NED FORTE SCUE. 
 
NED FORTESCUE: 
 
 OE, 
 
 ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE 
 
 A STORY FOUNDED ON FACT. 
 
 BY E. W. FORREST, 
 
 LATE HER MAJESTY'S INDIAN ARMY. 
 
 $tlatoa mtb ftorouto : 
 
 HUNTER, ROSE & COMPANY 
 1869. 
 
Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year 1869, by HUNTER, KOSB & Co. 
 in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. 
 
 OTTAWA : 
 
 PRINTED BY HUNTER, ROSE & CO. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 IN the following pages I have endeavored to portray a phase of 
 life upon which many romances have been founded, and it has 
 been my object to give the reader, who may be unacquainted 
 with the Vie Bohemienne of the army, a true idea of the feelings 
 and circumstances as felt and seen by a soldier in the " ranks," 
 who gradually wins his way from the first step of the ladder to 
 that position from whence most other story-tellers start when 
 they adopt a military hero. 
 
 Many chapters in this book relate to what is now matter of 
 histoiy, and the whole are the experience of a life of active 
 soldiering, with the uninteresting and dry details of General 
 Orders left out. The guard-tent and barrack, instead of the 
 mess-table and ante-room, has supplied me with material for 
 many of my scenes. In this I have deviated from the beaten 
 track, and hope the reader may find that in so doing I have not 
 
 injured the interest of the narrative. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
 720 
 
NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 OR. 
 
 ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 11 Omne beni sine pcensL 
 Tempus eat ludendi ; 
 Venit hora absque morfc, 
 Libros cJeponendi." 
 
 BURST joyfully from the throats of at least a dozen youths of 
 various ages, from eight to eighteen, who crowded the in and 
 out sides of the smart stage coach, with its splendid four grey 
 horses, on the morning before Christinas. Among this happy 
 group, figured conspicuously my brother and your humble ser- 
 vant, comfortably located in the rumble, which afforded us an 
 excellent view of the surrounding country as we bowled along 
 the turnpike road to London. As we turned out of the little 
 village of Pinner, through an openingin the now leafless trees, we 
 caught sight of the numerous gables and quaint old chimneys of 
 the Manor House, where, for the past six months, our preceptor, 
 the learned Dr. Bogue, had endeavored to inculcate in our minds 
 the beauties of Johnson, Lindley Murray, vulgar fractions, and 
 scraps of classic lore. The glimpse was but a short one ; and, as the 
 scene faded away in the distance, it passed from my memory 
 my thoughts being turned to the coming festivities, the panto- 
 mimes, and the sights that we were usually indulged in during 
 the vacation, at this season of the year. 
 
 On reaching the metropolis, we were met by my father, and 
 
2 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 conveyed home ; not to the one we had left in the summer, but to 
 one of more moderate pretensions in Chelsea. The reason of this 
 change was not explained to us, nor did I think of enquiring, 
 being engrossed in my own anticipations of coining pleasures 
 during the holidays ; the greater portion of which I was to spend 
 with my grandfather and uncle, who were merchants, and had 
 their establishment at the West End of London. At the termin- 
 ation of the holidays it turned out that we were not to return to 
 school. Some financial difficulties having arisen some speculation 
 in which my father was engaged, by which he was a considerable 
 loser ; so much so, that his affairs became somewhat embarrassed 
 and he came to the determination of quitting England, in hopes of 
 rebuilding his fortune in one of the colonies. After several 
 pros and cons it was decided that the family should proceed to 
 Canada, early in the summer. This being the case, it was not 
 deemed expedient or necessary that we should return to school ; 
 and I was permitted, much to my delight, to remain at my 
 grandfather's. A few days prior to the departure of the family 
 for the colonies, an arrangement had been entered into by my 
 relatives for my remaining in England. This suited me exactly. 
 The pleasures of a London life had more attractions for me then 
 than a trip to the New World, and so I remained behind. My 
 uncle was of a cheerful turn of mind, and fond of public amuse- 
 ments and exhibitions generally. When visiting these places I 
 was usually his companion ; consequently I soon acquired a taste 
 for such things (so natural in youth). My grandfather was one 
 of the old school, plodding, methodical, and punctual in his 
 business, to which he devoted all his energies, seldom relax- 
 ing on the score of pleasure ; a man of strict integrity, an 
 exemplary father, and a thorough good man every way. On Sun- 
 day mornings he regularly attended Divine Service ; then, 
 after dinner, his custom was to stroll out of town to Hornsey, 
 Highgate, Hampstead, Battersea, Kew, or some other of the 
 suburban localities, and in some quiet little hostelry, snugly 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 3 
 
 ensconced in a shady nook or bower, he would enjoy his glass 
 of ale, and smoke his long clay pipe, as was customary among 
 men of his class some thirty years ago. I always attended 
 him on those peregrinations, and thus I acquired a thorough 
 knowledge of the environs of London. For the first two or 
 three years I enjoyed this sort of life exceedingly. At my 
 grandfather's, being of an enquiring disposition, I was continually 
 in the manufactory, asking questions of the employes concerning 
 the manufacturing of the different articles they were preparing 
 for shipment to foreign ports in fact I obtained a considerable 
 insight into the business. But I was advancing towards manhood, 
 and I began to think what my future lot in life must be. ' I had 
 always had a strong dislike to trade or commercial speculations 
 of any kind. The Church was out of the question, and the study 
 of law I had a strong aversion to ; as for medicine or anatomy, I 
 turned from them with almost loathing. WJiile revolving these 
 matters in my own mind to decide what I was most fitted for 
 an actor appeared upon the scene that settled this point, at h-ast 
 for a time. My brother, some eighteen months older than myself, 
 and who had chosen for his profession the service of the Merchant 
 Marine, arrived with his vessel in the London Docks. This was 
 a source of much pleasure to me, as the vessel had to remain 
 in dock all the winter. Of course my brother was anxious to 
 hear and see all that could be seen of London life during his 
 stay, having been at school nearly all the time prior to the family's 
 departure from England, not having enjoyed the same facilities 
 that I had for witnessing the gaieties of that very gay city ; so I 
 became his chaperon, and a right jolly time we had of it. 
 Frequently, when his duties compelled him to remain on board 
 by night as well as by day, I would keep him company ; and 
 in the comfortable cabin, with a cigar and some wine, would I 
 listen to his funny yarns about Canada and the Canadians. His 
 description of different ports he had visited highly interested 
 me, and I began to abk myself whether it would not be much 
 
4 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 pleasanter to go to those places and see for myself, than to loiter 
 uselessly about a manufactory from day to day, whence no pos- 
 sible future good could be derived by me. But how could this be 
 managed ; to travel requires cash, and although my grandfather 
 and uncle supplied me with a liberal allowance for pocket 
 money, I knew well that they would not spare me a sufficient 
 sum to carry out my wishes. I mentioned this difficulty to my 
 brother. " Why," said he, " the thing is easy enough ; why not go 
 home to Quebec ? They will all be happy to see you. You can 
 then decide what step you will next take. I know that the 
 agreement with our grandfather was, that if you wished at any 
 time to rejoin the family in Canada, he was to provide you with 
 a passage out. Of course you cannot sail until the spring ; and, if 
 you take my advice, you will acquire as much knowledge as 
 practicable of the working of a ship, and the various duties 
 required of its officers and men, while on your passage across 
 the Western Ocean; it may stand your friend some day, if 
 you have a roving turn of mind. I will teach you how to 
 pull and steer a boat, during our stay in the docks." And 
 he kept his word. We went out in the ship's jolly boat, 
 but I very nearly came to grief at the outset. The boat was 
 alongside, with a quantity of water in it, and my brother 
 requested me to bail it out. I set to work with a good will, and 
 while so doing, I struck my hand against a wooden plug, driven 
 into a hole in the bottom of the boat, to drain her when on deck. 
 Now, as I always had an aversion to more hard work than was 
 actually necessary, a bright thought struck me ; why not pull 
 out the plug and let the water run out, as I had seen it done 
 on board. In a moment out it came, but instead of running out, 
 to my surprise and consternation, the water rushed in and the 
 boat filled and sank. Fortunately, I had learned to swim while 
 at school, or I should have paid pretty dear for my stupidity. 
 Striking out for the first boat, I got in, and from thence on board, 
 where I took off my clothes and had them dried using a suit of 
 
OB, EOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 5 
 
 my brother's, for the time being. However, nothing daunted, 
 into the boat we got, and pulled about for several days at different 
 times, until I could manage the oars and use the yoke lines. 
 We then went on to the Thames, and had many a good row to 
 Battersea or Richmond. 
 
 Early in the spring I broached the subject of departure to my 
 relatives ; they at first objected, but seeing my mind was made up, 
 they consented, and procured me a passage on the fine clipper 
 barque " James Holmes," and bidding farewell to relations 
 and friends, also paying a last visit to my favorite haunts 
 for it might be many years before I again returned to that part of 
 the world I went on board, on a chilly morning in April. About 
 11 a.m., the tide served, and as the flood-gates of the dock 
 opened, out we floated into the Thames down the pool, winding 
 our way in and out between the various craft with which that 
 famous river is at all times studded, and dear old London was 
 soon lost in the distance. The day being raw and blustering, I did 
 not remain long on deck, but took refuge in my snug little state- 
 room, and busied myself in arranging my books, writing mate- 
 rials, etc., until the steward came and announced dinner. I 
 had a good appetite and enjoyed it very much, but it was the 
 last meal I could eat for many days. The weather was squally, 
 with a fair wind, and we made good running all that night. 
 The next morning I began to experience that great drawback to 
 ocean travelling, "seasickness." I suffered very severely for 
 several days, and we were far from land before I could 
 leave my berth and go on deck. Being the only passenger, I 
 received all the attention from the officers and crew that I 
 required, and I had not been more than a month on board before 
 I knew the name of every rope and sail, and the purposes for 
 which they were intended. I had also been several times up aloft 
 in fine weather. I had acted on my brother's suggestion, and 
 brought on board several pounds of tobacco, and by judiciously 
 distributing it, I acquired a great deal of useful informa- 
 
6 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 tion on nautical matters. From the chief officer, I learned to 
 " box the compass," heave the lead, and keep the daily log of the 
 ship's progress. I was also permitted to take the wheel and 
 steer the ship of course, under the supervision of the helmsman, 
 or one of the officers. I do not remember much of the voyage 
 until we arrived at the banks of Newfoundland, where we had 
 to keep the ship's bell constantly going, as a warning to the fleet 
 of small vessels engaged in fishing in that region. We heard the 
 bells of several ships, but so dark was the atmosphere, that 
 they were generally invisible. It was with great satisfaction 
 that, one fine evening, I received from the captain the cheering 
 intelligence that by daylight, the following morning, we should 
 reach Grosse Isle, distant only thirty miles from Quebec. This 
 turned out to be the case, and at an early hour, we were 
 boarded by the medical officer, whose duty it was to inspect the 
 passengers and crew, to ascertain if there was any sickness or 
 epidemic amongst them. Having a clean Bill of Health we were 
 allowed to proceed up the river. 
 
 On arriving at. Quebec I landed at the Cul de Sac. I directed 
 my steps towards my father's office, the whereabouts of which I 
 had been made acquainted with previous to quitting England. On 
 crossing the end of Mountain street I observed my father coming 
 towards me. He recognized me at once, and calling a caleche, we 
 drove home to a neat little cottage in St. John's suburb. My un- 
 expected arrival created quite a sensation in the family circle for 
 some days. My eldest sister, a beautiful and interesting girl, 
 some three years younger than myself, hailed my appearance 
 with delight, and many a time and oft did we ramble together 
 through the beautiful and romantic spots for which Quebec is so 
 celebrated. During that summer, except when on a visit to 
 Montreal, I spent most of my time in shooting and fishing, and fre- 
 quently supplied our table with fresh fish from River St. Charles 
 or Lake Beauport, which were my favorite haunts for capturing 
 the finny tribe. But the appearance of hoary winter put an end 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 7 
 
 that sort of thing. The snow fell thick and fast, and all nature 
 was shrouded with a white mantle all verdure disappearing 
 from view for several months. I had never liked the winter 
 season, even in England, and therefore felt that the severity of 
 the climate was a death-blow to all pleasure for Quebec, at that 
 season of the year, is completely ice-bound. Of course, to those 
 born in the country, the ice and snow afford considerable 
 amusement. Sleighing an -ning parties are much enjoyed 
 
 by the Canadians generally. 1 was fond of skating, and there was 
 a great field for that healthy exercise, although not then entered 
 into so generally, or with such spirit as at the present day. Few 
 of the fair sex ever donned the skate the weather on the 
 St. Lawrence being so intensely cold and covered rinks not 
 having yet come into fashion. Since that day I have seen 
 beautifully illuminated rinks, crowded with from fifteen hundred 
 to two thousand persons, of all ages emperors, mailed knights, 
 queens, sultanas, Turks, fairies, demons, and every conceivable 
 character, in gorgeous and grotesque apparel, gliding smoothly 
 and gracefully about on the polished ice, in a seemingly 
 confused mass, to the soul-inspiring strains of some two or 
 three regimental bands, the fair ladies waltzing, and the 
 gentlemen tracing strange figures and devices. These carnivals 
 certainly remind us of what we hare read concerning " Fairy 
 Land." 
 
 My education, for the past four years, had been somewhat neg- 
 lected, so I made a virtue of necessity, and during the long winter 
 evenings resumed my studies under the direction of my father, 
 who was an excellent scholar, and whose penmanship was the 
 best I have ever seen, before or since. At length this, to me, 
 gloomy season passed; smiling Spring unfolded her generous 
 presence of sunshine and tears; the snow disappeared, the 
 floating ice was carried from the rivers by their rapid currents, 
 to the far away north, and the harbour was soon alive with 
 shipping. I had obtained an appointment in my father's office, 
 
8 NED FOKTESCUE ; 
 
 but close confinement to a desk was ill-suited to a roving disposi- 
 tion like mine, and I longed for a change of scene. 
 
 Just about this time, troubles began to arise between the 
 government and a certain portion of the population. Disaffection 
 and disloyalty appeared, and soon openly avowed rebellion 
 was seen throughout the land. Fresh troops were ordered out 
 from England, the militia called out, and a draft made upon 
 all males between the ages of sixteen and thirty-five, to quell 
 the rising, and support the government anfl. the Queen's authority. 
 Not wishing to embroil myself in a political contest for a country 
 whose climate I so much disliked, I determined to leave it on 
 the first favorable opportunity that presented itself. 
 
 This I had not long to wait for. The nature of my occu- 
 pation threw me a great deal among the captains of sea-going 
 vessels. One day I mentioned casually, in course of conversation 
 with the captain of the brig "Isidore," bound for Scotland, 
 and from thence to the West Indies, my desire to leave Quebec. 
 He said, that he would be happy to forward my views, and 
 that if I would accept the post of supercargo on his vessel, the 
 appointment was at my service. Matters were soon arranged, 
 and after an affectionate leave-taking of my family, I, on the 
 27th of August, reported myself for duty on board the " Isidore," 
 outward bound, for the port of Troon, in Ayrshire, Scotland. 
 
 The hour of seven tolled upon the evening breeze from the 
 bells of the different churches in the upper and lower towns, 
 while the silver moon arose majestically, in all its splendor, 
 from behind the forest-crowned heights of Pointe LeVis, shedding 
 its refulgent light upon tower and steeple, showing forth with vivid 
 brilliancy the tin roofs and cupolas, with which the old city 
 abounded. I stood leaning over the taffrail of the vessel, 
 watching the scene with deep interest, for a few minutes, until 
 we were borne beyond its influence by the current, and the 
 light breeze that filled our swelling sails and impelled us onward 
 towards the gulf. The weather was delightful. We set our 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 
 
 studding sails when opposite Grosse Isle, and did not take 
 them in until we had crossed the broad Atlantic which we 
 effected in the then remarkably short run of twenty days sight- 
 ing the Skerry Rocks, off the Irish coast, 011 the evening of the 
 sixteenth of September. Ts the night closed in, the south-west 
 breeze died away to a dead calm. Dark, heavy, murky clouds 
 surged up from the horizon, passing fitfully across the young 
 moon, which soon disappeared, leaving all in pitchy darkness. A 
 thick drizzling rain continued to fall for some hours, when a 
 light breeze sprang up from the land, and continued to increase. 
 The sea rose with it. Our studding sails were taken in, the 
 royals stowed, the top-gallant sails clewed up, and the flying 
 jib lowered. We endeavoiv;! t> b -at up t<> windward, but the 
 wind increased with such violence that we found it necessary to 
 furl the top-gallant sails, and double reef the fore and main top 
 sail. The storm still increasing it blowing a regular north- 
 easter the storm trysail was set, and every halyard, clewline, 
 and preventive brace set and properly secured, but to no pur- 
 pose. The sea, lashed into fury by the violence of the storm, 
 was now making clean breaches over us. The first sea of 
 any note, that we shipped came over our starboard bow, car- 
 rying away the galley ; next our flying jib-boom snapped short 
 off at the cap. A little before daylight our maintopmast went by 
 the board, wrenching off the standing rigging. This caused the 
 vessel to keel over considerably, but a few blows from the boat- 
 swain's axe cut it clear away, and we righted, although for a short 
 time only. The next heavy sea struck our starboard quarter, un- 
 shipping the rudder ; the ship became unmanageable ; and there 
 was nothing left but to take to the long boat, as the brig was fast 
 settling down in the trough of the sea. We had shipped so 
 much water that it was impossible to get below to save our 
 effects. Fortunately for me, I had, the morning before, taken out 
 of my chest my best suit of blue, to brush and give it an 
 ailing ; after so doing I wrapped it up in a piece of old sail- 
 
