There was nothing I could do, and yet I felt that I
could not go away, but must stay within sight of the prison where
you were all confined till our column arrived. But this morning I
determined to come down to join our people who are fighting their
way up, little thinking that I should light upon you by the way."
"We were just going to push on, Doctor; but as you have had a good
long tramp already, we will stop here until tomorrow morning, if
you like."
"No, no, let us go on, Bathurst. I would rather be on the move,
and you can tell me your story as we go."
CHAPTER XXII.
Bathurst knew the Doctor well, and perceived that glad as he was
to have met them, he was yet profoundly depressed in spirits. This,
added to the fact that he had left Cawnpore that morning, instead
of waiting as he had intended, convinced Bathurst that what he dreaded
had taken place. He waited until Isobel stopped for a moment, that
Rabda might rearrange the cloth folded round her in its proper
draping. Then he said quickly, "I heard yesterday what was intended,
Doctor. Is it possible that it has been done?"
"It was done this morning."
"What, all? Surely not all, Doctor?"
"Every soul--every woman and child. Think of it--the fiends!
the devils! The native brought me the news. If I had heard it in
the streets of Cawnpore I should have gone mad and seized a sword
and run amuck. As it was, I was well nigh out of mind. I could not
stay there.
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