Page:Wanderings of a Pilgrim Vol 1.djvu/510

 we mutually agreed, that, qualified in every way as he is for the task, the result would be both interesting and instructive. Amongst other remarks, I observed that, although he was well known to me by character, and I had to bear testimony to the brave conduct of a part of his corps, attached to me in 1817; the only time I ever had the pleasure of seeing him was the day following the surrender of Komulmér, when he dined with me.

"I trust your correspondent will proceed with 'the sketches,' and that the outline he has now furnished of Colonel Gardner's history may stimulate the original to give, what no other can, his biography in full. Colonel Gardner is one of the many remarkable men, who have passed a most extraordinary life, floating, as circumstance or nuseeb propelled, amidst the chaotic elements of Indian society, during the half-century preceding the halcyon days of 1818; when, by the vigorous mind and measures of the Marquess of Hastings, peace, for the first time in its history, reigned from the Himalaya to Cape Comorin. Aristides was banished Athens!"

I greatly wished Colonel Gardner would consent to tell me the history of his remarkable life, which I was anxious to write down from his dictation. One evening he said, "Merā Betee, (my child) when in Holkar's service, I was employed as an envoy to the Company's forces, under Lord Lake, with instructions to return within a certain time; my family remained in camp. Suspicion of treachery was caused by my lengthened absence, and accusations were brought forward against me at the Darbār, held by Holkar on the third day following that on which my presence was expected. I rejoined the camp while the darbār was still assembled; on my entrance, the Mahārāj, in an angry tone, demanded the reason of the delay; which I gave, pointing out the impossibility of a speedier return. Holkar exclaimed, in great anger, 'Had you not returned this day, I would have levelled the khanatsts next p.] of your tents.' I drew my sword instantly, and attempted to cut his highness down, but was prevented by those around him; and ere they had recovered from the amazement and confusion caused by the attempt, I