The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1892-06-03
WHO WINS?

The bazaaG5 were filled with rare
and costly merchandise. and streets of
the capital contained nothing but jew
elry. 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 mus
kerry, and the steely flash of naked
sabres.
British valOr was once more called
upon 10 defend the honor of Old Eng
land against a nation in revolt-a
handful. SO to speak. of devoted men
were pitted against Sepoys. Outnum-
bering them a hundred to one or more.
Two officers were seated in Il tent
enjoying a 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 a ven-
geance," remarked Captain Van
deleur. a gallant soldier in q crack
cavalry regiment "A fortnight ago
we were dancing at General Coghlan's
par y. with his sweet granddaughter.
Cicely. as an engaging partner; nov
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 a fellow
as ever used lancet to relieve suffering
humanity. Pm afraid we were both
hit in that quarter; IN affection of the
heart, which, perhaps. Il rebel bullet
will cure one of these days"
.It's a soldiers lot if il does"
said Vandeleur lightly. Il bad nc
idea though. B~enthorpe. 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 a more serious air
as he added: by the way. i wonder
why we have received no news from
the old general. l hope the rebels
are giving MIN no trouble.
BY Jove! l never thought Of that.
But here comes Major Pringle. look
ing like another Bombastes Furioso,
full Of news"
Halo. you fellows" said the
major. do you know that some
friends of yours are in great peril? L
refer to the C%oghlans."
''We're sorry to hear that Pringle. {"
remarked Benthorpe. How did the
news reach u r Campo"
"a fellow brought a 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 it's members IT,"
Il should like TO go. fringle." re-
marked Vandeleur as he poured out a
bumper for his chief with a view of
p%ropitiating him.
SO should l." put in Benthorpe
eagerly.
What, two Of you badly hit in
that direction? laughed Pringle.
well. we'll, I'm no lady's man my
self, and so won't enter into rivalry
with you fellows. 1 have already de-
tailed you both in orders for the
smart little affair. The trumpet will
sound boot and saddle at nine. We
shall have a moon to guide US. thank
goodness!"
See here, Benthorpe. " said Vande-
leur. who was the first to break the
silence that had come upon both after
the major left Il love Cicely. so do
you; let us decide now who shall
have her."
How? in what way?"
1--WE are now going to the relief of
the place-the man who reaches her
side first shall win her haud-that is,
provided she is willing; the other fell
low must retire gracefully"
Benthorpe pondered over the pro-
posal for a few minutes, and then
placing his hand in Vandeleur's. said
with all a soldiers frankness:
Done with you, old fellow. it's Il
bargain. If you win, I'll congratu-
late you; if ], 1 shall expect the same
treatment at your hands"
Anything more incongruous tina
thus stalking love on the issue o Il
dangerous expedition could not be ;;n-
agined.
The moon had just shown itself over
a tope of mango trees when the ca
airy started on their errand of mercy
to rescue women and children from
death aud dishonor. and to succour
brave men who at that moment WEI
battling against great odds for d u
life.
Delhi was soon left behind. and ii
boom of cannon became fainter :;
fainter. until at length it ceased
together. The squadron rode throU
silent villages, embowered in p. e:
trees whose tall tops looked fair,
in the moonlight which flooded eser
thing. tzatt u
A few village ours barked def
and occasionally a troop of .a,i
made night hideous with their
some cries.
A short halt was called near Ii T.
or miniature lake. where the !.