When he had finished, the senior native officer stepped forward, and
in the name of the detachment assured the Major that the men were
perfectly contented, and would in all cases follow their officers,
even if they ordered them to march against their countrymen. At the
conclusion of his speech he called upon the troops to give three
cheers for the Major and officers, and this was responded to with
a show of great enthusiasm.
This demonstration was deemed very satisfactory, and the uneasiness
among the residents abated considerably, while the Major and his
officers felt convinced that, whatever happened at other stations,
there would at least be no trouble at Deennugghur.
"Well, even you are satisfied, Doctor, I suppose?" the Major said,
as a party of them who had been dining with Dr. Wade were smoking
in the veranda.
"I was hopeful before, Major, and I am hopeful now; but I can't say
that today's parade has influenced me in the slightest. Whatever
virtues the Hindoo may have, he has certainly that of knowing how
to wait. I believe, from what took place, that they have no intention
of breaking out at present; whether they are waiting to see what
is done at other stations, or until they receive a signal, is more
than I can say; but their assurances do not weigh with me to the
slightest extent. Their history is full of cases of perfidious
massacre. I should say, 'Trust them as long as you can, but don't
relax your watch.
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