The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1892-06-17

AAASA AuAAo 10 Willis sue QOluS us
To sweet forgetfulness.
George Horton
WHO WINS?
In the year 1867 Delhi, though shorn
oi its ancient splendor. was still place
70 talk and dream Of. -sss 81
sbazaars ere 1nilcd III rare
and costly merchandise. and streets Of
! the capital contained nothing but je W.
elry. which was largely exported to
Europe and America.
But In single night all this was
changed. and instead Of the hum of
tolling thousands there came the
Drazen notes of the war-trumpet the
boom of cannon. the rattle Of mus
kerry. 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 revolt-a
handful so to speak, OF devoted men
were pitted against Sepoys. outnum-
bering them hundred to one or more.
Two officers were seated in a tent
enjoying q weed and u cup of fragrant
coffee after the toll of the day, on
which hard battle had been fought
against the enemy. victory declaring
for the side OF the British.
This is a change with a ven-
geance. (" remarked Captain Van
deleur gallant soldier in a 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 encouragement
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. n m afraid we were. both
hit in that quarter; an affection of the
heart which, perhaps rebel bullet
will cure one of these days"
Its soldiers lot if it does"
said Vandeleur lightly. Il had no
idea thoughs Benthorpe. that you were
in the lists against me; but we needn't
manp"
Certainly not" said his friend.
whose face assumed more serious air
as he added: by the way wonder
why we have received no news from
the old general. I hope the rebels
are giving him no trouble. ("
by Jove! never thought of that.
But here comes Major Pringle. look
Ing like another Bombastes Furioso,
full of news"
Halo you fellows" said the
major. edo you know that some
friends of yours are in great perilp l
refer to the Coghlans.
81 owe re sorry to hear that, Pringle !"
remarked Benthorpe. flow did the
news reach our camp?"
IA 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 be.
leaguered little garrison. if possible
and to bring its members in
Il should like To- go. Pringle." " re-
marked Vandeleur as he poured out
bumper for his chief with view OF
propitiating him.
so should l." put in Benthorpe
eagerly.
What two OF you badly hit in
that directionP" laughed Pring.e.
well. we'll. I'm no lady's man my
self, and so won't enter into rva,r.
with you fellows. have already de
tailed you both in orders for the
smart little affair. The trumpe: Ii
sound boot and saddle at nine. We
shall have a moon to guide us thank
goodnessm
See here, Benthorpe said V;t..te
leur. who was the first to break h,
silence that had come upon both after
the major left Il love Cicely so do
you; let us decide now who slul.
have her,
':HowP in what way?"
1--WE are now going to the relic 0:
the place-the man who reache, her
side first shall win her hand-that is
provided she is willing; the other lei
low must retire gracefully"
Benthorpe pondered over the pro-
posal for a few minutes and thea
placing his hand in Vandeleur's. said
with all a soldiers frankness:
Done with you. old fellow. it's "a
bargain. If you win, I'll congra'u,
late you; if ], I shall expect the same
treatment at your hands"
~ aApything more incongruous TIL.
~ kstaking love on the issue o. /,
dangerous expedition could not be i'm.
agined
The moon had just shown itself owe,
tope of mango trees when the cas.
airy started on their errand of mercy
to rescue women and children from
death aud dishonor and to suc"o u
brave men who at that moment w,r
battling against great odds for L J.
] life.
Delhi was soon left behind ana til
boom of cannon became fainter anl
fainter. until at length it ceased u
together. The squadron rode throu n
silent villages, embowered in pai,l
trees whose tall tops looked fairy! i.
In the moonlight which flooded ever,
thing.
A few village ours barked deG,l.:c.
and occasionally troop OF Jack
made night hideous with their f.;r
some cries.
a short halt was called near y 1T
or miniature lake. where the h.
were watere1 and the men partook
OF such refreshment as their havor-
sacks afforded.
This done, they saw to their girths
and, re-mounting by word Of com
mand. lest the sound of the trumpet
should warn the rebels Of their ap-
proach. they galloped forward. the
clatter OF their swords and accoutre
ments awakening the echoes Of the
night, and sounding ominously Of i'm
pending strife.
III .By .Joyei they're at it hamme,