicely Coghlan, a love
ly brunette, with laughing black eyes
and hair as dark as raven Wlng-Jus
just such a girl as to conquer Who'll
regiment Of impressionable officers-th
very beau ide VI of soldiers wife-gay
impulsive, yet full of womanly tendernes
and gentleness.
See here, Benthrorpe," said Vandt
leur, who was the first to break tn
silence that had come upon both, {
u 4
shall have her"
"How2 in what waym
"We are both going to the relief {
the same place-the man who reach'
her side first shall win her hand-thi
is, provided she is willing; the 9TH
fellow must retire gracefully"
Benthrope pondered over the propos
for few minutes, and then placing h
hand in Vandeleur's, said with all so
dier's frankness: