Brookings register. (Brookings, S.D.) 1890-1894, 1894-04-06
A BIG RUNAWAY.


duly enlisted for Indian service, he be-
lieved that his career was made.
He pictured the day when he would
return to his native Norfolk village
wearing an officers uniform and the
Victoria cross. This was a foolish
dream, but his 20 years had been spent
entirely in the country.
Tom was genial fellow, with many
good traits, and the blind bravery of
Ghazi fanatic. Under different cir
cumstances all that was best in him
might have come to the front. But he
went to India in a time of peace. He
fell among bad companions and became
addicted to drinking, gambling and
host of minor evils. His popularity in
creased among the men in proportion to
his bad record among the officers.
At the end of year Tom Raffles was
considered the worst scapegrace in the
regiment-in all India, some did not
scruple to say. Half his time was spent
in the guardhouse or doing extra duty.
More than once he tried to reform, but
failed. Then he became reckless and
took life on the fatalist theory.
In three years he served at as many
different military stations. Then the
heavy battery-for Tom was a gunner
was transferred to Lahore, away up
in the Punjab.
The officer under whose command the
battery now came was Colonel STRAIT
ford. rigid martinez, but withal a just
man. His affections were centered on
his 17-year-old son BERTHE, who had re
Gently come out from England. BERTHE
was as handsome and plucky lad as
one could wish to see. He did pretty
much as he chose and was idolized by
officers and men alike.
Bertie Immediately struck up an ac-
quaintance with Tom Ratfies, and it
speedily ripened to fast friendship.
Both hailed from Norfolkshire, and they
had many a reminiscent chat about
sailing and fishing on the famous
Broads.
Raffies believed that Bertie was igno-
rant of his bad reputation, so he be-
haved himself admirably for whole
month. The colonel was secretly
pleased. He sometimes allowed BERTHE
to ride on Ratfies' gun carriage behind
the two elephants.
But evil days were coming. BERTHE
went north to Rawal Pindi on visit,
and the next day it was reported Off
cially that the Black mountain tribes
were not going to fight.
This double blow was too much for
Raff1es. In freak of madness, in
duced by intoxication, he surreptitious-
ly borrowed an officers uniform and
horse one dark night and rode out to
the cantonments.
Two days later a squad Of cavalry
found him at the palace of the rajah
of Mutton. He had just dined with
the native prince and was expatiating
on the merits of his hosts costly cigars
and wine.
This meant court martial, and Raj
fies resigned himself to the inevitable
during the week that he lay in dark
cell.
Then it CHANGED that the governor
general and his staff come north on a
tour of inspection. A grand review
and maneuvers were ordered at Lahore
cantonments.
Colonel Stratford was in quaudary.
He had no gunner whom he could trust
to fill Raffies' place on so important an
occasion. Raffles had even more control
over the two elephants than their native
drivers. Sultan, the leader, was great
ly attached to him. So, rather than
run the risk of spelling the review, the
colonel decided to establish military
precedent by granting Ratfles a short
leave of absence from the guardhouse.
At sunrise on the appointed day the
plain before the environments was a
scene of martial glory. Bodies of cav
airy and infantry moved to and fro
amid a sparkle of arms and equipments.
The heavy battery came last-six pol
ished guns, mounted by six proud ar
tiIlerymen. Each gun carriage was
drawn by two burly elephants, and on
top Of each elephant was turbaned
Hindoo, with a steel prod in his hand.
At last the governor general and
staff arrived from Lahore, and the cere-
monies began. A certain order was
given to the heavy battery. AS they
fell into motion BERTHE Stratford leaped
upon Rafties' gun carriage.
Raffies wished that he could sink out
of sight. His face turned red and pur-
pie. II thought you were at Rawal
Pindi," he stammered. Il came back
last night" replied BERTHE. Il say,