The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1906-01-12
How Tie Won the Cross


ing with his family at Lucknow. The
long beleasuerment of this town is one
OF the famous sieges Of history. Sol.
dicrs and citizens alike took part In
the defense, and Mrs. Kavanagh was
once wounded, while her husband was
wounded several times. At last it was
announced that Sir Colin Campbell was
advancing with a strong British force
to relieve the garrison. Then came
hunoujee Lal, native spy from
Cawnpur. Kavanagh heard of his ar
rival and that he was going back to
Alum Bagh with dispatches for Sir
Colin. 1t was essential that the latter's
advance be fastened and that he be
furnished with n guide. But it was
next to impossible for any Europcan
to make his way undetectcd through
the sepoys, aud If detected he would
immediately be murdered.
kavanagh volunteered to make the
attempt in company with Kunoujec
Lal, and the offer was accepted by the
commanding officer, Sir James Outraln,
after many prOtestations that the feat
was impossible. One stipulation, and
one only, Kavanagh made, and that
was that his wife should be kept in
ignorance Of his perilous attempt until
his fate should be determined. He
dressed himself as Il sepoy soldier. col
ormg his face and other exposed parts
with burnt cork dipped in oil. On re-
porting to the general in this disguise
he was not recognized. Having learn
ed the commanders plans, he set forth
with Kunouiec Lal. Proceeding to the
Gomtee river, they undreSsed and, hold
ing their clothes above their heads.
fOrtled to the opposite shore.
In dressing Nuvanagh came very
near exposing his white flesh to
Sepoy who had come down to battle.
They were questioned by n Sepoy Of
Gcer of the picket, but Kavanagh kept
back III the dark and left his compan-
Ion to do the talking. Then they pro-
ceeded down the river and recrossed
Mt a stone bridge, unnoticcI by the
sentry guarding it, who was talking
with a native
Passing into the green fields, KAY
anagh pulled up Il carrot Since he had
not had vegetables for five months It
tasted delicious. After walking a few
miles they found they had taken the
wrong direction and were in q region
held by the enemy. Kavanagh greatly
distressed bis cOmrade by going within
twenty yards Of the guns to find out
the Sepoy strength. After wandering
about for two hours two women put
thcln in the right fiirnetiqa, a,p, Proceed;
who questioned them. Here kunoujce
Lal became frightened and got rid Of
letter he was carrying to Sir Colin
Campbell.
Then they waded for several hours in
a swamp, and when they emerged
Kavanagh was 80 exhausted that he
on short rest This his COM
panion objected to. but Kavanagh took
n quarter Of all hour. then arose and
pressed on. About o'clock in the
morning they managed to steal be-
tween two OF the enemy's pickets, after
which Kavanagh lay down to sleep.
''Who comes thereT'
Could anything sound more delight
full? 1t was British challenge and
told them that their danger was over;
it told them that their mission had been
successful; it spoke encouragingly Of
the relief OF their starving friends In
Lucknow.
They were within Sir Colin Camp
bells lines, which they believed to be
miles distant. An officer took Kav-
anagh to his tent and gave him glass
OF brandy. Then Kavanagh asked the
way 80 the commanders tent. Meeting
an elderly man coming out Of the tent,
he asked where he could find Sir Colin
Campbell.
> 81 am Sir Colin Campbell. Who are
you?"
'This will explain, sir" aud Kava
nagh. taking his note Of introduction
from his turban, handed 1t to the gen
eral Sir Colin could hardly believe
what had been accomplished. He wish
ed to hear IN account Of the journey.
but Kavanagh was so worn that he
was obliged to take sleep before telling
the story. When he awoke lie was re
galed Mt Sir Collins table and told tho
commander and his staff his adven-
lures.
Meanwhile the garrison Of Lucknow
had been signaling. "Is Kavanagh
safe| but the signal was not under
stood. But now from the relief camp
was given the signal that had been
agreed upon between Sir James Ou-
tram and Kavanagh. A flag was raised
on the Alum Bagh.
Then Mrs. Kavanagh was told that
her husband had passed through an al
most impossible journey and had sud
denly become n hero.
Kavanagh guided the relieving army
to Lucknov He was the first man to
enter the city and was received with
shouts Of welcome by the starving gar
rison.
There is one part Of the story that