Arizona silver belt., 1894-03-17
A BIG RUNAWAY.

When Tom Rallies took the queens shilling at St. Georges barracks in Trafalgar square and found mmself duly enlisted fer Indian service, he be- heyed 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 foolish dream, but his 29 years had been spent entirely in the country.
 Tom was a genial fellow, with many good traits, and the blind bravery of Ghazi fanatic. Under different cir cumstnces all that was best in him might have come to the front Bat he went 10 India in time of peace He fell among bad companions and became addicted to drinSing, gambling and a host of minor evils. His popularity in- creased among the men in proportion to bis bad record among the otiicors
 At the end of year Tom Rallies was considered the worst seapegrace i'll the regiment --in all India, some did not scruple 10 say. Half bis 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 tho fatalist theory
 In three years he served at as many different military stations. Then the heavy battery for Tom was gunner was transferred to Lahore, away up in the Punjab.
 The officer under whose command the battery now camo was Colonel Stral- ford, rigid martinet, but withal a just man. His affections were ceDtered on his l7-year-oli son Bertie, who had re gently come out from England. Bertie was as handsome and plucl,y a lad as enc could wish to see. He did pretty much as he chose and was idolized by officers and men alike
 Bcrtio immediately struck mp an Ec. quaintance with Tom Rallies. and ii speedily ripeued to fast friendship. Both hailed from Norfolkshire, and they had many reminiscent chat about sailing and fishing ou the famous Breads.
 AAtAAAAAu NA4aANfNA AAltaA lAAf4 tAN tN l4 la-lhA rant of his bad reputation, 80 he be- haved himself admirably for a whole mouth. The colonel was secretly pleased. He sometimes allowed Beltie to ride on Rallies gun carriage behind the two elephants.
 But evil days were coming. Bertie went north Co Rawal Pindi on q visit. and the next day it was reported ofi- cially that tho Black mountain tribes were not going to fight.
 This double blow was too much for Rallies. In a freak of madness, in- duced by intoxication, he surreptitious- ly borrowed an officers uniform and horse one dark night and rode out to the cantonmcnts.
 Two days later squad of cavalry found him at the palace of tho raioh of Mutton. He had just dinea with the native prince and was cxpatiating on the merits of his hosts costly cigars and wine.
 This meant court martial, and Raf. fes resigned himself 10 tho inevitable during the week that he lay in dark cell.
 Then it chanced that the governor general and his staff come north on a tour of inspection 4 grand rcvIew and maneuvers were ordered at Lahore cantonments,
 Colonel Suatford was in quaudary He had no gunner whom be could trust 10 fill Rallies place on so important an occasion. Rallies had sven more control over the two elephants than thCir native drivers. Sultan. the leader, was great y attached 10 him. So, rather than run the risk of spelling the review, the colonel decided to establish q military precedent by granting Radlcs short leave of absence from the guardhouse.
 At sunrise on the appointed day the plain before the cantomuents was scene of martial glory Bodies of cav airy and infantry moved to and fro amid sparkle of arms and equipments. The heavy battery came last six pol ishcd guns, mounted by six proud ar tillerymen. Each gun carriage was Gyawn by two hnrly elephants and on top of each elephant was turbaned Hindoo, with q steel prod in his hand
 At last the governor general and staff arrived from Lahore, and the cere- nonies began. A certain order was given to the heavy battery. As they fell into motion Bertie Stratford leaped upon Rallies gun carriage,
 Rallies wished that he could sink out of sight. His face turned red and pur- pie. I'll thought you were at Rawal Pindi, be stammered came back last night, replied Bertie Il say, Rallies, I'm awfully sorry for you. Whatever possessed you to''--
 I'm afraid you'll get in trouble for this, interrupted Rallies, pretending not to understand. The colonel will | be furious to see an outsider on a gun carriage at such time, Why, we're right Tn the middle of tho review"
 He don't see me yet, said Bertie Hes too much taken with his lord | ship. Anyway l can't jump off now
 This was true, since the battery was trundling along at a rapid gait. Raf- | fes accepted the situation without fur ther comment.
 The battery was performing cir cular movement which was to bring it | in triumph past the governor general | and staff. It was now on the opposite side of the circle and close to the tracks of the Peninsular railway.
 Just as the leading gun carriage veered off to left, the fast express train from Peshawn came dashing along with | q loud jingle of bells and hissing Of | steam.
 It was most unfortunate encounter. |