Los Angeles herald., 1906-12-30

women under his care he was going again tC
Bhupore. He kicked against the cruelty of it
but duty called and there was no alternative
When his campfire cleaned that night like
lonely star in the darkness, his thought swunl
back to crowded haunts on the banks of a muddy
river Scenes of bygone days shaped themselves
in the unsteady, Pickering blaze. The low, sill
very laugh of a beautiful girl came across the dt
viding oceans, to remind him for one brief mo-
ment of what might have been.
1t was unbearable. He rose to his feet quickly,
and stalked off to visit his sentries.
The handful Of white people in the little from
| tier city of Bhulpore carried brave faces.
The fiery passions of the tribesmen, restless as
the ever-moving sea, had blazed once more into
open defiance. They had swept down to the
very walls of the town on one of their forays.
The English fully realized the danger, but they
still met each other with smiles, bravely crushing
back their inmost fears.
Should the marauders come down in earnest
from the hills they would carry the tiny gar
rison before them like foam on a wave crest.
The officer in command had sent to the base for
help, and anxious, expectant eyes were turned
every morning to the south, and fearful ones 20
the north
At length the cloud of dust raised by the re-
lief force gladdened the sight of the watchers,
and soon afterwards Bendal clattered into the
city with his irregular cavalry.
A funthroated cheer went up from the little
knot of white men who had gathered in the square
to await him, and the women waved a welcome.
for his coming meant much to them
With the reconsideration for which he was
noted, the Resident, when a few words of greet
ing had been exchanged, suggested that Bendall
should at once go in pursuit of a rebel gang
which was lurking in the hills about five miles
off.
I'm afraid it would be an unwise proceeding
to attack force whose strength is unknown
Besides, my men and horses are tired" replied
the captain.
''Unwise" fumed the intolerent Resident
''Nonsense!" It's just this kind of indecision
that encourages these outbreaks. One swift blow
now might roll them up for good. Your duty is
plain"
my duty is plain said Bendall coolly. 'It
is to convey the ladies and civilians to place of
safety. l was given free hand as to operations
against the rebels"
of his advice. He had his own ideas on border
warfare.
"a free hand in such matters should only be
given to brave men," he cuttingy remarked.
The captains face flushed beneath its dark tan.
The lives of the people entrusted to nv care
are of more consequence to me than thrashing
a crowd of natives" he rejoined, ignoring the
4ii'N''' AANSo DeS SOu W EdtLel supplies So IndU
we may be ready to retreat if necessary"
The corners of the Residents mouth lifted
scornfully as he turned away.
His troopers swung from their saddles at n
word from Bendal, one of them coming forward
to take his horse He dismounted and put his
hand on the mans shoulder to steady himself.
rs there doctor here?" he asked, addressing
the company in general.
The doctor stepped forward, and helped the
captain across to the residency.
I'm afraid I'm in for a touch of fever" he
explained. "a snper's bullet skinned along the
side of my head yesterday, and don't feel any
better for it. If go bit wrong, don't let any
one interfere with my men,"
The doctor put his patient to bed after band.
aging his head. He did the best he could with