Year: 1878

sought shelter, and for few moments


death-like stiffness pervaded the de-


serted villa. The smoke gradually


cleared away and once more the moon


partially lit up the scene.


Taking advantage of the momentary


lull, Harry sought the side of his des-


tined bride. She had recovered from


her faintness, and, although pale, her


voice never faltered as she spoke to her
lover. She was resigned TO her fate,
hope had died within her, and her lips
moved in silent prayer as a sudden
tiendish yell from the tigers outside
proclaimed that their fertile brains had
concocted some new plan by which
they hoped to reach the victims who
had thus far evaded their grasp.


Resuming his post, Harry watched
for the slightest demonstration from
his willy foes. He could not hope to
hold out long against his adversaries,
and his stout heart sank within him as
he thought over the slim chances of aid
or succor from the not far distant city.


The plans of the Sepoys were soOR
made manifest, and a shout of exulta-
tion burst from their hoarse TIN oats as
a mass of blazing fagots was hurled
amid the light wooden work of the
house.


The binding smoke rose in eddying
clouds, compelling Harry to retreat
from the post he had defended so well,
while vivid tongues of flame rapidly
spread from point to point, all OF which
the poor fellow was powerless to avert.


In vain he attempted to fire through
the increasing sheets of flame in hopes
TO drive the Sepoys from their hiding
places. His efforts were all in vain,
and groan of anguish burst from his
parched throat as binding, suffoca-
ting cloud of smoke compelled him to
seek the room where Florence had ia
ken refuge.


Through the half-open windows puffs
of smoke were rolling forth, while the
flames with an increasing roar leaped
far on high, the yells of the Sepoys
echoing above the burning wood as
they watched impatiently for glimpse
of their intended victims.


Harry, as ne felt the scorching heat
of the advancing flames, clasped Flor
ence in his arms, retreating as far as
possible from the reach of the raging |
element, while the dark, whirling |
wreaths of smoke enveloped the lovers
like the folds of a winding sheet.


Sword in hand, with Florence, calm
and resigned, leaning upon his arm,
Harry chafed like a tiger at bay as he
gazed through the shattered panes of
the window.


Suddenly the clear notes of a bugle
rang out, followed by sharp word of
A rattling volley of rifle
shots and the rush of horses fell upon
Harry's ear, who leaned eagerly for
ward to catch a glimpse of the new
corners.


He beheld the 1.-THE forms of the Sc
poys gliding beyond the range of the
flames, closely pursued by stalwart
men, whose red jackets pronounced
them at once to be his countrymen.


With shout of joy the overJoyed
soldier made haste to leave tine burn
ing ruin which had afforded such
shelter.


By means of his long military sash
and a sheet hastily torn from a bed, he
mode of descent which
soon placed them beyond the power of
the writhing flames.


The officer in command of the rescu-
ing party was overjoyed when he dis
that through his energy he had
been the means of saving two valuable
lives. From his post of duty outside
the walls of Calcutta he had seen the
burning building, heard the firing, and
started at once TO the rescue.


Harry had the pleasure of returning
Florence to the arms of her anxious
father, who interposed no-objections to
Harry's opportunities of speedy mar
rage.


A brief period of bliss and happiness
succeeded, and then Harry was sum-
noned to the field where his brother
officers were earning renown and glory.


At the close of the rebellion the young
nan had gained both distinction and
while the Victoria cross or
his breast. Content with the
aurels won at the cannon's mouth"
ne retired from the army to enjoy with
'ut interruption the society of his beau
.iful wife and little ones.