10 NED FORTESCUE J 
 
 cloth, and stowed it awa)r in the stem of the long boat, until I 
 could have an opportunity of taking it below ; and so accidentally 
 saved it. After several ineffectual attempts we succeeded in launch- 
 ing the boat on our larboard quarter ; it was well for us that 
 we had thus succeeded, for we had hardly pulled out more than 
 fifty yards when the brig pitched heavily forward, and went 
 down head foremost. We were now in an. open boat, in a heavy 
 sea no very pleasant position, truly but the storm shortly after 
 had exhausted its fury, and the sea went down, much to our 
 relief. I very much doubt, however, if any of us could have 
 reached the shore alive but for the timely arrival of a coasting 
 lugger, that bore down upon us. By the exertions of their 
 crew we got on board, when she immediately shaped her course 
 for Dublin. 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE, 11 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 IT was with no small degree of satisfaction that I beheld as 
 we rounded Ireland's Eye the Bay of Dublin, with the snug 
 little harbor of Kingstown, the romantic view of old Dunleary, 
 and the Hill of Howth, rising, as it were, out of the ocean ; all 
 looking so tranquil and picturesque on that fine clear autumn 
 morning. The wind and tide being against us, we had to kedge 
 our way up stream after the following fashion : the jolly boat, 
 with a small kedge anchor in it, was sent some fifty yards in 
 advance, and the anchor dropped; the hawser to which it 
 was attached was then hauled upon by those on board, which 
 brought the vessel up to the boat, the kedge was then weighed. 
 Proceeding in this way, we at length reached the river Liffey, 
 . that runs through the city of Dublin, like the Thames through 
 London. On the sands, by the Pigeon House, some troops 
 were going through their rifle evolutions, which had a very 
 pretty effect from the water. I noticed some remarkably 
 fine quays, on which were situated the Custom House, Trinity 
 House, the Four Courts, and other public edifices. The lower 
 quays, on the south side, were used principally for colliers, 
 while those on the north were crowded with merchantmen from 
 all parts of the world. I was much pleased with my visit 'to 
 Dublin; the people seemed hospitable, good humoured, and 
 pleasant, and during my stay I had an opportunity of seeing a 
 great deal of the wit and humor which is the peculiar characteristic 
 of the people. My stay at the Irish Capital on this occasion 
 was of short duration, for Captain Millett succeeded within a 
 fortnight in obtaining charge of a brig bound to the Port of 
 Troon, in Ayrshire, some nine miles distant from Irvin, his 
 native place. He requested that I should accompany him, 
 
12 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 stating that on his arrival at the latter place he could' obtain the 
 command of a fine vessel in the West India trade, in which he 
 would give me employment in the tropics during the coming 
 winter. To this I acceded, and sailed with him for Scotland. The 
 weather being rough and unfavorable, it was several days before 
 we made the port of Troon, a small coal depot in Ayrshire. It 
 was scarcely daylight when we came to anchor, and everything 
 was made snug before 7 o'clock, the rules of the port not permit- 
 ting any fires on board the vessels in harbor. We had to go on 
 shore for our meals ; the captain took the crew with him to get 
 their breakfast, leaving the chief officer and myself on board until 
 they should return, which they did in about an hour. The mate 
 and I then started in the direction of the house pointed to us by 
 the captain ; the knocking about at sea had worked our appetites 
 to a keen pitch, and visions of beef-steaks, eggs, coffee, hot rolls, 
 and buttered toast, rose to our hungry fancies, but there also we 
 were doomed to disappointment, for a time at least. On entering a 
 large room clean, and the floor covered with white sand, all 
 comfortable enough we were followed by a short stout " red- 
 headed " little lady, who announced herself as the landlady of 
 the establishment. " Has Captain Millett, of the 'Rob Roy,' ordered 
 breakfast for us," enquired I, bowing politely to the dame. "If so, 
 I should like to see it." " Quite right/' replied she, "and there it is, 
 all ready for you," pointing, as she spoke, to a side table, where 
 stood a large bowl of oatmeal porridge, into which were thrust 
 two spoons ; and on each side of the said bowl was a small basin 
 of milk, and a plate of " oat cake " known to the initiated as 
 " snap and rattle " from its brittleness. The mate and I eyed 
 the composition for a few seconds, then turning to the red- 
 haired mistress of the house enquired whether she took us for a 
 couple of sucking pigs that were to be fattened on milk and 
 meal, and fed out of one trough. The look of bewilderment 
 that spread over her features assured us that she considered the 
 repast prepared for us was all that any one could require. 
 
OE, HOUGHING IT THEOUGH LIFE. 13 
 
 Not fancying an outburst from woman's natural weapon, we 'bout 
 ship and started on a fresh tack further into the town. After 
 some difficulty we succeeded in obtaining an excellent breakfast 
 of "Finnan haddies," fresh eggs and soft bread, good butter and 
 some capital coffee nor did we fail to try, on our host's recom- 
 mendation, some of his real old " Glenlivat." Whether Captain 
 Millett had over-rated his interest, or was in ill luck, I know 
 not, but he did not succeed in getting the vessel he anticipated, 
 or any other, so after a sojourn of two weeks in the " land o' 
 cakes," I shipped on board a collier brig, the " Dundonald," 
 bound for Dublin. A few hours after leaving port, the wind, 
 which was right aft, increased to a hurricane, lashing the waves 
 into fury, and driving us through the water at a terrific rate. 
 While passing the Ailsa Craig, an immense rock that rises out of 
 the sea, we recognized the schooner ' ' James," of Workington, 
 with her distress signal flying, and laboring heavily in the 
 trough of the sea. We were at no great distance from the shore, 
 and could distinctly see the people on the beach endeavoring to 
 launch boats for her assistance ; but no boat could live in such a 
 sea and we could render no aid, as we, ourselves, were in 
 imminent danger of going under. The little schooner struggled 
 bravely, but all to no avail, and in twenty minutes from the 
 time we came in sight she foundered, and all on board perished. 
 The last soul that was seen was the mate, high up in the main 
 rigging, waving his hat for succour. Shortly after, the gale mode- 
 rated, and in a few hours we made Dublin without the loss of a 
 spar. I remained at the Irish Metropolis until my finances had 
 sunk to a very low ebb. All that could be heard or seen gratis, 
 I did not fail to avail myself of, and during my stay picked up 
 many of the Irish peculiarities. Being unable to obtain a berth on 
 board any vessel going to a foreign port, I determined to return to 
 London. To accomplish this end, I shipped on board of a 
 brig bound for Liverpool, and worked my passage to that port ; 
 signing articles for one shilling. Our trip was short and pleasant ; 
 
14 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 and thus, after an absence of nearly two years, I again found 
 myself in England, though many miles from friends or relations, 
 and a perfect stranger in Liverpool. 
 
 " Well, what are you going to do, youngster," was the enquiry of 
 the captain, as I entered the cabin to receive the amount of my 
 nominal wages. "I am going to London," was my reply. "Do you go 
 by water, or take the stage T " Neither ; I intend to walk. This," 
 said I, pointing to the shilling that still lay on the table, "is all I 
 possess ; so, as I cannot remain in Liverpool, or pay coach hire, I 
 must, of course, tramp it up to London, for I have no intention of 
 earning my bread through life upon the waters." He looked up 
 with surprise, and said, "You have a tough journey before you, for 
 I am told it is something over two hundred miles ; the weather is 
 cold, and the clouds look like snow. I am sorry it is not in my 
 power to assist you to any great extent, but here is half a crown, 
 and tell the steward to give you a good piece of boiled pork 
 and some biscuits ; that will help you along for a day or two." 
 This was a real act of kindness, and I felt grateful to the rough 
 sailor for his thoughtfulness. 
 
 I remained only a couple of hours in Liverpool. I sold a few 
 small trinkets, which added a little to my very small capital ; 
 then set out at a brisk walk along the London road, and soon 
 left that great shipping port far behind. I continued walking 
 until about nine p.m., when observing a bright light a little distance 
 from the road, near the entrance to a small hamlet, I went over 
 and found it to be a kiln, in which bricks were burning, with 
 only a lad near, whose duty it was to attend to the fire during 
 the night. I sat down and warmed myself, then made a hearty 
 supper of pork and biscuit, some of which I gave to the boy, 
 who, in return told me there was plenty of clean dry straw in 
 the shed, close by, where I might sleep if I chose. I did choose, 
 being tired with my long walk, for I had accomplished twenty 
 miles since leaving Liverpool, and was very glad of the bed, 
 rough though it was, and soon fell fast asleep. The sun was 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 15 
 
 shining brightly when I awoke. After making a hasty toilet I 
 breakfasted, then started with a light heart, in hopes of shortening 
 rny journey by twenty-five miles before nightfall. I found the 
 people, small fanners, and others, very hospitable, frequently when 
 I stopped to rest, or ask for a drink of water, beer, cider, or milk, 
 with bread and cheese, would be offered me. My dress and 
 general appearance proved me to be no beggar, and on more than 
 one occasion I was asked to take supper, and remain all night. 
 The parties appeared to be well satisfied, and much interested 
 with the account of my shipwreck, and the numerous anecdotes 
 I related to them, which I had picked up during my stay in 
 Scotland and Ireland. One family wished me to remain several 
 days with them, but my object was to get to London before my 
 brother's ship left for Canada, so I went on my way, sometimes 
 getting a lift in a waggon, or market cart. I had arrived within a 
 few miles of Coventry when a snow storm overtook me ; the day 
 was bitterly cold, and the snow froze as it came down. I had 
 only a pair of very thin-soled, long-quartered shoes on, and felt 
 the cold exceedingly, but I trudged on until I came to a tavern 
 in the outskirts of the city. Benumbed with cold and quite worn 
 ' I entered. i^d. About midnight 
 
 ke with violent . my feet and legs ; by the morning 
 
 they were so much swollen that I "Mid hardly manage to 
 hobble downstairs. Being severely frost-bitten, walking was 
 quite out of the question, the landlady very kindly bandaged 
 them for me, which gave considerable relief ; but what a position 
 was I then placed in, without friends or acquaintances, unable to 
 walk, and with only eightpence then in my pocket barely 
 sufficient for one day's subsistence. While cogitating on my 
 rather forlorn condition, and endeavoring to shape out some 
 course that would steer me through the present difficulty, a 
 gentleman entered the parlor, covered with snow, for it had 
 fallen fast since the former afternoon, and was much deeper 
 than had been known for many years ; in fact, it was one 
 
16 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 of the most severe winters ever known by that ancient indi- 
 vidual, the oldest inhabitant. " Fearful weather," sir, said he, 
 addressing me, " did you ever see anything to beat it since you 
 were born." " Indeed, I have seen the snow laying six feet deep in 
 the principal streets, and frozen solid at that." "And where might 
 that be," said he, with surprise pictured on his now glowing 
 countenance, for he was standing before the fire, imbibing a stiff 
 bumper of steaming hot rum and water. " It was at Quebec, in 
 Lower Canada," was my reply. "At Quebec," said he, hastily 
 putting down his glass, " have you really been there ; tell me, did 
 
 you know a gentleman of that city named S , he married my 
 
 only sister a few years ago, and for several months I have heard 
 nothing of them." Now it fortunately so happened that, although 
 not personally acquainted witli the parties, I knew sufficiently of 
 them to give him all the information he required concerning 
 their whereabouts. He was delighted, and insisted on my joining 
 him in a bumper of his favourite beverage. Nothing loath, I 
 consented, and thinking this an opportunity not to be lost, I 
 candidly told him of my unfortunate position. " This is sad, 
 indeed," he replied, " I am sorry that business compels me to visit 
 a neighbouring town for several days, or I could have entertained 
 you at my bachelor establishment ; but," added he, after thinking 
 for a moment, "the best thing I can do for you under the circum- 
 stance is to drive you at once to the City Infirmary ; being an 
 alderman I can procure you immediate admittance, there you will 
 meet with all the assistance, medical and otherwise, that your case 
 demands, and as soon as you are convalescent call on me, and I 
 will see what can be done towards forwarding you to London." 
 Tli is kind of lor I cheerfully and thankfully accepted; he imme- 
 diately railed the landlord, settled his bill, and mine likewise, 
 then, with the assistance of the ostler, I was seated in the gig, and 
 in less than an hour comfortably domiciled in the excellent ins- 
 titution mentioned by the worthy alderman, where I remained 
 until I was sufficiently recovered to be able to walk. One 
 
OE, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 17 
 
 morning, while looking over the London Times, I noticed that 
 my brother's vessel was still lying in the London Dock. Without 
 delay, I wrote and informed him of my situation. In a few 
 days I received a letter from him, containing a hank note of 
 sufficient amount, which enahled me to procure Avliat few 
 necessaries I rei|uircd, and honk my passage in the London 
 stage. I called at the house f my friend, the alderman, hut did 
 not succeed in seeing him, he being engaged in his office in town. 
 Having nothing further to do in that good city, the next morning 
 I entered the coach, and soon was howling along the turnpike 
 road as last as the four horses of Her Majesty's royal mail could 
 carry us. 
 
 We entered London early on the night that the line old 
 structure on Corn Hill (the 1 loyal K.xchangc) was destroyed by 
 tire. 1 p;iNS,-d the spot juM if the great tower fell in. the musical 
 clock of which was at the time playing the old Scotch air, 
 "There is no luck about the house, there is no In.-k at all." This 
 I argued was a had omen for my future success in the great city. 
 As 1 wended mv way west wan I along ( 'heapside. and down 
 Ludgate Hill, through Fleet street, and up the Strand, I met 
 thousands of people Mocking towards the scene of the conflagra- 
 tion. 1 had been but a lew days in London when my feet 
 became so painful that 1 was compelled to enter St. George 
 Hospital, near Hyde Park. I was nearly six weeks an inmate of 
 that excellent institution before I was sufficiently recovered to 
 admit of my applying for any employment. However, a few days 
 after 1 became convalescent, I was fortunate enough to obtain 
 a situation in the firm of Messrs. Fraser, Dunn, and Brooks, 
 Italian warehousemen, who had an establishment near Hanover 
 Scjunre. This suited me at the time exactly ; the salary was not 
 a very large one, certainly, but it was sufficient for my present 
 wants, for I possessed the valuable tact of knowing how to live 
 frugally, but well, and dress fashionably, if not elaborately, on a 
 very limited income. There is no place in tho world where 
 
18 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 things can be obtained of first-rate quality for so trifling an 
 outlay, if you but have the knowledge where to procure them, as 
 in this great city. This knowledge I possessed, by what means 
 obtained it is not necessary here to say. The hours of business 
 suited me very well, being from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ; thus I had the 
 whole of the evening, and the greater part of the night to spend 
 which way best suited my tastes and inclinations. I seldom 
 went to bed before 12 o'clock. The old adage that one hour's 
 sleep before midnight was worth three after it, I could never 
 believe in. Being now well fed and dressed, with all the care and 
 the greatest attention paid to "cut and fit," I began to look 
 around to see how I could obtain the greatest possible amount of 
 pleasure compatible with my small means. In this I was parti- 
 cularly fortunate. Two of my relations, on my father's side, held 
 the honorable position of yeomen of the Royal Guard, but were 
 of that select number who are only on duty when Her Majesty ap- 
 pears in State. On these occasions they always attended her. 
 To them I was indebted for admission to the ante-room leading 
 to the presence chamber in St. James' Palace, whenever there was 
 a levee or drawing room, from whence I could behold the Peers of 
 the realm in their robes, stars and garters, and marshals, generals, 
 admirals and ministers, from every court in Christendom, in 
 gorgeous uniforms, bearing on their breasts crosses, medals, orders 
 and ribbons, (honorable souvenirs of services performed in camp or 
 cabinet,) peeresses, noble dames, England's aristocratic daughters, 
 as they swept by in the pride of their resplendent beauty, blazing 
 with diamonds, and from beneath whose waving plumes the bright 
 gems of their coronets gleamed and flashed as they passed into the 
 presence of their sovereign. A sight the most brilliant that 
 can be conceived. My relations were likewise connected with 
 the Theatres Royal, Drury Lane and Adelphi, and had some 
 interest in the management of Vauxhall Gardens. To all these 
 places of amusement they presented me with free admissions, 
 whenever I requested them to do so, which was very frequently. 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 19 
 
 These orders entitled me to admission behind the scenes; I had thus 
 an opportunity of becoming acquainted with many of the stage 
 celebrities of the day likewise those of lesser note. I found 
 them, as a body, remarkably pleasant people, and I took a great 
 fancy to acting and theatricals generally. About this time the 
 Louther Kooms, on King William Street, were opened for select 
 quadrille parties, which were just then all the rage. From one of 
 the lady patronesses with whom I was acquainted having met 
 her brother in Quebec I received a season ticket as a present. 
 Being passionately fond of dancing, I never missed a night 
 during the season. On one of these occasions a veiy pretty young 
 lady appeared in white satin boots, with gold fringe round the 
 tops pretty, 'tis true, but this was an innovation slippers only 
 being recognized at the time in a ball room. While drinking 
 with some young fellows in the salle a manger, I talked loudly 
 in praise of the young lady and her boots, and got showed up for 
 my foolishness in a newspaper called the Town, which noticed 
 my infatuation in the following manner : " We advise the young 
 Canadian, residing not one hundred miles from Soho Square, not 
 to talk soemphatically about Miss Robinson's white satin boots." 
 This caused me in future to keep my mouth shut ; so what with 
 sights at the Palace, fire-work displays, the theatre, and dancing, 
 I was having a good time of it. But I was not satisfied with 
 this, my aim was to get on intimate terms with some good 
 families, by which I could obtain the privilege of entering into 
 the social circles of some of the country gentry, who come up to 
 London for the season only, and have no time to enquire 
 particularly into one's standing in society. Chance gained for me 
 what I could not have otherwise obtained. After leaving St. 
 George's Hospital, I took up my quarters at a quiet little coffee 
 house, close to Soho Square not far from the East India 
 Company's recruiting depot, and Howard's Hotel, the head 
 waiter of which was a brother of my landlady's, and a very good 
 fellow to boot after I entered Fraser & Co.'s employ, where I 
 
NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 boarded but did not sleep. I still retained my little attic room 
 for more reasons than the one of finance. Being constantly at the 
 different public places of amusement I became acquainted with 
 several young fellows of good standing, and frequently made 
 appointments with them to spend the evenings together who if 
 they had known of my occupation, or whereabouts, would never 
 have done so. I arranged with my friend Stephens, the " major- 
 domo " of Howard's, who, for a small consideration, consented 
 to receive messages and notes, and answer all inquiries, which 
 led visitors'to imagine that I occupied rooms in the establishment. 
 Of course when any one called to see me, I had just gone out, 
 but might be expected in about an hour. Thus I had the name 
 of a first-class hotel without the expense attending it, and my 
 assumed position remained unquestioned. So much for manage- 
 ment. One afternoon, while returning from the city, where I had 
 been sent on some business for the firm, and while in the act of 
 crossing Cockspur Street, a gentleman advancing from the 
 opposite side was knocked down, by the horse of a hansom 
 cab driven furiously along, and would have been run over, and 
 in all probability much injui?ed or killed, had I not sprung 
 forward and seized the head of the animal, and forced him with 
 a sudden jerk back upon his haunches. The person scrambled as 
 best he could from beneath the horses' feet. I then relinquished 
 my hold, and cabby, fearful of being called to account for his 
 furious driving, made himself scarce with all possible speed. I 
 then assisted the gentleman to rise, and offered him my arm, 
 which he gladly accepted. He was not much hurt, but a great 
 deal shaken by the fall. I accompanied him to his rooms close 
 by, in Spring Gardens, saw him safely up stairs, handed him 
 over to his valet or factotum, then turned to depart ; but this he 
 would not hear^of, and politely requested me to remain, that he 
 might have the opportunity of thanking me, and learning to 
 whom he was indebted for such an essential service. He directed 
 his man to shew me into the sitting room, then excused himself 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 2l 
 
 for a few minutes while he repaired the damages to his toilet. I 
 bowed an assent, and throwing myself carelessly into an easy 
 chair, awaited his reappearance. 
 
