The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1895-06-29
A BIG RUNAWAY.

He pictured the day when be 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 a genial fellow, with many
GOOD traits, and the blind bravery Of
Chat fanatic. Under different cir
cumstances all that was best in him
might have come to the front. But he
went to India in 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 year Tom Raffies 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 conferred 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
BERTHE Immediately struck up an ac-
quaiutance with Tom Raffies, 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.
Rallies believed that BERTHE was igno-
rant of his bad reputation. so he be
haved himself admirably for a whole
month. The colonel was secretly
pleased. de sometimes allowed Berti'
TO ride on Rallies gun carriage behind
the two elephants.
But evil days were coming. Berti'
went north to Rawal Pindi on a visit
and the next day it was reported Off
cially that the Black mountain tribe
were not going to fight.
This double blow was too much TO
Rallies. In freak of madness, in
duced by intoxication, he surreptitious
ly borrowed an officers uniform an
horse one dark night and rode out Z
the environments.
Two days later squad Of cavalr
found him at the palace Of the raja
Of Mutton. He had Just dined wit
the native prince and was expatiatin
on the merits of his hosts costly cigar
and wine.
This meant court martial, and RAJ
hes resigned himself to the inevitabl
during the week that he lay in dar
cell.
Then it CHANGED that the governC
general and his staff come north on
tour Of inspection. A grand revue
and maneuvers were ordered at Lahol
environments.
Colonel Stratford was in a quaudar.
He had no gunner whom he could tru
to fill Raffies' place on so important q
occasion. Rallies had even more contr
over the two elephants than their natl
drivers. Sultan. the leader, was grea
ly attached to him. So, rather this
run the risk of spelling the review, q
colonel decided to establish militai
precedent by granting Raffies a she
leave of absence from the guardhouse
AT sunrise on the appointed day q
plain before the environments was
scene Of martial glory. Bodies Of ca
airy and infantry moved to and
amid sparkle of arms and equipment
The heavy battery came last-six p
ished guns, mounted by six proud
ullerymen. Each gun carriage "
drawn by two burly elephants. and
top Of each elephant was a turban
Hindoo, with a steel prod in his hans
At last the governor general a
staff arrived from Lahore, and the Gel
monies began. A certain order "
given to the heavy battery. AS III
Tell into motion BERTHE Stratford leap
upon Rallies gun carriage.
Rallies wished that he could sink Q
OF sight. His face turned red and p'
pie. IL thought you were at Raw
findi. he stammered. Il came ba
last night, replied BERTHE II 81
hauies, I'm awfully sorry for y
whatever possessed you to-
I'm afraid you'll get in trouble
TINS. interrupted Raffies, pretendi
not TO understand. The colonel "
De furious to see an outsider ON S
carriage at such time. Why, we
right IN the middle Of the review"
he don't see me yet said Bert
hes too much taken with his 10
snip Anyway | can't jump of now
ms was true, since the battery '
fnndling along at rapid gait. r
mes accepted the situation without Z
tner comment.
The battery was performing a {
GUAR movement which was to bring
IN triumph past the governor gene
and stan. IL was now ON the oppos
side Of the circle and close to the ira
OF the Peninsulsr railway.
Just as the leading gun csrri
Ssered of to lstt. the fat sxprs.s TT