Galloping forward, I came upon
the brute, standing with one paw upon a prostrate girl, while a
man, the juggler, was standing frantically waving his arms. On the
impulse of the moment I sprang from my horse and lashed the tiger
across the head with that heavy dog whip I carry, and the brute
was so astonished that it bolted in the jungle.
"That was the beginning and end of affairs, except that, although
fortunately the girl was practically unhurt, she was so unnerved
that we had to carry her to the next village, where she lay for
some time ill from the shock and fright. After that they came round
here and performed, for my amusement, the feats I told you of. So
you see I have every reason to believe in the good faith of the
writer of this letter."
"By Jove, I should think you had!" the Major said. "Why, my dear
Bathurst, I had no idea that you could do such a thing!"
"We have all our strong points and our weak ones, Major. That was
one of my strong ones, I suppose. And now what had best be done,
sir? That is the important question at present."
This was so evident, that Major Hannay at once dismissed all other
thoughts from his mind.
"Of course I and the other officers must remain at our posts until
the Sepoys actually arrive. The question is as to the others. Now
that we know the worst, or believe we know it, ought we to send
the women and children away?"
"That is the question, sir. But where can they be sent? Lucknow is
besieged; the whites at Cawnpore must have been surrounded by this
time; the bands of mutineers are ranging the whole country, and at
the news that Nana Sahib has joined the rebels it is probable that
all will rise.
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