22 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 As soon as the valet closed the door, I commenced a survey of 
 the region into which I had been thus unexpectedly thrown. It 
 was a handsomely furnished room, and the large bow window at 
 the end commanded a fine view of St. James' Park ; to the right 
 could be seen the Duke of York's column, the Court of St. James, 
 and the marble arch in front of Buckingham Palace ; to the left 
 Bird Cage Walk, and the Horse Guards, while stretching away 
 to the front was the enclosure with its beautiful shrubberies and 
 majestic trees, over the tops of which might be seen the square 
 towers of the Ancient Abbey of Westminster, and here and 
 there you could catch a glance of the ornamental waters, studded 
 with little islands, on which hundreds of foreign and domestic 
 water-fowl made their nests, and swam among the aquatic plants, 
 to the delight of the gay loungers, and troops of merry, laughing 
 children, who frequented that charming spot. A cheerful fire 
 blazed in the burnished grate, which imparted a feeling of 
 comfort to the apartment, in the corners of which were to be 
 seen cricket bats, balls, stumps, skates, fishing rods, and rifles, 
 with fencing foils and boxing-gloves. The side-table was strewn 
 with pets of the ballet, new music, pipes, meershaum and cutty, 
 cards and notes in profusion, and some unpaid tradesmen's bills ; all 
 jumbled together in one confused mass. On the centre table were 
 newspapers, pamphlets, magazines, Coke upon Lyttleton, Parlia- 
 mentary Blue Books, and other reading matter. I had just con- 
 cluded my inspection when the owner of this miscellaneous 
 collection entered, in dressing gown and slippers. He was a good 
 looking young fellow, apparently about three and twenty, rather 
 above the middle height, with a fair complexion, dark blue eyes, 
 and a profusion of dark brown curly hair and whiskers. The 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 23 
 
 moustache, imperial or goatee, he did not affect, as in those days 
 such appendages were only sported by men of the highest ton, 
 the army and the numerous seedy-looking foreigners, who 
 frequented the Sablonniere, and similar establishments in Lei- 
 cester square and its vicinity. " By George," said he, laughing, 
 as he dropped into an easy chair, " I fancy I was more frightened 
 than hurt ; but certainly, had it not been for your timely assist- 
 ance, I should have been a fit subject for Highgate Cemetery, or 
 the operator's knife. Do me the favor to lunch with me," he added, 
 dfl ,i servant entered with a well-filledtray of Stilton cheese, ham 
 samhvk-lu'.s and cold chicken. "Try some sherry, or will you allow 
 me to recommend some capital old ale to your notice it always 
 does me an immense amount of good when I feel a little shaky 
 it was some that my governor sent up ; it was brewed when I 
 was born, and not tapped until I came of age." I did try it, and 
 certainly it was the best that had ever gone down my throat. 
 Over our ale he informed me that he was the son of Sir Lewis 
 Archer, of Stanley Hall, Sussex a fine specimen of the real old 
 English gentleman, who hated London cordially, but who never- 
 theless came up to town for a couple of months every year, that 
 Lady Archer and her two daughters might enjoy the height of 
 the season. " You see," said he, " that being an only son, Sir 
 Lewis will not hear of my engaging in any profession, but being 
 heir to Stanley Park, and its broad acres, he wishes me to enter 
 Parliament, and sent me up here, where I have been for the last 
 eighteen months cramming myself with legal and Parliamentary 
 lore, for I am to stand for the county at the spring elections ; a 
 bore, is it not." " But you appear to relieve yourself from this 
 drudgery, occasionally," replied I, pointing to the coloured 
 engraving of the Pets, and other trifles before alluded to. He 
 laughed a gay laugh, and with a courteous inclination of the 
 head, said, " May I ask whom I have the honor of thanking for 
 that good service." Pushing my chair a little round, I took up a 
 pen, and wrote on a slip of paper, " E. W. Fortescue, Howard's 
 
24 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 Hotel, Soho Square." " There," said I, " that address will always 
 find me while in London ; as for who I am, why, I am nobody. 
 My family settled in Quebec, Lower Canada, some years ago. 
 When I was about eighteen I conceived a desire to come and see 
 the modern Babylon. My governor made no objections, and you 
 behold me here ; I have done nearly all your public institutions, 
 theatres, etc. ; but you English are such an exclusive set, that I 
 cannot get an introduction into society. The only relations of 
 my family in this country do not reside here ; besides, an old feud 
 would prevent me from seeking their assistance for that purpose. 
 We manage these things differently abroad." " My dear fellow, 
 said he, " allow me to be your friend in this matter. I belong 
 to an old English family, and I am proud to say that we still 
 possess that unfashionable, though truly English feeling, family 
 affection, and I am certain that Sir Lewis and Lady Archer, and 
 my sister, would never forgive me if I did not allow them an 
 opportunity of thanking you personally for the obligation ren- 
 dered to myself." I had no intention of refusing his polite offer, 
 so bowed an acknowledgment. " Her Ladyship gives one of her 
 evenings to-morrow night. I will pick you up at Howard's at 
 eight o'clock, and drive you to Portland Square, although they 
 do not receive before nine. I wish to get the introduction and 
 that sort of thing over before the crush comes," said he, as we 
 parted. " Do tell me, Mr. Fortescue," said Lucy Archer, a pretty 
 little brunette of seventeen, as we sat conversing together on a 
 low ottoman, in the elegant drawing room of the mansion in 
 Portland Square, some half-hour after jny introduction to the 
 family, " Is it true that the people in your countrv paint them- 
 selves before going into battle, like the ancient Britons we read 
 about in our early history. When cousin John went out to join 
 his regiment at Toronto, he sent us word that the ' red men,' as 
 he called you, dressed themselves up in paint and feathers, and 
 brandished their tomahawks to frighten our soldiers ; but I think 
 he was only amusing himself at our expense ; he was such a 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 25 
 
 dreadful old fellow." I endeavored to set her right by explaining 
 the character of the Indian tribes, and to assure her that the 
 Canadians, as a people, were as civilized and polished as their 
 more favored neighbours in Europe. For in those days Canada 
 and the Canadians were little understood by the generality of 
 the people in England. " But," said I, as the band struck up, " the 
 quadrilles are forming, permit me the pleasure of dancing the 
 first set with you." She smiled an assent, and I led her to the 
 ball room. Later in the evening as I sauntered through the 
 card rooms, I stopped to look on at a table where Sir Lewis and 
 .Major Bradley, of the artillery, assisted by two elaborately tur- 
 baned dowagers, were engaged at whist. " You are a Canadian, 
 I understand, sir," said the major to me, during the deal. "How 
 are affairs going on in Canada ? Any probability of a general 
 rising throughout the Province, and are more troops likely to be 
 called for T " Not at all," replied I, " Her Majesty has not more 
 loyal subjects than the Canadians in any part of the world. 
 Some disaffection has shown itself in both sections, and collisions 
 have taken place between the insurgents and the troops ; but the 
 whole affair is now subsiding, and, in my opinion, would have 
 died out long before this, but for the American element, which 
 is ever ready to inflame the minds of the lower orders against 
 the government, with a view to ultimate annexation ; but they 
 will never succeed in that." Before leaving, I received a carte 
 blanche to visit them, when I felt so disposed, and Sir Lewis 
 insisted that I should spend a few weeks at his seat in Essex 
 during the shooting season. I was likewise introduced, during 
 the evening, to several other wealthy families, on whom I pro- 
 mised to call, dine, and so forth. This sort of thing lasted for 
 about six weeks, and certainly I never experienced a more plea- 
 sant time. One evening, at a concert, I met my old schoolfellow, 
 Charles Melton. We were equally pleased to meet again, not 
 having seen each other for three or four years. After the 
 concert I invited him to sup with me at the quiet coffee house. 
 
26 NED FOKTESCUE; 
 
 Having no object in concealing from him my real position, I 
 related to him what had happened to me since we both parted, 
 and, in return, he informed me that his father had died, and left 
 the business to his management ; but having no taste for such 
 matters his affairs became somewhat involved, and that he 
 thought of selling off and engaging in some pursuit more conge- 
 nial to his taste and habits. At an opposite table were seated a 
 party of non-commissioned officers belonging to the East India 
 Company's recruiting depot, Soho Square. One of whom, it 
 appeared, was pointing out to a couple of country-looking lads 
 the advantages that were to be gained by entering the military 
 service of the said company ; he concluded by saying, " a relative 
 of mine enlisted and went out to India, remained there twenty- 
 one years, then returned home with about a thousand pounds in 
 cash, and a pension of eighty pounds per annum." At this juncture 
 my friend Charley gave a prolonged whistle, then ejaculated 
 something which sounded very much like " gammon." " Gentle- 
 men," said another of the party, a grey-headed old veteran, who 
 had noticed Melton's expression, "I can assure you that the 
 statement is substantially correct. I do not know the party 
 alluded to, but this I do know, that there is no service in the 
 world which holds out such inducements for young men who 
 have received a good education to enlist in its ranks. The advan- 
 tages are, their relief from regimental duty, good staff appoint- 
 ments, such as riding masters of cavalry and artillery, barrack 
 masters, conductors of ordnance, commissariat and cattle depart- 
 ments, head clerks of the Adjutant-General and Quarter-Master 
 General's office all of which are taken from the different regi- 
 ments, and promoted to the rank of warrant officer ; that is, 
 they receive a warrant, or sort of commission, signed by the 
 Governor in Council, and have all the privileges and allowances 
 extended to a commissioned officer. The pay is, in many cases, 
 superior to that of the regimental subaltern, and having none of 
 those expenses, such as mess funds, subscription to band, and 
 
OR, EOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 27 
 
 other deductions from their pay of a similar character; and 
 living being remarkably reasonable, the careful warrant officer 
 can save one-half of his pay and allowances, and on the comple- 
 tion of his service retire on an allowance of eighty pounds 
 per annum. Besides these, there are a great many advantages 
 for the deserving soldier, not to be met with in other services." 
 The quiet and gentlemanly manner in which this statement was 
 made, led me to believe there was some truth in it. It being now 
 midnight my friend left, promising to meet me again in a few 
 evenings for a night's aniUM-ment. The autumn now closing in, 
 the Archers, and most of the families witli whom I was acquainted 
 had already left town, and the others were about to do so. I 
 again began to feel what a very slight hold I had on the position 
 of a gentleman. The paee at which, for the last few months, I 
 had been going, totally unfitted me for the plodding humdrum 
 routine of business life. One Saturday afternoon, on going to 
 the counting-house I was informed that in consequence of the 
 firm being about to dissolve partnership, my services in the 
 establishment would be no longer required. This was as unex- 
 pected as inconvenient to me, for I much doubted if I could 
 procure an appointment that would suit me as well as the one T 
 was now leaving and so it turned out for a whole fortnight I 
 sought with great diligence for some suitable employment, but 
 without success. My funds were now getting low, and I knew 
 that I could no longer keep up the appearance that I had 
 hitherto done, and I resolved to do that which had more than 
 once flashed across my mind since I had listened to the conversa- 
 tion of the recruiting party of the East India Company. But 
 previous to carrying out this idea I determined to mix onoe 
 more among the gay and glittering throng. I paid farewell 
 visits to those of my acquaintances who still remained in town, 
 and then drove down to Essex, where I was most hospitably 
 received by the Archers at Stanley Hall. I found numerous 
 guests, many of whom I had met in London. So what with shoot- 
 
28 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 ing in the morning, riding parties in the afternoon and assem- 
 blages at night, my time was fully occupied, and in a manner 
 which could not fail to give me the utmost satisfaction and 
 delight. This sort of thing could not last long, so I made a 
 virtue of necessity by informing my friends that I had received 
 an appointment abroad, and must leave England in a few days. 
 All expressed their regret at my short visit, but wished me 
 every success in my voyage to the East. On reaching my lodg- 
 ings in London, I sold off my wardrobe, with the exception of 
 the suit I then wore, then sought out my friend Melton, and 
 without mentioning my plans or intentions to him engaged him 
 in a round of visits to our old haunts for a couple of nights ; 
 then saying it might be some time before we met again, I left 
 him and seeking the sergeant-major of the recruiting depot, 
 I enlisted in the Company's service, hoping by my general 
 knowledge of the world, and the education I had received, to be 
 able to carve out for myself a competency to fall back upon in 
 my old age, should I survive the difficulties and dangers attend- 
 ing a military life for so long a period in that unhealthy climate. 
 A few days after, behold me, with some score of others, embark- 
 ing on board one of those small steamers that ply between 
 London Bridge and Gravesend ; for we were bound to that port. 
 With the early dawn set in a cold drizzling rain, rendering the 
 street anything but pleasant to walk on. As the day grew older 
 the sky became overcast with a dull leaden color, the rain came 
 down in torrents, and the waters of the Thames looked black 
 and swollen. There were few persons on the wharf to witness 
 our departure. With the exception of a half-dozen watermen 
 huddled for shelter under the protruding eaves of the old- 
 fashioned warehouses that overhung the river, from the pointed 
 gables of which the rain came down, drop, drop, drop, with a 
 chilly monotonous sound, and those whose duty it was to 
 attend to the unmooring of the vessel not a soul was there 
 to say a farewell word to those leaving that great city, per- 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 29 
 
 haps for ever. A deck passage was all that was allowed by 
 the authorities on this occasion, which, considering the heavy 
 rainfall, was not the most comfortable quarter in the world. 
 There is nothing like travel, it enables us to suit ourselves more 
 contentendly with such situations as we may be placed in ; and 
 I availed myself of the knowledge I had acquired by it to 
 improve my personal comfort. Mentioning my idea to a tall, 
 good-looking young man whose well-worn garments of faded 
 black were worn with the air of one that had seen better days, 
 and from whose general appearance I felt inclined to know 
 something more of we sought out the purser, and by paying 
 the difference between deck and cabin, soon found ourselves 
 comfortably located in a snug little cabin, through the agency of 
 a silver key. The steward produced two tumblers of that beve- 
 rage known as hot gin toddy, and supplied us with a couple of 
 dried cabbage-leaves, which the unsuspecting cockneys are delu- 
 ded into believing to be nothing else but real Cubas. In this 
 manner we sipped and whiled away the time, until we were 
 informed that we were opposite Tilbury Fort, and that it was 
 time to go on shore. Very little delay was made at Gravesend, 
 and although the rain continued to fall, we started on our very 
 disagreeable journey, hoping to reach our destination before 
 night-fall. Wet through, spattered with mud from head to foot, 
 and tired with our long tramp for it was late in the evening 
 before we entered the little town of Brompton, on the banks of 
 the river Medway, in which place was located the depot of the 
 Hon. East India Company our party were billetted at the 
 different public houses ; myself and three others finding comforta- 
 ble quarters at a snug little tavern, whose creaking sign, as it 
 swung backwards and forwards in the cold wind of that winter's 
 night, informing all who cared to know that it was the " Shep- 
 herd and Shepherdess, kept by W. H. Brown," but we found that 
 the said W. H. B. had been gathered to his fathers for some time, 
 and that the establishment was presided over by his blooming 
 
30 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 widow, assisted by two very presentable daughters. Seated in 
 the bar parlor, in which blazed a cheerful wood fire, we did 
 ample justice to the meal that had been prepared for us, which, 
 together with some good old ale, and the warmth of the logs 
 completely dispelled the fatigue that we felt on our arrival. 
 After a few games at cards we betook ourselves to bed, very well 
 satisfied with our present quarters. The next morning, being 
 Christmas Day, we were permitted to remain out of barracks, and 
 enjoy the last day of our civil liberty in such a manner as would 
 suit our tastes and pockets. After breakfast I and my three com- 
 panions compared notes, and examined the contents of our purses, 
 which being found sufficiently flourishing to warrant the outlay, we 
 agreed to dine with our hostess and daughters, and, if possible, to 
 have a regular jollification and keep up Christmas, perhaps for 
 the last time in England, after the fashion and manner of good 
 folks in English country towns. The necessary funds having 
 been handed over to the landlady, we started out on a cruise 
 through the town to take a look at the quarters we were to enter 
 the next morning, and receive the first lesson in our new profes- 
 sion. We were very well pleased with our Christmas festivities. 
 The dinner was all that could be desired, to say nothing of the 
 plum-pudding, mince pies, fruit, nuts, and sweetmeats, nor 
 was there any lack of wine and spirits. In the evening several 
 neighbours and friends of the widow dropped in. One of these, 
 who was no mean performer on the violin tendered his services 
 which was duly accepted. Singing and dancing were kept up 
 without intermission until daylight warned us to seek our beds 
 for a few hours. After breakfast we were marched into bar- 
 racks, inspected by the commandant, told off, and posted to our 
 different companies. Then followed the hair-cutting, bathing, 
 and shaving. The latter process, I must say, was much needed 
 by the greater portion of our party. This business gone through, 
 we donned the uniform, and were soon made to understand the 
 utility of the goose step, extension motions, and setting up drill, 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 31 
 
 and other positions thought necessary for the well-being of the 
 recruit generally. From many of the fatigue duties incident to a 
 military life, I managed to escape. The necessary, though to me 
 disagreeable task of cooking I evaded by an exchange, preferring 
 to mount guard to ruling the roast in the mess kitchen. Such 
 labour and fatigue as carrying sand, I also escaped. This neces- 
 sary article had to be brought from the opposite bank of the 
 Medway. Here my nautical experience assisted me. The staff- 
 sergeant of my company, learning that I had been at sea, 
 appointed me coxswain. The only duty I had to do on these 
 occasions was to steer, and take charge of the boat, while the 
 others were digging and filling the bags. A short time after my 
 arrival, while ascending the steps leading to my barrack room, 
 after evening drill a voice exclaimed : " Can it be possible, is that 
 Fortescue ? What on earth brought you to this place." I think 
 I may ask you the same question, for I certainly never expected 
 to see you here," said I, recognizing my old schoolfellow and 
 friend Charley Melton. Mutual explanations followed, and we 
 agreed to stand by one another as long as we should be in the 
 eervice. At Chatham, which was about one mile from Brompton, 
 were stationed two regiments of the line, between whom and us 
 a great deal of good-natured chaffing went on, at each other's 
 expense. We were provided with three good meals a day ; they 
 only breakfast and dinner. The regiments of the Company's 
 service never returned from India ; those of the line changed 
 stations frequently. On meeting each other in the town the 
 Royals would call out, " Halloo, Jack Company, when does your 
 regiment come home ?" The usual response would be, " Whenyour's 
 gets its supper." I had been in barracks about five weeks when 
 an order arrived to despatch a draught of recruits to India. A 
 parade was ordered, and the requisite number called out from 
 amongst those who had been longest at the depot, myself among 
 the number. We were paid up and directed to hold ourselves in 
 readiness to march to Gravesend next day. 
 
