Page:The Land of the Veda.djvu/361

Rh (the Sepoys) had completed six mines in the most artistic manner—one of them from a distance of two hundred feet under our principal defensive works, which were ready for loading, and the firing of which must have placed the garrison entirely at their mercy. The delay of another day, therefore, might have sealed their fate.” So near, apparently, did they come to being made another “Cawnpore.”

The few native troops that had nobly and faithfully stood by them were well honored and rewarded. Ungud, their valiant messenger, received five hundred rupees for each letter he carried, quite a fortune for the worthy native. The spirit of these brave Sepoys, who had so long resisted unto blood, “faithful among the faithless,” may be illustrated by a sad but touching incident, related by Mr. Rees, and which occurred at the entrance of the 78th Highlanders on the day of the relief. Coming with a rush on the Bailey Guard outposts, defended by the faithful Sepoys, and not knowing it to be within the Residency inclosure, or that these Sepoys were faithful, the Highlanders stormed it, and bayoneted three of the men, whom they mistook for rebels. The men never resisted, and when explanations ensued, and regret was expressed, one of them waved his hand, and crying, “Kootch purwanni—Never mind—it is all for the good cause; welcome, friends!” he fell and expired.

General Havelock was too weak in men to attempt to bring out the garrison; he had to remain shut up with them till the Commander-in-chief, Sir Colin Campbell, came to their assistance on the 22d of November. The Sepoys still kept up their cannonade, but at a more respectful distance, and the ladies no longer feared either storm or capture. But Havelock's vigor was now unmistakably on the wane. Symptoms of serious illness were developing. By the effort of a strong will he tried to think lightly of them, and was still actively engaged day and night; but a “reduced ration of artillery bullock beef, chuppaties and rice” was poor nourishment for an invalid who had not even a change of clothing for the following forty days, the baggage being four miles off at the