inflicted upon the enemy by this handful of men. The fugitives were, of
course, taken first to the messroom, Captain Dunlop being, however,
carried off by the surgeon to his quarters, to have his wound examined and
attended to.

It seemed almost like a dream to the worn and weary party, as they sat
down again to a table laid with all the brightness and comfort of
civilization, and felt that they were indeed safe among friends. Many were
the questions asked them by officers who had friends and acquaintances
among the military and civilians at Sandynugghur; and the fugitives
learned that they were, so far as was known, the only survivors from the
massacre. The story of their escape, and the safety of the girls, was told
briefly, and listened to with eager interest; and very deep and hearty
were the congratulations which the boys received for their share in the
history. In return, Major Warrener learned what had taken place in the
last ten days.

The story was not reassuring; tidings of evil were coming from all parts.
As yet the number of stations where risings had taken place was
comparatively small; but the position was everywhere critical. In Agra,
Allahabad, and Benares, the attitude of the native troops and population
was more than doubtful. At Lucknow and Cawnpore every precaution was being
taken, but a rising was regarded as inevitable. In fact everywhere, save
in the Punjab, trouble had either come or was coming. General Anson was
collecting in all haste a force at Umballah, which was intended to advance
upon Delhi--where the ex-king had been proclaimed Emperor of India--but
his force would necessarily be an extremely small one; and no help could
possibly arrive up country for many weeks. There was therefore only the
Punjab to look to for aid. Happily, the troops of the Madras and Bombay
presidencies had so far remained faithful.