32 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 IT was a clear cold morning; a hoar frost hung on the trees 
 and hedges, and the shrubs and nettles that grew by the way 
 side were coated with tiny articles of ice that glittered and 
 sparkled in the rays of the early sunlight. The road, a macada- 
 mised one, was in excellent order, with many a bend and turn, 
 disclosing here and there the ivy-mantled towers of some ancient 
 church, or a view of the Thames, as it flowed onwards towards 
 the sea. Our detachment consisted of two hundred and fifty-six 
 men of all ranks, and had been accompanied to the outskirts of 
 the town by the band of the depot, followed by the usual 
 concourse of servant girls, young fellows, the acquaintances of an 
 hour, and a crowd of boys, drawn together by the music, and 
 the bustle and excitement of the scene. The distance to the 
 place of embarcation was about twenty miles. Half-way we were 
 halted at a little public-house on the roadside, and regaled with 
 bread, cheese and beer in lieu of dinner. We then pushed on 
 and arrived at Gravesend a little past mid-day. Here we were 
 joined by the married men, their wives and families, and com- 
 menced embarking immediately. As none but those belonging 
 to the draught were allowed to go off to the ship, all leave- 
 taking had to be got through prior to leaving the pier. Having no 
 relative or friend to wish me God-speed, or say, a farewell word, 
 I sat down on a heap of baggage to wait for my turn for the 
 boat, for I was glad to escape recognition by any passer-by. 
 Here I witnessed several affecting separations, the parent looking 
 onhis child for the last time ; sisters and brothers parting, perhaps, 
 never again to meet. Few of all that throng now leaving, in the 
 pride of their health and strength, would ever again set foot on 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 33 
 
 their native shore. There was the careless, good-natured adieu, 
 " Old fellow, I wish you good luck, of course you will write," of the 
 schoolfellow or village friend ; the boisterous grief of some Hiber- 
 nians, who were kissing and hugging their kinsmen after the 
 fashion of their country ; and also that quiet undemonstrative 
 sorrow that gives no utterance, and speaks no farewell ; for as 
 the old song says, " the heart feels most when the lips move not, 
 and the eye speaks the gentle good bye." It was past two 
 o'clock before we all got safely on board. For a time all was 
 noise and confusion ; messes being made up '6f six men to each, 
 and quarters assigned to the married people. The orlop deck was 
 divided into berths for the use of the remainder of the men ; who 
 were told off into squads under their respective non-commissioned 
 officers, and a certain amount of order and discipline was soon 
 established, which grew more effective and permanent as the 
 voyage progressed. " Heave and haul," shouted the hoarse voice 
 of the boatswain. The capstan bars flew round to the music of 
 a violin, on which one of the crew was performing Jim Crow, 
 and other popular airs. As the ponderous anchor rose slowly 
 from its muddy bed, the jibs were run up, and the bow of the 
 Indiaman swung round. The topsails were sheeted home, and the 
 superb ship, with its living freight, dropped down the river, her 
 white canvass swelled out by a light westerly wind that lifted 
 and curled the sea-green waters into mimic waves. Shoals of 
 porpoises bared their backs, and gamboled in the light of the 
 setting sun, as we swept majestically on towards the Downs on 
 our outward-bound passage to Bombay. At roll-call that evening 
 Captain Woodgate, commanding the detachment, came between 
 decks and enquired if there were any present who understood 
 the slinging of hammocks ; if so, to step out. " I can sling a 
 hammock with the best man in the ship," replied I, in a confident 
 tone, as I fell out and saluted the captain. He turned to me, 
 saying, " Very good, my man ; I wish you to commence at once 
 
 and hang every man's hammock. Take six men, that the sergeant- 
 & 
 
34 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 major will detail for that duty, and instruct them in all that' 
 concerns it. Do this for two or three days, I will then order a 
 parade for the purpose of explaining to the detachment the way 
 it is to be done; after which every man must sling his own. 
 Pay attention to this, and you will find that you shall not be a 
 loser by your willingness to make yourself generally useful." On 
 the fourth evening I had been engaged with the hammocks, and 
 had nearly finished, when I had occasion to go on deck for a few 
 minutes. I called my friend Charley Melton, and asked him to 
 sling the rest. This he undertook to do. During my absence 
 Captain Woodgate came below, and going up to Melton said, 
 "Thank you, my man, I am much obliged to you for the trouble 
 you have taken; the men in future must do it themselves. What 
 is your name." It was accordingly given, and the Commanding 
 officer went to his cabin. The next morning, at ten o'clock the 
 sergeant-major read out the following order : " Private Charles 
 Melton to be corporal and lance sergeant, and to be borne on the 
 strength of the detachment, as such, until absorbed by casualty." 
 And thus, by a mere accident, I lost my first chance for promo- 
 tion. In the dusk of the evening my friend Charles had been 
 mistaken for me, and to the day of his death nobody but 
 himself and I knew to what he owed his rise, or why I had been 
 passed over without some acknowledgment of my service. I of 
 course could have explained matters, and had the order cancelled ; 
 but as it was my friend that derived the benefit I kept dark on 
 the subject. A few days after sea sickness made its appear- 
 ance, prostrating the greater portion of the men, and putting 
 drill out of the question for a time. As for myself, having been 
 subjected to it previously, I was fortunately exempt. Nearly 
 three weeks passed before this malignant enemy disappeared. 
 One poor young fellow, named Stewart, of a very delicate consti- 
 tution, suffered long and severely. Some other complaint seized 
 him before he recovered from sea-sickness ; and daily sank lower 
 and lower, until one morning he was reported dead by the medical 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 35 
 
 officer. All were sorry, for he had been a quiet, good-natured, 
 harmless young fellow. Preparations were immediately made 
 for the funeral service that evening : the body was sewn up in a 
 hammock, leaving the face exposed to view, until the last 
 moment ; it was then placed on a grating and carried up to the 
 forecastle, and partially covered with the Union Jack. At sunset 
 the funeral service was to be read, and the body committed to 
 the deep. All on board, not otherwise engaged, were at that 
 time assembled to witness the last sad rites. The Commanding 
 officer had opened the prayer-book when the sail-maker stepped 
 forward to complete his work, that of the closing the open part 
 of the hammock. In doing this, he drove his needle either by 
 design or accident into the throat of poor Stewart. In an 
 instant a convulsive movement was perceived in the body, and 
 blood began to now from the wound. Quick as lightning " Old 
 Sails" ripped open the rough shroud, restoratives were imme- 
 diately applied, and to the surprise and delight of all present, 
 Stewart recovered consciousness, and was taken below. Before 
 we had crossed the line he was reported fit for duty. Twenty 
 y >ars after I met him, a stout robust man, holding an appoint- 
 ment in the commissariat department. As we passed into warm 
 latitudes various amusements were entered into for killing time. 
 We had an excellent library on board, a weekly newspaper was 
 started, cards, backgammon, and draughts were indulged in 
 every afternoon and evening. Each man was allowed one quart 
 of porter per diem ; lime juice was also issued daily. One after- 
 noon a sudden excitement arose ; a sail had been reported in 
 sight, and the officers had been on the look-out for her. " What 
 is it 1 " enquired Captain Morris, of the chief officer, who, for, 
 several minutes had been intently gazing through his glass at a 
 small object on the distant horizon. " I cannot quite make her 
 out; she is evidently a small vessel, but still too distant to distin- 
 guish her course," he replied, as he closed his telescope." " Then 
 jump aloft ; you will get a better view from the top-mast cross 
 
36 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 . trees ;" suggested his superior, who, by this time, had rested his own 
 glass on the quarter boat, and brought it to bear on the object 
 in question. He soon gave up the scrutiny, as he could discern 
 no more than had been reported by Mi*. Howard. " Well, could 
 you make out anything more of her T he continued, as that 
 officer descended from the main rigging. "She is about four 
 miles 'off on our weather quarter, has a large hull, and small sails, 
 looks like a schooner, and is running parallel with us. There is 
 a light fog rolling down towards us that will shut her out for a 
 while, but when that clears we shall have a nearer sight of her, 
 or I am mistaken," was his reply, as he descended the companion 
 ladder, it not being his watch on deck. The appearance of a 
 strange sail always creates a certain amount of excitement, espe- 
 cially on board a passenger or troop ship, and we were not the 
 exception, for speculation was rife as to what sort of a craft she 
 might turn out to be. The mate's words had been overheard by 
 the sentry on the cabin door and duly promulgated through the 
 ship ; with a li ttle addition, according to the inventive genius of 
 the narrator, as it was handed about from one to the other. In 
 about a couple of hours the fog lifted, and sure enough there was 
 the schooner, a long, black, rakish-looking craft, with an immense 
 hull, capable of holding a great number of men, and apparently 
 pierced for ten guns ; but her ports were closed. She was about 
 two miles ahead on our weather bow, which she was crossing, 
 and showed Swedish colors on her mizzen peak. " There she is, 
 there she is," was shouted from a dozen voices from different 
 parts of the ship, and immediately every glass was levelled at 
 the stranger. Presently the boatswain, an old sailor, who had 
 formerly served on board a man-of-war, after taking a good 
 squint at her from the top-gallant forecastle, walked up to the 
 captain and said, " That is the * Tarentella,' commanded by the 
 pirate Davoust. I know the cut of her jib, and trim of her sails, 
 and many a chase we had after her when I was in the ' Wasp,' a 
 ten-gun brig belonging to the West India squadron," " Are you 
 
OB, ROUQHINO IT THROUGH LIFE. 37 
 
 quite certain," enquired his commander. " Quite certain, sir, there 
 ain't another hull like that afloat," was the answer of the old 
 salt. " Then tell the chief officer I wish to speak to him, and come 
 yourself. I think we shall need your counsel." Captain Woodgate, 
 with his subalterns, together with all the ship's officers, had as- 
 sembled in the fore cabin by the request of Captain Morris, who 
 thus addressed them : "Gentlemen," with your co-operation, I 
 think we can have considerable amusement, and if the affair 
 be managed carefully and quietly, some profit likewise, for 
 there," said he, pointing through the open door of the cabin 
 towards the schooner, which, by this time had tacked about, and 
 was standing towards us," "that fellow, I am informed, is the 
 celebrated pirate Davoust. He is a French Creole, a native of 
 Martinique, and possesses all the cruelty of the negro, with a strong 
 dash of the polished cunning and knavery of his white associates. 
 A large reward has been offered by the government for his capture 
 or destruction ; either of these desirable events, I believe, we can. 
 attain, if we act promptly, and with caution. He evidently 
 mistakes the character of our vessel, and fancies us unarmed, and, 
 likely to become an easy prey. , Mr. Block, the boatswain, knows 
 his tactics and mode of attack. Now, to be forewarned is to be 
 forearmed ; what say you, gentlemen ?" An unanimous approval 
 followed this suggestion of the captain's, and several plans of 
 attack were proposed, and the following was finally adopted. 
 Under cover of the awnings, which were braced tightly down, 
 two guns were to be got on the forecastle, loaded with round 
 shot. Mr. Blocks was to take charge of these, and at*the proper 
 time open fire on the pirate, and endeavour to cripple her by 
 cutting away her masts and rigging. Two other guns were to be 
 placed on the orlop deck ; these were to be managed by some of 
 the artillery recruits, many of whom had eighteen months 
 gunnery practice at the depot previous to coming on board. Their 
 instructions were to blaze away at sternpost and rudder, and try 
 to knock them away, and thus render the vessel unmanageable ; 
 
38 NED FORTESCTJE; 
 
 while the infantry, about two .hundred and fifty strong, were 
 to sweep her decks by a continuous discharge of musketry. 
 Cutlasses, pistols, and boarding pikes, were served out to the crew, 
 who, under their officers, were to act on the defensive, if the 
 pirates should attempt to board us. If we were successful in 
 crippling the vessel, our vessel was to be jammed hard-a-port, 
 and we were to run her down by cutting her in two. Quietly, 
 and without noise or confusion, everything was got ready for the 
 reception of the sea-robbers. When within three-quarters of a 
 mile she showed her true character, clewed up her sails, hauled 
 down the Swedish colors, and ran up the piratical black flag, 
 with the famous death's-head and cross bones, opened her ports, 
 showed her teeth and fired a shot across our bows. " That is a 
 hint for us to heave to ;" shall. I give the order ?" enquired 
 Mr. Howard. " Not yet," was the captain's reply ; " our object is to 
 get as near as possible to her before we appear to become aware 
 of her meaning or intention." "The next shot will be through our 
 mainsail," ejaculated the boatswain; and while he was speaking, a 
 puff of white smoke curled from the bow of the buccaneer; a 
 flash and report followed ; and a round shot passed between our 
 fore and mainmasts doing us no damage, but burying itself in 
 the sea to windward. " Heave-to," shouted the captain at the 
 top of his voice. The seamen sprung to their stations, and the 
 ship was hove-to without further delay ; but although the 
 vessel's head- way was impeded, we were quietly drifting towards 
 the piratical schooner. Enthusiasm and excitement ran high 
 throughout the ship ; every one was anxious to secure the prize 
 that appeared now almost within our grasp ; yet everything was 
 carried on with perfect order, and there was nothing to indicate 
 externally that we were anything but what we appeared to be. 
 an outward-bound East Indiaman and unarmed. The pirates 
 seemod to be perfectly satisfied on this point, for they now 
 lowered a boat, which was soon filled with men armed to the 
 teeth, cut-throat looking dogs, doubtless, as those gentry usually 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 39 
 
 are ; but before they had pulled a stroke from the vessel's side, a 
 violent commotion appeared to be spreading among the crew. 
 They scrambled hurriedly on board, the boat was hauled up, the 
 vessel's course altered, and in less time than I have taken to 
 write this she was flying before the wind, with every stitch of 
 canvas that could be set crowded on her. This was a contingency 
 we had not anticipated all our visions of prize money in 
 doubloons quietly disposed of but there was no help for it. Mr. 
 Block treated them to a farewell salute from his two guns, one of 
 which struck her bulwarks amidships, and sent the splinters 
 flying in all directions the other ploughed along her deck, but 
 with what effect we could not find out. The two orlop guns 
 likewise blazed away, but either from want of practice in naval 
 gunnery, or that the distance was too great, they both fell short. 
 And thus the atl'air ended, for by sunset not a vestige of the 
 Hying craft was to be seen, though the horizon was swept by 
 s >me of our best glasses. During the evening the hasty and undig- 
 nified flight of the pirates was thus accounted for. It transpired 
 that one of the women, who was quite unaware of what was 
 going on for it was kept as quiet as possible from the soldiers' 
 wives was amusing herself by cleaning with pipe clay the red 
 jacket of her husband, which, when completed, she thrust out 
 of one of the port holes to dry in the sun, unintentionally 
 attracting the notice of the pirates, who, at once discovered our 
 true character, and hence their speedy retreat. Matters then fell 
 into their ordinary routine. We had the usual amount of squalls 
 and experienced some heavy weather, while rounding the Cape 
 of Good Hope ; but on getting into the warmer latitudes, things 
 wore a brighter aspect. As on all long voyages, a great deal 
 of monotony was felt at tunes. However, an incident occurred 
 one day, not long after our adventure with the pirates, that served 
 to amuse us for the time being. The stiff breeze that had 
 been blowing for several hours during the earlier part of the 
 morning had lulled completely ; the mizzen had been brailed, the 
 
