Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1884-07-30
WHO WINS /?
-CarIottd Perry.

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 ear.
of the inhabitants Of the old wo Id 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 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 a nation in revolt-a handful, so
to speak. of devoted men were pitted
against Seyoys, outnumbering them a
hundred to one or more
Two officers were seated in tent en-
joying 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 a 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
grand daughter, Cicely. as an engaging
partner; now we caper to different music,
with no lady friend to smile encourage
ment upon us"
"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 hui
mainly I'm afraid we were both hard
hit in that quarter-an affection of the
heart, which perhaps, a rebel bullet will
cure one of these days"
cts soldier'sl lot 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 MANI
Certainly not, !" said his friend, whose
face assumed more serious air as he adj
ded: "By the way, | wonder why we
have received no news from the old gen
eral. l hope the rebels are giving him
no trouble
'By Jove never thought of that
But here comes Major Pringle, looking
like another Bombastes Furioso full of
news"
sHallo, you fellowsm said the major,
81,
are in great peril2 | refer to the Cogh-
ians; but before / say more just give me
some brandy -pawnee; the accused rebels
kick up such dust that I'm well-nigh
choked"
Vandeleur helped the somewhat bibu-
ious major to the stimulant, while ex-
changing serious glances with Ben
thorpe.
'We're sorry to hear that, Pringle, !"
remarked Benthorpe. ''How did the
news reach our Campo"
"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
garrison, if possible, and to bring its
members in, said Prlngle, holding out
,lA glass TO be refilled.
II should like to 90. Pringle, remark
ed Nandeleur, as he poured out bumper
for his chief, with view of propitiating
him.
$50 should I" put in Benthorpe, Gag
erly.
s'What, two of you badly hit in that
erection z" laughed Prinele. ''Well.
we'll. I'm no ladys man myself, and so
won't enter into rivalry with you fellows.
7 have already detailed you both in or
ders for the smart little affair. The
trumpet will sound boot and saddle at
nine We shall have a moon to guide us,
thank goodness
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 concerned
shout the fate of Cicely Coghlan, love
" brunette. with laughing black eyes,
and hair as dark as ravens wing-just
| just such girl as to conquer a whole
regiment Of impressionable officers-the
very beau ideal of soldiers wife-gay,
impulsive, yet full of womaaly tenderness
and gentleness.