The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1894-03-23
A BIG RUNAWAY.


duly enlisted for Indian service. he be
heved that his career was made
H. pictured the day when IL would
return TO his native Norfolk village
wearing an officers uniform and the
Victoria cross. This was foolish
dream, but his 90 years had been spent
entirely in the country.
Tom was a genial fellow, with many
good traits, and the blind bravery OF Il
Chat fanatic. Under different cir
curnstances al that was best IN him
might have come 40 the front But ne
went to India in Fl time OF peace IL"
fell among bad companions and became
addicted to drinking, gambling and
host of minor evils. His popularity IN
creased among the men In proportion t.
his bad record among the officers
At the end OF year Tom Rallies wa
considered the worst scapegrace IN tho
reoiment-in all India, some did not
scruple to say. Half his time was speE.
i'm the guardhouse or doing extra duty.
More than once Ire tried To reform. tut
failed. Then he became reckless and
took life ON the fatalist theory.
I'm three years he served at as many
different military stations. Then the
heavy battery-for Tom was gunner
was transferred to Lahore, away mp
In the Punjab.
The officer under whose command the
battery now came was Colonel Htrat-
ford. rigid martinez, but withal JUS
man His affections were conferred or
his 17-year-oId son BERTHE, who had r.
Gently come out from England. Bertie
was as handsome and plucky lad az
one could wish TO see. He did pretty
much az ne chose and was ido!lzed by
officers and men alike
Bertie Immediately struck up an ac-
nuaiutance with Tom Rallies, and II
speedily ripened to fast friendship
Both hailed from Norfolkshire, and they
had many a reminiscent chat about
sailing and fishing on the famous
Breads.
Raffies believed that BERTHE was igno-
rant of his bad reputation, so he be-
baved himself admirably for whole
month. The colonel was secretly
nleased. He sometimes allowed BERTHE
TO ride ON Rallies gun carriage behind
the two elephants
But evil days We're coming Bertle
went north to- Rawal Pindl on visit
and the next day it was reported ON
cially that the Black mountain tribes
were not going to fight.
This double blow was too much tol
Rallies. In freak of madness, IN
duced by intoxication. he surreptltlous-
tv borrowed an officers uniform ano
horse ono dark night and rode out L
the environments.
Two days later squad OF cavalry
found him at the palace OF the raJai
Of Mutton. Ho had just dined witt
the native prince and was expatlat1n'
IN the merits of his hosts costly cigar
and wine.
This meant court martial, and Raj
aes resigned himself 20 the ineyltabl
during the week that he lay in dar
cell.
Then il Glanced that the governo
general and his staff CONE north on
tour of inspection. y grand revle'
and maneuvers were ordered at LahoI
environments.
Colonel StratfOT;l was in quandar.
He had no gunner whom he could tru
70 fill Rallies place on so important
occasion. Rallies had even more contr
over the two elephants than their natl'
drivers. Sultan, the leader, was Srea
ly attached TO him. So, rather thu
run the risk of spelling the review, Il
colonel decided TO establish = mlllta1
precedent by granting Battles a sho
leave of absence from the guardhouse
At sunrise on the appointed day {
Main before the environments was
scene of martial glory. Bodies or ca
airy and infantry moved to and 1
amid n sparkle of arms and equipmen
The heavy battery came last-slX p
ished guns, mounted by six proud
tilIerymen. Each gun carriage "
drawn by two burly elephants, and
top f each elephant was a turban
Hindoo, with Il steel prod in his han
At last the governor general a
staff arrived from Lahore, and the &c
monies began. a certain order
given to the heavy battery. As II
fell into motion Berthe Stratford LEAF
upon Raffies' gun carriage.
Raffies wished that ne could sink {
of sight. His face turned red and P
pie. II thought you We're at RAJ
Pindi." he stammered. II came 81
last night" replied BERTHE. II S
Eafles, I'm awfully sorry for y
Whatever possessed you to-
I'm afraid you'll get in trouble
this interrupted Rallies, pretend
not to understand. The colonel '
be furious to see an outsider ON
carriage at such time. Why, W.
right In the middle of the review.
He don't see me yet" said Bel
Hes too much taken with his i
/ ship. Anyway L can't jump Oft no
~ This was true, since the battery
trundling along at a rapid gait
Hes accepted the situation without
Their comment.
The battery was performing
cular movement which was to brin
n In triumph past the governor gen
II and staff. 1t was now ON the opp
side of the circle and close to the TT
Of the Peninsular railway.