40 NED POBTESCUE ; 
 
 mainsail clewed up; the heavy foresail hung down, occasion- 
 ally flapping slowly against the mast ; the huge sails creaked and 
 jarred as they swung backwards and forwards ; the top sails were 
 of very little service, but the top-gallant sails and royals were 
 gently swelled by a light wind that impelled the vessel at about 
 three knots per hour, through the now calm and glittering waters, 
 from which ever and anon the albicore sparkling like molten silver, 
 would spring into the air in the morning sunlight. It was 
 Sunday, the ship's bell had just struck four bells, when our 
 commanding officer appeared on deck. " Captain Morris," said he, 
 "will you do me the favor to read the morning service to my 
 men. I am suffering from an attack of rheumatism, and Lieutenant 
 Roland is likewise somewhat indisposed this morning." " Certainly, 
 with much pleasure," replied the captain of the vessel. " Boat- 
 swain," continued he, addressing that functionary, " Pipe the 
 carpenter's crew aft and rig the quarter deck for church." Soon 
 the shrill notes of the old seaman's whistle rang through the 
 ship, the Union Jack was thrown over the capstan, and quite a 
 number of planks were made into seats by being placed on small 
 kegs. The bugle now sounded church parade, and in about a 
 quarter of an hour, all the men off duty, together with the 
 officers and ship's crew, took their seats. " Sergeant-major, are 
 all the married women present ? " enquired the commanding 
 officer. " I believe so, sir," he answered, glancing hurriedly over 
 the assembly, and saluting his superior officer. As Captain 
 Morris was about to open his book, and commence the morning 
 prayer, Mrs. Ann Reede, wife of one of the recruits, made her 
 appearance on deck from the fore-hatchway, dressed to kill, but 
 instead of coming towards us, she deliberately mounted the 
 forecastle steps, climbed on the bulwarks, and jumped overboard, 
 without uttering a single word or cry. So unexpected was the 
 act that for a moment no one stirred ; then a simultaneous rush 
 was made; many ascending the rigging, while others crowded 
 the bulwarks, forecastle, and other favourable points that com- 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 41 
 
 manded a view of the floating object. " Cut away the life buoy ; 
 back the fore and main yards ; clew up the top-gallant sails and 
 royals," rang out the deep clear tones of Captain Morris's voice, 
 with that coolness and promptitude so characteristic of the 
 practical seaman. His orders were obeyed instantly, and the 
 vessel's headway stopped ; then turning to the second mate, 
 he said, " Lower away the quarter boat, take six men, pull 
 astern, and endeavour to pick up the poor woman." The boat 
 soon dropped from its davits, and was off on its way to the 
 rescue. By this time she was half-a-mile astern, although 
 scarcely ten minutes had elapsed since she made her flying leap 
 into the deep. Considerable excitement was manifested during 
 the absence of the boat, every glass brought into use, and from 
 enquiries it was ascertained that some high words had taken 
 place between Mrs. R. and her husband a few minutes prior to 
 the bugle sounding for church parade. He was a stern, morose 
 fellow, and somewhat jealous withal. It appeared that he had 
 forbidden her to parade in certain feminine elegancies in the 
 shape of bonnet ribbons or laces, which he asserted were not for 
 him, but for the gratification of a blue jacket, with whom she 
 was, as he said, on too familiar terms. The boat reached her just 
 as she was sinking ; fortunately her skirts, which were rather 
 extensive, supported her until help came, but she was brought on 
 board in almost an exhausted condition. Being a fine, hand- 
 some woman, sympathy ran high in her favor. Restoratives, in 
 the shape of hot brandy and water, and mulled wine, were 
 administered to her, and she was soon all right again, but she was 
 cautioned by the Commanding officer not to repeat the dangerous 
 experiment. Of course she was the heroine of the hour among her 
 companions. On the following Sunday morning, about the same 
 time and place, namely the commencement of divine service, we 
 were about to be treated to a similar scene, but unfortunately 
 for the principal actress, it had a very different denouement. A 
 sharp, ill-favoured little woman, whose ambition was greater 
 
42 NED FOOTESOUE; 
 
 than her stature, became jealous of the notoriety attained by her 
 sister-in-law, and was determined, if possible, to bring herself to 
 public notice by a similar act, in hopes, no doubt, of obtaining 
 her share of the general patronage, and becoming the recipient of 
 certain liquids known as " medical comforts," for which, if report 
 spoke truly, she had a decided predilection. This little personage 
 interrupted the morning service, precisely as the former party 
 had done ; but instead of mounting the bulwarks from the fore- 
 castle she made a sudden dart for the first open port, out of 
 which she thrust herself. A seaman who was standing near 
 seized hold of the skirts of her dress, and held on till assistance 
 came, when she was hauled on board. The disappointed aspirant 
 for fame struggled to free herself from the grasp of those that 
 held her, but in vain, when she resorted to that feminine expe- 
 dient, tears ; but with as little success, for there was no fascina- 
 tion in her eye, no beauty in her cheek. " Make way there, 
 men," cried Captain Woodgate, and immediately the crowd fell 
 back, as he appeared. " And so, madam, you thought to indulge 
 in a little sea-bathing, at the risk of your life, and regardless of 
 the trouble and annoyance it would create throughout the ship," 
 said he, in the severest tones he could assume. Then, speaking 
 to those who held her, said, " Lash her to yonder wooden grating, 
 and lay her full-length on the deck." This was at once done. 
 " Now pass along a dozen buckets of water." These were dashed 
 full upon her to the no small mirth of many of the lookers-on. 
 When thoroughly drenched, and half suffocated, she was released. 
 " There, ma'am," said the commanding officer, "that will do you as 
 much good as if you had been overboard for an hour. You may 
 now go below. Quartermaster-sergeant, let her daily allowance 
 of beer be discontinued for ten days." " Land ahoy," shouted 
 the look-out from the mast-head the blue waters assumed a 
 greenish hue, sure indication of our proximity to land and soon 
 after the top of Peter Botte Mountain, on the Island of Madagascar, 
 loomed up jn the distance on our starboard bow. 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 43 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 THE remainder of the day we ran along the coast, so close that 
 we could see a great part of the island. Cattle were grazing or 
 browsing on the hill-side, and in little shaded nooks there were 
 huddled together quite a number of small bamboo huts, the 
 inhabitants of which would hasten to the nearest point to look 
 at our vessel, as she sailed past, the flag of Old England flying 
 proudly from our mizzen peak. As the shades of night closed in, 
 we lost sight of the island. The weather was now delightfully 
 fine, being early in the month of June, and the evenings we 
 usually spent on deck. Groups were formed in different parts of 
 the ship, some engaged in smoking and listening to tough yarns 
 from some old soldier or sailor ; in another part the tones of the 
 flute and violin, with the quick stamp of the foot announced that 
 the jig or reel were in full operation. Some six or seven of our 
 best singers would be on the quarter deck, performing a variety 
 of songs in their usually happy style, for the cabin gentry ; and 
 in this manner we managed to while away the long evenings. 
 One night while lying awake in my hammock, thinking of the 
 land I had perhaps left for ever, and the one I was now so 
 anxious to reach, I was aroused from my reverie by a great noise 
 and shouting on deck. Wishing to know the cause, I hastened 
 up the main hatchway laddder, and the first thing I noticed was 
 an immense light, apparently at no veiy great distance, right 
 ahead. This I soon learned was the light-house on the island of 
 Colaba, at the entrance of the harbor of Bombay. Here was good 
 news indeed ; a long imprisonment within the wooden walls come 
 to an end at last. As the captain had never been here before, he 
 thought it advisable not to go in at night, so we stood off and on 
 
44 NED FORTESCtTE; 
 
 until daylight, then ran in under easy sail. A pilot came out to 
 meet us, the boat was taken in tow, and that responsible officer 
 came on board and took charge of the ship. The boatmen, some 
 twelve or sixteen in number, Mahometans by caste, and naked 
 as they were born, with the exception of a small cloth scull cap, 
 and dripping like water spaniels, swarmed up the bulwarks and 
 squatted on the taffrail, chattering like monkeys. These were, 
 then specimens of the people among which, if I lived, I should 
 have to spend so many years. I must confess my first impression 
 of the natives were not favorable, but one gets accustomed to 
 almost anything, and the effect of their scanty clothing soon 
 passed away. We were now entering one of the finest and most 
 commodious harbors in the world. On our left lay the Island of 
 Colaba, connected with that of Bombay by a velard or causeway, 
 where, looming above the tall stately palm trees, was the light- 
 house, on a rock, at the base of which was placed a thirty-two 
 pounder signal gun, to warn off vessels that might be approaching 
 too close to a dangerous reef of sunken rocks called the Prongs, 
 that stretched across Back Bay to Malabar Point. This bay 
 is often taken for the harbor by persons who have not pre- 
 viously entered the port, and consequently many a vessel is 
 lost on that reef, by their commanders blundering in at night, 
 or without a pilot. Snugly embosomed among the cocoa nut 
 groves, could be seen the Infantry Barracks, the Observatory, 
 Gun-Carriage Manufactory, and that large range of buildings at 
 Artha Bunder called the Cotton Screws, where the cotton that comes 
 down from the interior loosely-packed is compressed or screwed 
 by hydraulic power into square bales for shipment to Europe. 
 On our right lie the Islands of Henry and Kenry. With a light 
 breeze and shortened sail, we were piloted through the numerous 
 shipping that lay at anchor in the stream. Passing the Dockyard, 
 Custom House, Castle, and Mint, we came to anchor in front of 
 the Artillery Barracks in Fort George, and nearly opposite the 
 Island of Elephanta. At no great distance was the main land 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 45 
 
 the coast of Malabar with its numerous peaks and mountains, 
 rising apparently to the clouds. As our vessel had been signalled 
 while entering the harbor, it was not long before a party of non- 
 commissioned officers of the Artillery came to take charge and 
 conduct us to their barracks. We landed at the Custom House 
 Bunder, where a number of pack bullocks were waiting to carry 
 our bedding and knapsacks. While passing one of these, the 
 brute raised his foot and kicked me on the knee-cap, causing 
 much pain. Mentally consigning the beast to a place much hotter 
 than even Bombay, I limped away to purchase some milk, fruit, 
 and other things, to which for so long a time I had been a 
 stranger. As we entered the town, I was much struck with its 
 crowded and ever-varying aspect Banyans, Parsees, Persians, 
 Arabs, and people of every caste and colour, in eveiy variety of 
 the Oriental costume all so entirely new to me winding their 
 way quietly along, either for business or pleasure the European 
 merchant or staff officer dashing along in shigeorm or palkee to 
 their country house or office, as the case might be here and 
 there a party of sailors on shore for a few hours, wandering about, 
 following some crowing native boy that could speak a little 
 English, to the different taverns, and such other places of resort, 
 where sailors do most like to congregate. But there were none 
 of the European fair sex to be seen, ladies never shewing them- 
 selves abroad until near sunset ; nor were the British soldiers 
 allowed out between the hours of 10 a. in. and 4 p. m., except 
 in cases of emergency, or duty, on account of the extreme heat. 
 All the orderlies belonging to the different government or military 
 officers, were men belonging to the native regiment stationed 
 there, and very smart and soldier-like they looked, well set-up, 
 and dressed in their best uniform. Passing along the principal 
 bazaar, we reached Fort George, where we were to remain until 
 our Indian clothing could be issued to us, for that which we had 
 brought with us was unfitted for the climate. Likewise distribu- 
 tion rolls had to be made out for the various corps that required 
 
46 NED FOUTESCUE; 
 
 men to fill vacancies. Just at this period a new regiment was in 
 process of formation,' and I, with, nearly two-thirds of the draft, 
 was posted to it, and ordered to proceed to head quarters at 
 Poona, where a nucleus had already been formed by some officers 
 and men from other corps. A few days previous to our leaving 
 Bombay, we had a foretaste of the south-west monsoons. The 
 day had been exceedingly hot and sultry, and when night 
 flung her sable mantle over the earth, the atmosphere became 
 thick, heavy, and oppressive. Neither moon or star lit up the 
 dark vault of heaven ; a thick darkness prevailed, that could be 
 almost felt. Towards midnight the heavy clouds parted, the 
 rain descended in torrents, the vivid lightning flashed, and the 
 thunder rolled, peal after peal vibrating among the neighbouring 
 hills, like discharges from heavy artillery ; the wind swept up 
 the narrow streets, and in at each portcullis embrasure with great 
 violence, overturning sentry boxes, unroofing buildings, and 
 moving all things portable. Our barrack-room commanded a 
 view of the harbor, which was frequently lit up with flashes of 
 broad sheet lightning, disclosing a wild scene. Vessels breaking 
 from their moorings, and hurled by the violence of the storm 
 against one another, or driven ashore on the sandy beach above 
 the town. Minute guns, the signal of distress, were constantly 
 heard from some unfortunate craft, and the gun at the light- 
 house frequently boomed out to warn them to keep off from the 
 dangerous reef of sunken rocks near the entrance of the harbor. 
 I had been told that the monsoons lasted without intermission 
 for about four months. " If," thought I, " this is a sample of the 
 rainy season, what a delightful climate I have got into." The 
 morning broke clear and bright, the storm had spent its fury, 
 leaving in the sky no trace of its visit ; but on the coast a very 
 different spectacle was to be seen. A little after daybreak orders 
 were issued to the troops for every man off duty to be marched 
 to the beach to render such assistance as might be required of 
 them. Each one was directed to take what could be spared 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THKOUGH LIFE. 47 
 
 from their knapsacks in the shape of clothing, for the use of 
 such of the unfortunate sufferers that might need them ; for by 
 this time it became known that two large ships, the " Lord 
 William Bentinck," with recruits from England, and the " Lord 
 Castlereagh," from Karrack, in the Persian Gulf, had been wrecked 
 on the Prongs during the fearful storm of the preceding night. 
 All along the beach, from Artha Bunder to the rocks at Malabar 
 Point, could be seen evidences of the ruin that had been wrought 
 during that fearful gale. Broken masts, spars, barrels, bales, 
 cabin furniture, ship's timbers, and hundreds of other articles, 
 were strewn about in all directions ; but by far the most appal- 
 ling sight was the numerous dead bodies that were constantly 
 being discovered amongst the clefts of rocks or on the sands, some 
 fearfully lacerated, and some without a bruise. The life-boats and 
 catamarans of the pilot service the said catamarans are bamboo 
 rafts which can live in any sea were successful in rescuing 
 many a poor fellow from a watery grave, but not a single female 
 was saved. One young lady, daughter of a rich old Nawab, who 
 was returning from England, where she had been sent to finish 
 her education, offered to give her whole fortune, and marry the 
 man that would save her. Several tried hard for the prize, but 
 perished in the attempt. Many were twice wrecked. The 
 " Bentinck" went to pieces first, and several swam to the " Castle- 
 reagh," and were hauled on board, but in a very short time she 
 also went to pieces, and thus they were again cast upon the 
 treacherous bosom of the angry waters. Those who had been 
 saved were at once sent to the hospital, and comfortably cared 
 for. Several small guard rooms were converted into temporary 
 dead houses to receive the bodies as they were brought in, until 
 arrangements could be made for one general interment. A 
 rather amusing incident occurred at one of these places. The 
 body of one of the recruits had just* been brought in and laid on 
 the guard bed, and a sentry placed at the open door to prevent 
 the corpses from being mutilated by rats or other vermin. He 
 
48 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 was walking quietly up and down his beat when a sepulchral 
 voice from within called out : " Sentry, what o'clock is it ?" 
 Scared beyond measure, he fled to the guard-room and reported 
 what he had heard, and of course got reprimanded and laughed at 
 for his pains, and again placed on his post. The corporal looking 
 into the room and finding the body in the same position it had 
 been left returned to his guard. A few moments elapsed when 
 the same voice cried out : " Sentry, give me a drink of water." 
 The poor sentry could stand this no longer, and again bolted to 
 the guard-room. The sergeant, thinking there must be some- 
 thing up, visited the place, and there sure enough was the 
 supposed dead man sitting up straight, and calling for water. It 
 appeared that on coming to, he had sat up, and, noticing the 
 sentry, asked the time, but the exertion had been too much for 
 him, and he had fallen back and fainted. In a little while he 
 again came round and managed to assume the sitting position, in 
 which he had been found by the sergeant ; and many a good 
 laugh was afterwards had at the sentry's expense. The following 
 week we received orders to start for Poona, and such of the 
 "Bentinck" men as were sufficiently recovered joined our detach- 
 ment. The first day's journey was performed in large covered 
 boats up a beautiful river, winding in and out among the hills, 
 and we arrived at Panwell, some seventy miles from Poona, and 
 twenty from Bombay, late in the evening. Here we halted for 
 the night, and at daybreak the following morning we commenced 
 our first day's march to Choak, distant about ten miles. Next 
 day we reached Campoola, at the foot of the Bore Ghaut, which 
 forms a part of that range of mountains that runs throughout 
 Western India, dividing the Dekan from the Conkas ; at which 
 place we remained for a couple of days, in order to allow the 
 baggage to go forward and ascend the steep and difficult road up 
 the Ghaut, the height of which was several thousand feet above 
 the level of the sea. The scenery was wild, grand, and romantic. 
 Oa each side of the narrow road were deep ravines, with perpen- 
 
OB, BOUOHINa IT THHOUGH LIFE. 49 
 
 dicular scarps, and covered with thick jungle, the haunt of the 
 tiger, and other wild animals, which, at that time, were very 
 numerous, and committed great havoc among the droves of cattle 
 that passed up and down the road, and not unfrequently carrying 
 off some unfortunate native traveller. After some four hours' 
 toiling up this nigged declivity, we arrived tired and foot-sore at 
 Kandalla, the halting stage at the summit of the Ghaut. Here a 
 magnificent scene burst upon our view. In the distance could be 
 discerned the bright waters of the ocean ; at our feet the fertile 
 plains spotted with small villages, which looked like small specks 
 in the distance. The remainder of the day and night sufficed to 
 put us again in marching order, when we started en route for 
 head-quarters, which we reached by easy marches, about ten 
 miles per day, and then drill and discipline commenced in real 
 earnest. The life of a recruit is anything but a sinecure in India, 
 incessant drill and fatigues are his portion, until fit for duty, and 
 long after, with the thermometer at ninety-six in the shade. 
 Unfortunately I had almost double drill to go through, for I was 
 no sooner acquainted with the mode of priming and loading, and 
 other manoeuvres of Brown Bess, as the old flint-lock weapon was 
 called, when the new percussion musket was issued to us, and the 
 new drill which this necessitated had to be mastered ; this kept 
 us hard at it for upwards of twelve months. I had entered the 
 service with my head crammed full of romantic ideas of the glory 
 and promotion that was to be attained by deeds of valor on the 
 battle field, or the forlorn hope, and planting the flag of Old 
 England on some Indian fortress. This I wildly fancied was all 
 that was expected of us, but this notion was soon dispelled, and 
 a round of parades, guard-mountings, and other duties, awoke 
 me to the reality of my position ; but there was no help for it, so 
 I set to work with a good will and soon acquired a tolerable 
 proficiency in my profession. Our station was one of the largest 
 and most fashionable in the western division of the army, and 
 what with amateur theatricals, races, cricket matches, and other 
 
