The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1894-01-20

Trafalgar square and found himself
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 q 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 a
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 a
host of minor evils. His popularity IN
creased among the men in proportion to
his bad record among the officers.
At the end of Il year Tom Rafies 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 ICE 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 Punjah.
The officer under whose command the
battery now came was Colonel STRAIT
ford. a rigid martinez, but withal "a Just
man. His affections were centered on
his 11-year-old son BERTHE, who had re
Gently come out from England. BERTHE
was as handsome and plucky a lad as
one could wish to see. He did pretty
much az he chose and was idolized by
C~tficers and men alike.
BERTHE Immediately struck up an ac-
guaintance with Tom Raffies, and it
speedily ripcncd to fast friendship.
Both hailed from Norfolkshire, and they
had many a reminiscent chat about
sailing and fishing on the famous
Breads.
Rallies believed that BERTHE was igno-
rant Of his bad reputation. so he be-
haved himself admirably for a whole
''oil'h' Ahe CoioHel was secietlS
pleased. He sometimes allowed BERTHE
to ride on Rallies gun carriage behind
the two elephants.
but fFll DAYS were coming. bertle
went north to Rawal Pindi on a visit,
and the next day it was reported Off
clallV 'hat the BLACK mountain tribes
were not gong 70 hSht.
I'll, lIl lI.. --.zl. e.
ms douDle dow was 100 much Tor
Raffies. In a freak OF madness. IN
dlN+d ny lntoH1catlon' he snrreptltlous-
~ borrow! an ofhcer : uniform n
horse one dark night ana rode u TO
the environments.
"o DAYS later Il squad or cavalry
found HIM at the palace or the raJah
"f Mutton. II" had just dlned with
the native prince and was cHpatlatlng
on the merits a ms host : costly cigars
and VINE.
/ as m''nt court MARTIAL, art kat-
hes resigned f'''.-' II I" the Inevitable
during the week that h" lay III a dark
rt!l,
men II chahc"i that the governor
general II his stAit come north on a
tour OF inspection. n grand review
n manruVrr5 we've ordered at Lahore
c~antonlnenta.
Colonel Atratford was IN quaudary.
lie had no gunner whom he could trust
to nil Rat1es place on SO important an
OCCASION. kafiies had even more control
over the two elephants than their native
drivers. Sultan, the leader, was great
~ attached TO him. So rather thar
run the RISK or spo1llng the review, the
colonel decided to establish a military
precedent by granting Raf1es a short
leave OF absence from the guardhouse.
AT sunrise on the appointed day the
PLAIN before the cantonment was a
scene OF martial glory. Bodies OF cav
airy and infantry moved to and fro
amid asparkle or arms ana equipments.
Inc heavy battery came iast-six pol
ished guns, by SIX proud ar
tll'erymen. Each u carnage was
drawn by W burly elephants and or
TOP OF each elephant was d turDanec
h1ndoo, with a steel PROD In MS hand.
AT last the governor general ant
stan arrived trom Lahore, n the cere