50 NED FOBTESCUE ; 
 
 amusements, I soon brought myself to turn my thoughts away 
 from the home beyond the seas, and make myself as comfortable 
 as circumstances would allow in my new line of life. I had been 
 but little more than a year in the country when my regiment 
 was ordered to Bombay, where, after doing duty for some eight 
 months we were sent to Kurrachee, in Scinde, to assist in the 
 conquest of that country under the famous old warrior, Sir Charles 
 Napier. My regiment formed a part of the army of reserve 
 during the battles of Meanee and Hyderabad, graphic accounts of 
 which have already been given to the world, rendering any 
 comment of mine on the subject unnecessary. We remained in 
 Scinde several months, when we were relieved by the Seventy- 
 eighth Highlanders, and ordered to Belgaum, a most beautiful 
 locality in the southern Mahratta country ; and right glad was I 
 to exchange the wild plains and barren sand hills of Kurrachee 
 for such delightful quarters. We had not been many months 
 here when the whole station was thrown into a state of excite- 
 ment, intelligence having reached us that Babagee Nikum, 
 a Mahratta chieftain, who held large tracts of land under the 
 East India Company, subject to the usual conditions, had not 
 only refused to pay the annual tribute, but had resisted the 
 functionaries whose duty it was to collect the said revenue. He 
 had gathered his followers together, armed them, taken possession 
 of the strong fortress of Samunghur long considered impreg- 
 nable by the natives, situated on one of the largest of that range 
 of hills, about twenty miles north-east of Belgaum, near the 
 large native town of Sunkeshwa and threatened to maltreat and 
 oppose any parties that .might be sent to coerce him into pay- 
 ment. The news of those proceedings having reached the 
 government at Bombay, instructions were forwarded to the 
 military commandant at Belgaum to dispatch a force sufficient, 
 in his opinion, to support the civil authorities in carrying out 
 such measures as might be thought most expedient for the col- 
 lection of the land dues ; and if necessary, to escort the pugna- 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 61 
 
 cious Mahratta to the seat of government to answer in person 
 for having disturbed the public peace and violated the laws 
 of the country. At the time when the above occurred, the 
 native troops were noted for their obedience to their European 
 superiors, and the faith and loyalty of the Sepoy was proverbial 
 The presence of a comparatively small number of British troops 
 only was necessary to keep up the pluck and stamina of that 
 army, whose prowess and achievements for the last hundred 
 years, had contributed so largely in placing the East India 
 Company in the proud position they then held, as masters and 
 rulers of a mighty empire. Little could imagination then picture 
 the scenes of outrage committed by those very troops some years 
 later, when rebellion, with all its horrors, swept the country like 
 a plague, leaving starvation and death in the place of peace and 
 plenty. The major-general comma IK ling lost no time in putting 
 into execution the instructions he had received from government. 
 To carry out such an object a more efficient, zealous, and energetic 
 
 officer than General D could not have been applied to. His high 
 
 military qualications and long residence in India ; his thorough 
 knowledge of the language, manners, customs, and habits of the 
 natives, rendered him more than usually competent in such a 
 case as the present to deal with the bold, unscrupulous, yet 
 haughty Mussulman descendants of a long line of Moslem con- 
 querors, but now dwindled down to mere petty rajahs, or with 
 the more subtle and crafty Brahmins, who in their capacity of 
 priests and advisers sway the minds of thousands of Hindoos of 
 all castes and classes, who acknowledge their influence, and render 
 implicit obedience to their behests. Orders were at once given 
 for the formation of a light brigade, to be composed of the follow- 
 ing troops : one wing of my regiment this young corps, for it 
 had scarcely been formed five years, was in a high state of 
 discipline ; the men young, active, well-drilled, and burning with 
 impatience for an opportunity of distinguishing themselves in the 
 field, and earn the proud triumph of placing the first honor on 
 
52 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 our yet maiden colors a light field battery of four six-pounders, 
 and two howitzers, with a company of the Madras European 
 artillery, whose skill in evolutions, and rapidity and accuracy of 
 fire, had often spread death and terror amid the ranks of the 
 enemy; three squadrons of native cavalry ; a strong detachment of 
 native rifles, and two battalions of Sepoys, the honors, emblems 
 and devices on their standards and colors, shewing how oft and 
 nobly these regiments had distinguished themselves on many a 
 well-fought field. A party of native sappers and miners, under 
 European commissioned and warrant officers, were likewise 
 attached to the force, the whole strength of which amounted to 
 about two thousand five hundred men, with their usual comple- 
 ment of officers, all under the command of Brigadier W , an 
 
 officer of great promise and undoubted courage. His orders were 
 to hold himself in readiness to march at the shortest notice with 
 this force, and after accomplishing the object of his mission, to 
 return to quarters with as little delay as possible. Although the 
 monsoons, or rainy season, was nearly over, the swollen condi- 
 tions of the numerous small rivers which it was requisite we 
 should cross to reach our destination, rendered the marching of 
 our brigade exceedingly troublesome, and would cause much 
 delay and inconvenience. While these warlike preparations were 
 going forward, the political agent at Belgaum, made overtures 
 to the Samunghur chief, to induce him to come to terms without 
 the interference of the military ; he, over-confident, and fancying 
 he could defy all authority, and acknowledge no will but his 
 own, refused to listen. Many who were but ill-calculated to 
 judge of the difficulties which would beset the party, predicted 
 a six weeks' campaign. How far their conjectures were realized, 
 the sequel will shew. This, thought I, is the opportunity which 
 since entering the service I so ardently desired, and determined 
 that no amount of danger should deter me from bringing myself 
 to especial notice, should any engagement of importance take place 
 between our forces and those of the rebellious chief of Samunghur. 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 55 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE good folks of Belgaum were roused from their slumbers at 
 the first dawn of day by the booming of the station gun, whose 
 echo had scarcely ceased to vibrate among the numerous 
 neighboring hills, when might be heard borne on the morning 
 air the sweet sound of many a popular melody pealed forth 
 by the bands of the different regiments, which accompanied 
 the corps and detachments to their place of rendezvous, 
 a large open space. This was in front of the principal gate 
 of the fort of Belgaum. As detachment after detachment 
 arrived from their different quarters they were drawn up in the 
 following order : my regiment in column of subdivisions, right 
 in front ; the two Sepoy corps in sections ; the detachments of 
 native Rifles in sections of fours ; the light field Bullock Battery, 
 then the light Cavalry in sections of threes. The party of Sappers 
 and Miners had been sent on in advance at an earlier hour. As 
 the sentry at the main guard struck the hour of five on the gurrie 
 or gong, the sharp quick tones of the Brigadier's voice rang out ; 
 " The Brigade will come to attention and shoulder." The next 
 order was, " Officers in command will take post at the head of 
 their respective corps and detachments." A few minutes later, 
 the bugle sounded the advance, and the force moved off, leaving 
 many a sad heart behind them. Of those now going forth in 
 all the joyousness of youthful spirit, who could tell how small 
 might be the number permitted to return ; and of all that mighty 
 throng who stood to witness their departure, how different must 
 have been the feelings with which they were affected the 
 soldier's wife standing with her young family around her endeav- 
 oring to stifle her sobs as she gazed with straining eyes and 
 
64 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 sinking heart on the husband she might never behold 'in life again 
 the fair young bride who but a few short weeks before had left 
 family and friends to follow the husband of her choice, finds him 
 borne away, and with scarcely any warning to scenes of danger 
 and perhaps death. Standing alone at a short distance from a 
 plain, though handsome carriage, from which she had but a few 
 moments before alighted, was a tall, elegant girl, fast verging 
 into womanhood, the affianced wife of an officer belonging to the 
 brigade. She had just received his last farewell, and stood 
 watching the receding troops as they disappeared on the distance 
 with what heartfelt anguish the tightly clasped hands and the 
 white quivering lips too plainly told. Nor were the friends 
 and comrades of those now leaving the station the only parties 
 interested in the above proceedings ; numbers of natives were 
 watching and making their comments thereon. A little in advance 
 of the crowd stood a tall, slight figure dressed in a white angraka, 
 or coat of long cloth, and a peculiar shaped turban. He is a 
 Parsee merchant, a dealer in wine, beer, and the general run of 
 articles which are sent out to India by such firms as Crosse and 
 Blackwell, for the use of the regimental messes ; looking on 
 with a speculative eye, and calculating on the chances that might 
 arise to his profit from the expedition. Some distance to the left 
 are a group of Banyans, persons who contract with government 
 for the supplies of forage, cattle and carriage, on occasions like 
 the present. They were no doubt discussing the probabilities of a 
 campaign, in which case they would be no inconsiderable gainers. 
 Yonder personage, mounted on a richly caparisoned elephant, is 
 evidently some petty rajah of a neighbouring Tallook, or Zilla, 
 watching, with deep interest, the troops as they pass before him, 
 and pondering on what may be the result to his brother chief. As 
 the crowd dispersed, there might be seen, driving in different 
 directions, the dashing English barouche, with its prancing high- 
 spirited horses and silver-mounted harness, of the military com- 
 mander or rich civilian, the bullock gurrie or dumner of the 
 
OR, BOUGHINO IT THROUGH LIFE. 55 
 
 subaltern, and the boilee with its burden of native ladies and 
 children, all richly bedizened in silks and jewellery, but carefully 
 concealed from the gaze of the vulgar crowd by the purdah or 
 curtain which surrounded them, the vehicle, drawn by a pair 
 of Mysore bullocks. As the brigade wended its way across the 
 open plain it preserved all the discipline and precision of a 
 parade movement, but on its arrival at the boundary or camp 
 limits, the bugle sounded the " March at ease." The officers then 
 fell out, and mounting their tattoos, a species of pony peculiar to 
 the country, rode and chatted gaily with their friends, many of 
 whom accompanied them to their first camping ground, to spend 
 the last few hours with them, and at the same time to enjoy 
 some excellent sport, game in the adjacent hills being very 
 plentiful. The artillery and cavalry returned their swords to the 
 scabbard, and the infantry brought their muskets to the trail, 
 or carried them in such a manner as was most convenient to them- 
 selves. Pipes and tobacco were brought into active operation, 
 and soon the song, with its swelling chorus, burst forth amidst 
 peals of laughter at some sallies of Hibernian wit, at the expense 
 of some of their less fortunate comrades, whose unsteady gait, 
 repeated stumbles, and drowsy appearance, gave sufficient evi- 
 dence that they could not be classed among the disciples of 
 Father Matthew, proving that however fatiguing'a day's march in 
 a climate like India may be to a soldier, it has not the power of 
 crushing that buoyancy of spirit which is so natural to the sons 
 of Albion. Nor were their dusky companions in arms a whit 
 behind them in mirth and spirits ; an incessant chatter in almost 
 every dialect, from the high Bengalee to the low mongrel Mad- 
 rassee proved this, and the Babel of tongues, although understood 
 by a few only, was still rendered sufficiently exciting by gesticu- 
 lation to add interest to the scene. The route for road there 
 was none ran along the foot of a range of hills, which was in 
 many places intersected or covered by large nullahs, or water- 
 ways, formed by the rushing of water down the ravines, during 
 
56 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 the rainy season. These obstructions caused considerable delay, 
 and much exertion was needed to get the guns safely over. By 
 the assistance of the Sappers and Miners, however, and the 
 good-hearted pull altogether of the Europeans, these difficulties 
 were soon overcome. It was now near nine o'clock, and the 
 powerful rays of the sun began to tell upon all, when a shout 
 from the head of the column drew the attention of many to a 
 beautiful green spot about half a mile to our left front, where 
 beneath some magnificent tamarind trees, the tents of the 
 staff, which had already been pitched, were now distinctly 
 visible. The commissariat, baggage and tents (as usual on 
 leaving a station) had been sent on in advance the day pre- 
 vious. At a signal from the brigadier the officers dismounted 
 and joined their various divisions, at the same time the men 
 bringing their weapons to the slope, order was resumed, and in 
 ten minutes the brigade was drawn up in lines on the different 
 spots selected and marked off by the Quarter-Master General and 
 his subordinates. The rolls having been called, and reports 
 given in, the cavalry dismounted, and picketed their horses, 
 artillery unlimbered and parked their guns ; the infantry piled 
 arms and took off their accoutrements. Now the welcome sound 
 for grog rang out, and in a few minutes the orderly sergeant of 
 companies were seen approaching from the direction of the 
 commissariat, with large copper camp kettles filled with arrack, 
 a spirit made from the fruit of the date tree, and resembling 
 somewhat in flavor and color the rum used in the British 
 navy. It is considered the most wholesome liquor in the 
 country, and free from all deleterious ingredients, being manu- 
 factured by government expressly for the use of the European 
 troops. Each man is allowed to receive one dram, about the 
 fifth part of a pint ; this he may drink neat ; but if he wishes 
 to dilute it, he must bring the water with him, as he is 
 not permitted to take the liquor away, but may drink it 
 in front of the sergeant, This appears rather an arbitrary 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 57 
 
 measure, but it is done on the score of sobriety, as there are many 
 men in a regiment who, not caring for spirits themselves, would 
 draw their allowance, and sell it to their comrades, hence the 
 restriction. This little affair being arranged, pitching of tents 
 became the order of the day ; and as the reader may not be 
 acquainted with the usual routine observed in the operation, it 
 may be as well to give a slight idea of how it is done. The 
 Indian tents for European troops are generally twenty feet 
 square, with a pole in the centre, which supports the double top. 
 The four walls, or sides, are attached to the inner top by loops, 
 and the whole secured by cotton ropes made fast to wooden pegs, 
 driven into the ground. The pole being in two pieces, is joined 
 together with an iron socket in the centre. About three feet from 
 the top there is a small ledge on which the inner cap fits, and 
 the inner top rests ; two feet above that a second cap is placed 
 which supports the outer top, two pegs being firmly driven 
 into the earth, against which the heel of the pole is placed, and 
 at a given signal, the tops are raised by means of double ropes 
 at each corner, which are pegged down as before described. Six 
 of these tents are issued per company, fifteen men to each. 
 In what would appear to the uninitiated, in an incredibly short 
 space of time, up sprang a town of canvas, beneath the cool 
 shade of the surrounding trees. The routtee, or tent of the 
 native soldiers, are differently constructed, and more easily 
 pitched, the whole being in one piece. They are usually twenty 
 feet by fourteen, supported by two uprights, about twelve feet 
 apart, and joined in their centres with two iron sockets, the same 
 as the Europeans, with a pole along the top, fastened to them 
 with iron rings. The shape of the tent, when pitched, resembles 
 the gable roof of a house, with triangular pieces attached to each 
 end, one of which, opening up the centre and folding back, forms 
 the entrance. The whole is firmly pegged down through loops 
 hanging at intervals around the purda or curtain part of the tent. 
 The noise made by the mallets in driving the tent Degs, and the 
 
58 NED FORTESCTTE; 
 
 shouts of the men, as some half-raised tent fell to the ground, 
 made the place ring again. While matters were proceeding 
 thus, the cooks, who were generally speaking natives of Goa, a 
 Portuguese settlement, on the south-west coast near Bombay, 
 were actively engaged in preparing breakfast, and in less than 
 one hour from their arrival, the European portion of the brigade 
 were comfortably discussing their matin meal. That part of 
 the Sepoys' rations received from the Commissariat is always 
 issued raw, as each man, according to his caste, cooks his own 
 meal, at such time, place, and in such a manner as his religious 
 observances demand of him. Near mid-day I took up a comfort- 
 able position on a sloping, grassy bank, beneath the shade of a 
 neighbouring mango tree, and was indulging in the luxury of a 
 few whiffs of the fragrant weed, when I observed a party of 
 horsemen crossing the open space directly in front of the camp. 
 A greater variety than these horsemen displayed, as regards 
 dress, could scarcely be conceived. Shooting coats of every 
 description and color, just as the wearer may have chanced to 
 have had with him ; high hunting boots of different shapes and 
 make, from the rough untanned, samber-hide, to the highly 
 polished English calf skin, were there to be seen. Many con- 
 tented themselves with tucking their trowsers into their 
 Wellingtons, and twisting the common white turban of the 
 native round their foraging cap, while others, from their long 
 residence in the country, and greater experience in all that 
 pertains to the chase, wore leather hunting caps, incased with 
 white cotton quilted covers, artistically bound round with silk 
 puggaries, which effectually protected the head and neck from 
 the burning heat of the sun. Each carried a steel-headed bamboo 
 spear, ab&ut ten feet in length, and wore a creese in his belt, 
 which at once convinced me that they were going in search of 
 the wild boar of the jungle, or as the patrons of this sport term 
 it, they were out on a pig-sticking expedition. As they dis- 
 appeared in the jungle, the thought suddenly Hashed upon me, 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 59 
 
 that our own mess was unprovided with game of anyllescription, 
 and that I could not while away an hour more agreeably or profit- 
 ably than by endeavoring to procure some. I therefore hurried to 
 my tent, and put together a short but serviceable rifle presented 
 to me some months previously by one of our officers, and now 
 for convenience carried in my bed. Thrusting my pipe and a few 
 pieces of biscuit into my haversack, I strolled forth, and passing 
 through a small opening between two hills, a little to the right 
 of the camp, soon found myself at the edge of a rivulet of nj 
 great breadth and very shallow, whose blight waters glittering 
 in the sunlight, danced and rippled among the numberless stones 
 which obstructed its course along its rocky bed. Following the 
 windings of this stream for a considerable distance, without 
 encountering any game worth throwing away a shot upon, I 
 halted, and seating myself in a natural bower, partly formed by 
 the mogree or wild jessamine bush, and partly by the overhanging 
 branches of a lar-v banian tree, which grew on the shelving 
 bank, and whose fibres shooting downwards, had taken root 
 in the earth ; these were interwoven with various creeping 
 plants indigenous to the country, and formed a delightful shade. 
 I had not been many minutes in this position, when my attention 
 was arrested by suddenly seeing a large black buck spring from 
 a neighbouring thicket to the bank, some distance down on the 
 opposite side. His intention evidently was to slake his thirst, 
 but not liking the look of the water, or from some other cause, 
 he turned towards the direction in which I was sitting, and 
 trotted quietly along, stopping here and there to nibble at the 
 fresh grass that grew at the water's edge. Another moment 
 would have brought him within range of my rifle, when he 
 suddenly stopped, tossed his antlers in the air, then glancing 
 apparently at some object beyond me, turned sharply round and 
 dashed into the jungle. At the same instant a grunting sound, 
 accompanied by the clattering of a horse's hoofs behind, caused 
 me to turn sufficiently round to enable me to observe a horseman 
 
60 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 
 
 making a thrust with his spear at a large jungle boar, when 
 either miscalculating his distance, or not being expert enough he 
 missed his point and drove the head of the spear into the earth 
 with such force that he lost his balance and fell heavily to the 
 ground. The infuriated animal seeing his antagonist placed 
 hors de combat, was making rapidly toward him with headlong 
 speed. Not an instant was to be lost ; quickly bringing the rifle 
 to my shoulder, and taking as accurate an aim as circumstances 
 would permit, I fired, and the ball entering behind the right 
 ear, buried itself in the creature's brain, and thus saved the life 
 of the young officer for such he proved to be, and converted the 
 jungle pig into pork. Hastily, but carefully reloading my rifle, I 
 hurried to render assistance to the fallen horseman, who had, by 
 this time, assumed a sitting position, and by his bewildered look 
 was apparently endeavoring to realize something of the scene 
 before him. Unscrewing the brandy flask which I observed 
 slung across his shoulder, T poured some of the contents down his 
 throat ; this appeared to invigorate him wonderfully, and rising to 
 his legs, with my assistance, he soon became fully aware of the 
 danger he had escaped. Warmly and heartily he thanked me 
 for the prompt manner in which I had come to his rescue. The 
 report of my rifle had been heard by his friends, who now came 
 cantering up. Matters were explained, and they highly compli- 
 mented me on the success of my shot, and seemed gratified at the 
 exertion I had made on behalf of their friend, not forgetting at 
 the same time to indulge in some good-natured jokes at his 
 expense. The boar's head was cut off as a trophy, and they very 
 kindly ordered two of their beaters to accompany me to camp 
 with the remainder of the animal. I bid the party good morn- 
 ing, and returned quite as well satisfied with my morning's 
 adventure, as my comrades were with the unexpected addition 
 to their mess. I was engaged a short time after cleaning my 
 gun, when Bob O'Toole, an old chum of mine, came in, bringing 
 with him a very fine buck. The identical one, I have every 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 61 
 
 reason to believe, that I had so anxiously watched in the morn- 
 ing, for my friend Bob informed me he had killed it within five 
 hundred yards of the spot where it disappeared from my view ; 
 so what with venison and pork, we fared sumptuously that 
 evening. The sun was now sinking behind the distant moun- 
 tains, and the gentlemen that had accompanied their friends in 
 the morning were about returning to Belgaum, a distance of some 
 fourteen miles. Videttes were thrown out, pickets posted, and 
 all the usual precautions taken for the security of the camp. The 
 shades of night were fast closing around us, as my friend Bob 
 and I paid a visit to the canteen tent to indulge in a glass of 
 grog, and enjoy our evening pipe. Somewhat fatigued with our 
 morning's march, and afternoon's sport, we turned in, taking the 
 precaution to wrap ourselves up in our camoleens a thin kind of 
 blanket/ the manufacture of the country as a protection against 
 the night dews, which are very heavy about the hills at this 
 season of the year, and quickly falling off to sleep we were soon 
 in the land of dreams. There is, perhaps, no sound that grates 
 more harshly on a soldier's ear, or one that he prepares to obey 
 with so much reluctance as that of the " rouse," which breaks 
 upon his slumbers, and warns him to prepare for an early march. 
 Springing up at two o'clock on the following morning, with the 
 sound of the various trumpets and bugles ringing in my ears, I 
 hastened to perform my toilet, which, in general, is no very 
 elaborate affair with a soldier, more especially on the line of 
 march. A coarse towel, with a- pot of water from the nearest 
 stream, and a few passes of the comb through the hair, which the 
 rules of the service did not at that time permit to be worn long, 
 suffices, and the affair is concluded. Hastily slipping on my 
 uniform, and accoutrements, I commenced securing my bed and 
 knapsack, which for the present contained all my goods and 
 chattels, and having arranged it safely on the hackery -or common 
 cart of the country, which was placed at our disposal for the 
 conveyance of the baggage, I and my comrades commenced 
 
62 NED POBTESCUE; 
 
 striking the tents. The walls are first taken down, rolled 
 up carefully and put into bags made of gunny, a coarse kind of 
 cloth. One man is then stationed at the double rope at each of 
 the four corners ; the' intermediate ropes and pegs are care- 
 fully rolled up, and at a given signal the remainder is lowered, 
 the pole meanwhile having been withdrawn. This is tied up 
 in a similar manner, then handed over to the tent lascars and 
 baggage guard, whose duty it is to see them properly placed on 
 the camels and carried in safety to the next camp ground. Seat- 
 ing myself on the stump of a withered tree, I occupied the few 
 moments that intervened previous to the sounding of the fall-in 
 bugle by endeavoring to make out something of what was 
 passing around me. The morning was very dark no moon and 
 not a star to be seen-rbut by the aid of the camp fires that 
 blazed brightly in every direction, I noticed, not far off, a number 
 of men, some standing, some sitting, others lying on the ground, 
 but by far the greater part indulging themselves in drinking a 
 villainous compound concocted and sold by the Madrassee camp 
 followers, and generally composed of burnt rice, water from the 
 first ditch and sweetened with " joggeree," the coarsest description 
 of sugar which the country supplies; this has to pass muster 
 and do duty for coffee, and is called by the venders, who loudly 
 vociferate in their own peculiar manner, " Karfee, Sahib, karfee." 
 At the same time, directly in front of me, I saw something that 
 looked like two moving towers, but were in reality a couple of 
 huge elephants laden with hospital tents and furniture, sweep- 
 ing past with their usual stately step, to take their place in rear 
 of the column. In another spot, by the lurid flame that shot 
 brilliantly forth, illuminating all around, I observed a group of 
 camels, some standing already loaded, and browsing quietly on 
 the leaves of the young nym trees, with which the place abound- 
 ed, while others patiently knelt to receive their burdens, the 
 tents of the brigade. Behind them again were a string of spare 
 ones, with their hoot wallas or drivers beside them. A loud roar 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 63 
 
 of laughter now proclaims that some refractory pack bullocks do 
 not appreciate the notion of suiting their backs to the burden, 
 for off they fling their loads and with heads down and tails erect, 
 after the manner of a fly stampede among cattle they kick and 
 plunge about the camp, to the great amusement of many, and to 
 the no small annoyance of those who are running, musket in 
 hand, endeavouring to stop them, and who soon find themselves 
 up in the air, their weapons flying from their grasp and, the 
 next minute, sprawling on the ground midst the jeers of their 
 comrades. The noise made by the native bullock-drivers in 
 urging on the cattle of the deeply-laden baggage-wagons, the 
 clashing of arms, rattle of accoutrements, and heavy rumbling 
 sound of the artillery, as they move forward, all tend to create 
 that tumult and confusion which to a young soldier unacquainted 
 with camp life, appears almost bewildering. 
 
64 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE assembly sounded, the brigade formed up in a manner 
 similar to that of the previous day, with the exception that the 
 cavalry took the lead. The different bands struck up some 
 lively airs, and we moved off for the first mile with tolerable 
 regularity. We then entered a dense jungle, commonly known 
 as the Black Forest. Here our difficulties commenced. There 
 was a kind of wheel-track, but the immense number of cattle 
 that are sent out here to graze during this season of the year, 
 had completely obliterated all traces of a road, and formed 
 innumerable paths in all directions ; this combined with the 
 darkness of the morning, caused much confusion. The heads of 
 the various detachments were constantly straying into different 
 paths, so much so, that it was found necessary to keep the 
 trumpets at the head of the column constantly going, and 
 answered by each corps sounding their regimental call. In this 
 manner the party was kept together. This jungle, covering a 
 space of thirty miles in length by eight in breadth, assumes 
 every variety of feature, and was at that time infested with 
 numerous tigers, hyenas, bears, wild boars, and plenty of shikar 
 small game for the sportman, in the shape of deer, pea-fowl, &c. 
 The government having since then offered rewards for the heads 
 of different wild animals, has thinned them considerably, and 
 they are now rarely met with. The smaller trees, such as the 
 mango, too well known to need description, and the thorny barbie, 
 interspersed with scrubby brush wood, are most frequently found 
 on the hills, together with the tambool bush, which bears a dark 
 purple olive-shaped plum, about an inch in length ; also a very 
 beautiful tree the name of which has escaped my memory the 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 65 
 
 timber is very like rosewood in color, but much darker. The 
 most fashionable furniture is made from this tree, and it is called 
 blackwood. In the valleys, the larger trees, such as the banian, 
 grow, whose branches, spreading in every direction, drop their 
 fibres here and there, which take root as soon as they reach the 
 ground, and quickly increase in size till they outgrow the parent 
 trunk, and extend over a space almost incredible. The next tree 
 to attract attention is the Jack ; it resembles the English elm in 
 size, but its chief peculiarity is the fruit. It is from twelve to 
 eighteen inches in length, and twenty-four to thirty in cir- 
 cumference, of a greenish-yellow color, formed like a cucumber, 
 but thickly covered with prickles, and often weighs twenty 
 pounds ; but what strikes the beholder is the extreme smallnesa 
 of the stalk of the fruit, which is four inches in length, and 
 one-third of an inch in diameter. Then again, is seen the tall, 
 majestic tamarind tree, with its fern-like leaves, and long rich 
 clustering fruit, together with the wild fig, which, when ripe, bears 
 a red fruit about the size of a marble ; on being opened it is 
 found full of insects ; these are carefully knocked out and the 
 fig-skin eaten by the native ; the leaves are similar to those of 
 the cultivated fig, but smaller. These were the principal trees 
 that grew in the valleys through which we passed. There I 
 noticed subsequently, while riding through the same jungle 
 by daylight, the extreme beauty of the flowers, among which I 
 observed the sweet scented jessamine, with its tiny white blos- 
 som ; the creeping convolvulus, with its soft-blue bell-like bloom ; 
 together with the magnificent passion-flower, of various shades of 
 purple, and hundreds of other beauteous flowers of every hue, 
 that grew in wild luxuriance in the ravines, and along the 
 borders of the numberless streams which flowed across the path. 
 As we were crossing one of those streams the bugle sounded the 
 halt. It was soon ascertained that the artillery in passing a 
 similar place ahead, had forced one of the wheels of No. 2 gun, over 
 a projecting piece of rock, capsizing the gun with a loud crash, 
 
66 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 into a nullah five feet in depth, and drawing the bullocks after it. 
 The morning was so dark that it was found necessary to make a 
 large fire to enable the fatigue party to see to extricate it. As 
 the fire blazed and crackled up the sides of the ravine it caused 
 much heat and illuminated all around, rousing from its lair an 
 enormous tiger, who evidently not accustomed to that sort 
 of thing, and not liking the aspect of affairs, uttered a fearful 
 growl, and sprang towards the opposite bank. He endeavoured 
 in passing to carry off one of the leading bullocks of No. 1 gun ; 
 but the yoke chains proving too strong, he was compelled to 
 relinquish his prey, and escape into the jungle not, however, 
 before he had lacerated the back of the animal in a frightful 
 manner. This, however, was not the worst part of the business, 
 for the other bullocks, although completely paralyzed during 
 the presence of their natural enemy, no sooner found themselves 
 free of the monster than they suddenly dashed forward with the 
 gun, the wheel of which struck one of the battery lascars, 
 knocked him down and passed over his body, breaking both his 
 thigh bones. He was immediately conveyed to the rear, where 
 his wounds were attended to, as far as circumstances would 
 permit, and placed in one of the doolies belonging to the hospital, 
 that followed the force ; but the poor fellow died a few hours 
 after reaching the camp. A spare bullock having taken the 
 place of the one injured, and the capsized gun righted, the 
 advance sounded, and we pursued our way. By the light of the 
 dawning day, we found ourselves emerging from the thick jungle. 
 Our road now lay down a sloping plain, thickly sprinkled with 
 loose stones, among which grew the silk cotton tree, and the 
 milk bush ; this last is altogether without leaves, and its long 
 green sprouting tubes when broken, are found to contain a milky 
 substance of a poisonous nature, and very dangerous should it 
 get into the eye. Here and there grew the kernee and curawander 
 bushes the first bears a yellow kind of plum, oblong and about 
 the size of a cherry ; the other, when ripe, is the color of the 
 
OK, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 67 
 
 English damson, but in shape and size like a bullace, and is very 
 delicious eating. Here also, in little clumps, grew the castor oil 
 tree and the prickly pear, or wild cactus. As the sun rose above 
 the horizon, we arrived at the banks of the Sootgootee, and here 
 we halted ; a party having been sent up the river to ascertain 
 whether it was fordable for cavalry. They returned shortly, 
 having discovered an available place. A more delightful or 
 romantic spot could not have been selected ; it was about one 
 hundred yards in breadth, and little more than three feet in 
 depth, with a firm pebbly bottom. The river was studded with 
 numerous small islands, on which grew the wild coffee and other 
 bushes ; large slab-like stones covered with moss and lichen 
 jutted out from the bank and formed little nooks of still waters, 
 where flourished in all its queen-like beauty the snowy lily, 
 with its golden petals, together with the Indian bulrush, and 
 many other aquatic plants, in tropical luxuriance. The rich 
 foliage of the trees that grew on either side, with their over- 
 hanging boughs, as the river narrowed, nearly met, and as the 
 morning sun played through the branches, revealed a quiet scene 
 of rural beauty, undisturbed, except by the cackling of the 
 water-hen, the whirr of the wild fowl, or the peculiar cry, " did 
 you do it " of the grey plover, as it lazily flapped its wings. 
 After resting for nearly an hour, the artillery, cavalry, heavy 
 baggage, elephants and camels, commenced crossing, about a 
 quarter of a mile above where the brigade had halted, and without 
 accidents or difficulty got over. The Ooree Wallas now made their 
 appearance, with five oorees or boats, the largest a sort of barge, 
 with a square stern, sharp bow, and flat bottom, capable of con- 
 taining one hundred men. This was ferried across with paddles by 
 the native boatmen. The other four were round, made of a frame- 
 work of bamboo, covered with hides, and each held twenty-five 
 men. These were propelled by means of a long pole, placed in a 
 sort of rowlock, and by certain peculiar movements of the arms, 
 kept revolving until the boat reached the opposite side. The 
 
68 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 scarcity of boats and length of time occupied in crossing, delayed 
 the infantry about three hours. The river at this point being 
 one hundred and fifty yards wide, and about eight feet deep, 
 much amusement was created by watching the antics of the pack 
 bullocks, as they swam over in droves of fifties ; many, .when 
 about half way, would turn suddenly round, make towards their 
 starting place, and scamper about the banks in spite of the exer- 
 tions and vociferations of their drivers, and others engaged in 
 getting them across. By half-past seven we were again en route ; 
 but now the face of the country assumed a very different aspect ; 
 in the place of rugged rocks, steep hills, and dense jungle, our 
 path lay through beautiful undulating cultivated plains. On our 
 right, stretching away as far as the eye could reach, might be 
 seen the bright green rice growing in its watery bed, fields of 
 rich waving corn, with the scarlet poppy here and there inter- 
 spersed, and the tall joaree, the grain of which is by the natives 
 made into chowpatties or bread, and the stalk used as forage 
 for elephants or camels ; on our left were large plantations of 
 tobacco, reaching to the water's edge, sugar cane-brakes and 
 long rows of the chilli tree ; hillocks covered with high feathery 
 grass, between which we observed large mango trees in topes or 
 groves. On reaching the outer edge of one of these, the havildar or 
 sergeant of the cavalry advance guard, was seen returning at full 
 gallop, with a report that a large party of horse, supposed to be 
 in the pay of Babagee Nikum for we were now in his territory 
 were approaching on our left flank, apparently gaining on us 
 from the direction of the river we had lately crossed. The 
 number of trees in the topes prevented our flank files or feelers 
 from discovering whether they were supported by infantry or 
 not. Preparations were immediately made to receive them. 
 The brigade changed front to the left ; the rifles were thrown out 
 three hundred paces in advance to our new front, in skirmishing 
 order, with the howitzer, supported by two half- troops of cavalry. 
 The main body then deployed into line, on the Europeans, with 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 69 
 
 the remaining guns and cavalry on each flank. A strong 
 reinforcement was also sent to the rear guard, for the protection 
 of the hospital baggage, &c., and we were now all ready and 
 eager for a dash at the foe. In this we were disappointed, for as 
 soon as the commander of the party of horse caught sight of our 
 line of skirmishers, he halted his men, lowered the standards, and 
 galloped straight up to our brigadier, when it turned out 
 that the supposed enemy was a regiment of Southern Mahratta 
 
 irregular cavalry, sent to join us, by General D 1 for out-post 
 
 duties, guides, &c. They had missed us in the jungle, and crossed 
 the river two miles to our left. The brigade having resumed its 
 former order of march, we proceeded on our way, our new friends 
 leading. The irregular corps are generally six hundred strong, 
 with only two European officers, the first and second in command, 
 the remainder are natives respectively Russeldars, Jemadars, and 
 Duffadars. It requires great interest to obtain command of these 
 corps, as they are much sought after and highly valued. Recruits 
 or volunteers for these regiments bring their own horses, saddles, 
 and trappings with them, and receive pay monthly, according to 
 the value of their horses, which they themselves have to feed and 
 care for ; the uniforms, arms and equipments, are furnished by 
 the State. They are dressed in dark-green tunics, pantaloons, 
 high jack-boots, and red turbans, with a black pouch-belt across 
 the shoulder, and armed with a double barrelled rifle, holster pis- 
 tols, and native talwas or sabre. These men were very expert 
 riders, I have seen many at full gallop bend lightly over on 
 one side, and with the point of their sword, pick up from the 
 ground, silk scarfs, or any other light article that might chance 
 to be thrown in their path. The commissions of the native 
 ofiicers are usually obtained in the following manner : the son 
 of a Rajah, petty chief, or native gentleman, who can collect 
 together fifty men, receives his appointment as a russeldar or 
 captain ; those who bring a lesser number of men, obtain subaltern 
 rank. We had now been six hours on the march ; the obstruc- 
 
70 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 tions and delays we had met with greatly fatigued the men, 
 therefore, it was with much satisfaction that shortly after we 
 perceived, snugly ensconced in a clump of trees, with its white 
 walls gleaming in the sunlight, the small beechroer or tent of the 
 commissariat conductor, who, with his stores, the quarter-master 
 sergeants, line sergeants, camp color men and cooks, had started 
 some hours in advance of us. The party being small, little delay 
 was occasioned, as the goodly rows of spirit casks, bags of 
 biscuit, rice, tea and sugar which were arranged, all ready for issue 
 on our arrival, proved, The commissariat warrant officers, as a 
 body, are a most intelligent, active, hard-working and thoroughly 
 efficient class of men, selected from the European regiments for 
 this department, in which they serve several years in their 
 various grades, prior to receiving their warrant, necessarily, for 
 although the commissariat officer has many highly important 
 duties to perform, yet, on a campaign, the greater portion of the 
 rough laborious part of the business devolves on the warrant 
 officer, especially when they have to force provisions and forage, 
 or press cattle or carriage, which involves great responsibility, and 
 !s at all times difficult to manage. Our camp this morning was 
 pitched in the shape of a half-moon, or crescent, facing the road, 
 with a fine mango tope at the rear, in which our baggage cattle 
 were snugly tethered or picketed. An incident occurred to me 
 in the afternoon, that nearly put a stop to all further recollec- 
 tions of this or any other campaign. A comrade who had been 
 bathing in a small stream that ran through a shady dell, at the 
 rear of the camp, informed me that he had noticed, on his way, 
 a number of pea-fowl about the edges of the brook. This was 
 sufficient inducement for me to visit the place. My chum, Bob 
 O'Toole, delighted no doubt, with the idea of the chance of a good 
 supper, gladly accompanied me. We soon came in sight of the 
 game, which appeared rather timid, probably from the noise of 
 the camp followers, who were stationed at no great distance from 
 the locality. However, in a few minutes, a fine bird arose, at 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 71 
 
 which Bob fired, knocking therefrom a quantity of feathers. 
 The bird was wounded, but not sufficiently to prevent its reach- 
 ing the upper branches of a tall tamarind tree, from whence it 
 was unable to move. Being a better climber than my companion, 
 I handed him my rifle, and quickly ascending the tree, soon got 
 possession of the prize. While in the act of descending, I suddenly 
 felt something touch me, and looking down, to my horror, found 
 my legs encircled in the coils of a large hooded snake, the bite of 
 which is said to be mortal. The creature's forked tongue pro- 
 truded from its mouth, with that peculiar hissing sound which it 
 makes when about to strike its victim. Its wild glancing eyes 
 were within a few inches of my throat, and in another second it 
 would have been all over with me ; but Providence willed it 
 otherwise, for crack went the report of a rifle, and on the smoke 
 clearing away, I found that my legs were again free, and the 
 snake lying dead at the bottom of the tree. My friend Bob, as he 
 was pleased to express it, had " taken the liberty of blowing 
 the baste's head into smithereens." It was touch-and-go with 
 me that time, but it did not, in the least, spoil my appetite 
 that night for the roast pea-fowl, the obtaining of which 
 had so nearly cost me my life. Who would be without a comrade 
 in such a predicament. I trust, in a moment of danger, 
 that I may always find at hand a Bob of the right kind; a 
 brave, fearless, true-hearted Irishman, with a brogue thick and rich 
 as buttermilk, although it was death, by the law, to even hint 
 that he did not, to use his own words, " spake illegant English." 
 He was rather above the middle height, a stout, well-proportioned 
 figure, with handsome good-natured features ; his hair was a 
 bright red, but no one dared (on pain of excommunication,) insi- 
 nuate such a thing ; he always declared that " it was a rich and 
 beautiful auburn, and much admired by the ladies." On the 
 following morning the rouse or reveille did not sound until four 
 o'clock, which we thought strange ; but, from the unusual stir in 
 the tents of the staff, it was evident that there was something in 
 
72 NED FORTESCTTB ; 
 
 the wind, and so it turned out (for intelligence had been brought 
 in during the previous night, by the party sent a few days 
 before to endeavor to arrange matters with the rebel chief,) that 
 the whole of the villages between the spot we occupied and 
 Samunghur, had been compelled by their Rajahs to send all the 
 men capable of bearing arms to serve under his standard, and 
 that numbers of armed parties were moving about in the vicinity 
 of the fort. Also, to our troops, the still more exciting news that 
 the Samunghur chief intended to try his strength with us, never 
 dreaming that he would have to contend with Europeans much 
 less with a force of such strength, and so well appointed. The 
 commissariat stores, staff tents, private baggage and other things, 
 that usually start some hours in advance, were now ordered to 
 take their place in rear of the column, with the rest of the non- 
 combatants, and securely guarded by a detachment of irregular 
 cavalry, and two companies of native infantry. Our advance 
 guard was likewise doubled, and every precaution taken against 
 surprise. Ammunition was immediately served out sixty rounds 
 per man to the infantry, with a liberal supply for the artillery. 
 Officers exchanged their regulation swords for field sabres, and 
 pistols appeared in the belts of many of the infantry. These 
 warlike signs put us all in high spirits, and off we started 
 in the full expectation of having a brush with the Mahrattas 
 before the day was over. On this occasion we were not doomed 
 to disappointment ; the villages that we passed on our way, 
 confirmed what we had heard the night previous from the 
 collector's party. With the exception of a few old men, and 
 infirm women, they were otherwise deserted. I think we had 
 marched some eight miles, when the brigadier, who, with his 
 staff, had cantered on in advance, sent an aide-de-camp back at 
 full speed, with an order for the rifles to move at the double to 
 the front. The enemy were now in sight, and in a few minutes 
 the sharp report of rifles plainly indicated that the game had 
 commenced. The chiefs men mustered pretty strong, and from 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 73 
 
 the ridge of a hill, some half a mile from the fort, they kept up a 
 smart fusilade for a short time with their matchlocks. But our 
 fire soon began to tell upon them, and they gave way a little. 
 The rifles were then ordered to charge, which they did in good 
 style, driving the Mahrattas pell-mell before them. On the top 
 of the ridge from which they had been driven, a 12-pound howit- 
 zer was put in position, supported by two companies of my regi- 
 ment, but not in view of the enemy. Our commander did not 
 wish them to know at that time that Europeans formed a portion 
 of our force, in order to prevent them seeking the shelter of their 
 fort before he could prove to them how dangerous a thing it was 
 to oppose disciplined soldiers, fully bent on conquest. At the 
 same time, he determined to teach them a lesson they would not 
 easily forget. The first shell from the howitzer nearly settled 
 that point. A large party of the Rajah's principal officers and their 
 friends had assembled on a small conical-shaped hill ; they were 
 quietly contemplating what was going on, and believed them- 
 selves beyond reach of our pieces, having no thought or anticipa- 
 tion of our artillery the rifles alone being visible. This party 
 soon caught the eye of our general, who ordered the howitzer to 
 be hid for their especial benefit. This was done accordingly, 
 and after a few minutes a mass of iron fell plump into the midst 
 of the group, but without doing any direct damage, to the no 
 small astonishment of the enemy, who, although startled at 
 first, from their ignorance of artillery projectiles, doubtless 
 concluded all danger was now over. They gathered around the 
 treacherous shell, the fuse of which had been cut too long, 
 and while yet burning one of the party held it up for the 
 inspection of the others, when it suddenly exploded, killing thir- 
 teen, and wounding several. The remainder fled in great con- 
 sternation to the fort, from which place they quickly returned 
 the compliment by sending some round shot flying over our 
 heads, but in such a wild manner that it was quite evident no 
 aim had been taken. While we were thus engaged, our main 
 
 10 
 
74 NED FOETESCUE; 
 
 body were pitching camp a little to our right rear, but quite out 
 of range of the guns of the fort; the tents of the Europeans 
 being placed nearest to the scene of action. The fire from the 
 fort soon ceased, as they became aware, how perfectly useless 
 it was throwing their old iron about in that loose fashion. 
 During the time we occupied the brow of the ridge the commis- 
 sariat conductor made his appearance with some biscuit and a 
 keg of arrack, which was very acceptable to the men, who had 
 had nothing to eat since four o'clock the previous evening. 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 75 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 WHEN the worthy warrant officer had finished issuing an allow- 
 ance to each man, and was about packing up the overplus, a 
 round shot from the enemy passed between him and one of his 
 coolies, and so near their heads that they bolted off down the 
 hill in great trepidation; indeed, as though his Satanic majesty 
 was tripping at their heels. They went helter-skelter over 
 stones and bushes, creeks and gutters, to the no small amusement 
 of the lookers-on, who enjoyed their hasty and undignified flight. 
 But our delight was much enhanced by gaining possession of the 
 spirit cask, which in their speedy departure they had quite 
 forgotten. We seized it with great eagerness, and soon made 
 ourselves masters of its contents. Our matchlock-firing enemy, 
 who for some time had been retiring, keeping up a desultory 
 fire as they proceeded, and disappeared behind bushes and huts, 
 situlked within a short distance of the walls of the fort. For 
 this reason it was not considered prudent just then to ad- 
 vance any nearer. A large number of the enemy suddenly 
 appeared on a sugar-loaf hill, to the right of the fort ; they were 
 amusing themselves by firing into our camp, and disturbing its 
 serenity. We now got the opportunity we longed for. Two of 
 our companies were ordered to take the hill at all hazards, in 
 order to place a couple of guns in position on its top ; for in this 
 position they commanded the fort as well as our camp. Moving 
 off at the double, in skirmishing order, we very nearly surrounded 
 the base of the hill, and at once opened a sharp fire on the rascals, 
 who fell in great numbers. As we steadily advanced towards 
 the top of the hill, they gave us a parting volley, and endeavoured 
 to gain the cover of their stronghold, but we were too sharp for 
 
76 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 them. Hastily closing on our centre, we gave them one volley, 
 and afterwards charged. Our bayonets did fearful execution, and 
 very few lived to gain the fort, from whence their friends viewed 
 the scene in horror and dismay. Our loss was seven killed and 
 nineteen wounded. After getting the guns into position, a party 
 of native infantry relieved us, and we returned to camp pretty 
 well tired with our day's work. The killed in the morning 
 skirmish amounted to three privates of the rifles, one havildar, 
 two iiignes, and eight privates wounded. In the evening we 
 performed the last sad rites for those who had fallen in the fore- 
 part of the day. Those severely wounded were sent under escort 
 without delay to Belgaum. The slightly wounded, after a short 
 interval in our field hospital, (where every aid that skill or 
 medicine could afford, was promptly and carefully administered), 
 were soon about again. That night our camp was visited by 
 one of those terrific storms which are only known to occur in 
 tropical climates. The rain fell in torrents, causing a complete 
 deluge ; vivid flashes of lightning blazed forth, illuminating 
 everything with startling brilliancy, followed by deafening peals 
 of thunder, shaking the very earth, and vibrating for miles 
 around. Combined with the wind, which at the time, blew a 
 perfect hurricane, it compelled the stout soldiers' hearts to quake, 
 as they stood wet and shivering, listening to the angry elements. 
 Tents were blown down, and their contents scatterd far and near. 
 Horses broke loose, terrified by the fearful uproar, and a scene of 
 wild confusion ensued, that baffles all description. The storm 
 having abated on the approach of daylight, we worked with right 
 good will to arrange our things with something like order and 
 comfort. Many a laugh and joke was indulged at the expense of 
 some unfortunate comrade, who had been placed in some ludicrous 
 position, or suffered more severely than the rest. In a few hours 
 all effects of the storm had passed away, and the elements resumed 
 their former quietude. Pickets were now established along the 
 whole front, and right abreast of the fort. Our force divided into 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 77 
 
 five flying camps, the better to observe the enemy, and to relieve 
 our guards ; for it now appeared plain, that Babagee Nikum had 
 no idea of surrendering, and we could make no impression on 
 stone walls with our light guns. In reply to the General's 
 despatch, he was informed that a complete breaching battery of 
 eighteen pounders, together with nine mortars, scaling-ladders, 
 and other requisites, would be sent out with as little delay as 
 possible, and that he was to surround the fort, and prevent any 
 relief reaching the besieged, as there were rumours of a general 
 disaffection shewing itself throughout the Southern Mahratta 
 country. We had now plenty to do to watch the fort, and scour 
 the adjacent woods. One of our picket-houses, was called 
 Picket Dangerous, from its exposed position, or Gun Picket 
 a long low building on the right hand side of the road leading 
 to one of the principal gates of the fort, but too close to the 
 walls to enable the enemy to depress their guns sufficiently to 
 bear upon it. However, the enemy kept up such a constant 
 matchlock fire from the loop-holes, that we lost during the four 
 weeks that we held this position, no less than two officers, three 
 sergeants, twenty-seven rank and file killed, one officer, two ser- 
 geants, and thirty-two rank and file wounded. One of the 
 officers killed, was the affianced husband of the young lady whose 
 last farewell (for such it proved to be) we had witnessed on our 
 leaving Belgauin. A sad trial for one so young ; deeply attached 
 to him as she appeared to be. He was in the act of laying the 
 gun at the picket-house, when he was shot through the head, 
 
 and died instantly. Poor T was a great favorite with his 
 
 brother officers, and they all felt sorry to lose him. Nor did our 
 foes escape scot free, for no sooner did one of them appear at 
 an embrasure, than he was made a target of; a great many 
 were cut off in this way. Our guard consisted of two officers, 
 two sergeants, and fifty-four rank and file, with eight artillery 
 men, relieved every forty-eight hours. From the guard-room to 
 the opposite side of the road we erected a sand bag battery ; 
 
78 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 well do I remember its construction. It cost us fifteen killed and 
 wounded. I was on guard at the time it was commenced. One 
 pitch dark night, under the direction and guidance of one of the 
 warrant officers of the Public Works Department, with a party of 
 Sappers and Miners, had not been long at work when the rain 
 fell heavily, accompanied by sheet lightning, which revealed 
 occasionally our working party to the enemy. They immediately 
 commenced, and kept up such a heavy fire from behind their 
 stone walls, and as flash succeeded flash we had frequently to 
 suspend all operations for a time. However, before daylight, the 
 battery was completed, and the muzzle of a howitzer run through 
 it. This was loaded with grape, in case of a sally from the gate. 
 One evening, while on sentry over this gun, and just as it was 
 getting dark, I fancied I heard a grinding sort of sound at one 
 of the embrasures, just opposite the guard-room. As it continued 
 for some time, I began to feel suspicious that the enemy were at 
 some of their tricks, and cautiously creeping near enough to the 
 wall, where I fancied the sound came from, perceived that a 
 couple of large stones had been forced out of the lower face of 
 the embrasure, which would enable them to bring a gun to bear 
 on our picket. Regaining the cover of the battery, without 
 being discovered, I alarmed the guard, and, while they were 
 turning out, I watched the embrasure, and saw that they were 
 loading a gun. While their gunner was in the act of ramming 
 down the charge of powder, I took deliberate aim at him. I 
 missed the man, but the ball struck the sponge-staff about the 
 centre, cutting it completely in half. This, for a time, stopped 
 the loading, and before they knew what to do, a shower of grape- 
 shot from our howitzer fell amongst them, doing considerable 
 damage. It was followed by a round shot, which struck the gun 
 at the muzzle, dismounted it from its wooden carriage, and 
 rendered it unfit, at least for a time, for further use. The follow- 
 ing day, on the arrival of our relief, I was again on sentry at the 
 gun ; the man that took my post, had scarcely been there a 
 
OB, EOUGHING IT THBOTJGH LIFE. 79 
 
 minute, indeed I had not reached the guard, when I heard 
 him exclaim, " I have got it," 'and, looking round, saw him reel 
 over inside the sand-bag battery. It was well for him that he 
 did so, otherwise he would have been completely riddled before 
 any assistance could have been rendered him. The enemy were 
 more alert, and did greater execution during the time of our 
 relieving guard, as during that time we were exposed to a flank 
 fire from the numerous loop-holes in the walls. Two bullets 
 struck him at tin 1 ->aine instant ; one through the right arm, 
 breaking the bone just above the elbow ; the other, in the fleshy 
 part of the thigh ; on this man's recovery, he was sent to England, 
 claiming a pension of nine pence per day. He had been five 
 years in the service. The European portion of the brigade was 
 now ordered to shift camp, and occupy a more prominent 
 position, on the right rear angle of the fort, from which 
 spot it was mtriidi-'l we .should assault the place, and effect a 
 breach in the large round bastion at that point. In securing 
 this position, we ha<l a V.TV smart skirmish, as there was a large 
 petta or village running from the rear gate to the foot of the 
 hill we wished to obtain. This was unknown to us until the 
 morning in question ; it was occupied by the enemy, who gave 
 us sharp work for a couple of hours, before we could drive 
 them from the shelter of the houses. They then took refuge in 
 the fort, the gate of which was opened to receive them. We were 
 not strong enough to try the chance of entering and contesting the 
 fort with them, therefore we contented ourselves with the capture 
 of the petta, and the loot or plunder that fell into our hands, 
 consisting principally of cash, brass and copper vessels, silk, grain, 
 &c. We then established a couple of pickets, with a chain of 
 sentries which reached round three sides of the place ; why the 
 other angle was not secured, I never knew, but no doubt there 
 was a sufficient reason for it. So much having been effected, we 
 returned and pitched our camp on the plateau of the hill, which 
 commanded a fine view of the stronghold and its surroundings. 
 
80 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 Keeping watch and ward over the enemy's works proved rather a 
 fatiguing affair, with little or no excitement, save the exchanging 
 of shot with the people on the walls. A slight incident now and 
 then occurred to relieve the dull monotony of routine; there 
 was one which caused much laughter at the time. One day 
 while pushing our pickets nearer to the rear gate, we came to a 
 large house, and on forcing the door, the officer in command of 
 the party fancied he heard a strange noise, which indicated that 
 something was moving clumsily within. The idea immediately 
 flashed across his mind that probably some of the enemy were 
 concealed in the house ; imagine his chagrin when ordering his 
 men to fire a volley into the building, and on entering, the enemy 
 turned out to be three fine bullocks that had been left there tied 
 up by their owners, who, on hearing of our approach, had fled. 
 A story never loses by repetition, and this shared the usual 
 fate ; our encounter with the bullocks became a laugh and jest in 
 the camp, and afterwards, whenever an enemy was seen, and aim 
 about to be taken, the remark : " Are you certain it is not a 
 bullock T was sure to follow. Tn the upper part of the house we 
 found great quantities of onions, salt, and rice, together with a 
 number of new chatties or earthen cooking pots. No sooner 
 were we comfortably settled in our new position, than we killed 
 and cut up one of the animals, made fires at the back part of the 
 premises, and soon had a glorious supply of soup, and boiled 
 meat. During the time that we remained here, one of our com- 
 pany, a fine young fellow named Matlow, a Herefordshire man, 
 and a thorough soldier, had a narrow escape. As he was about 
 to draw water from a well, in the next compound or garden, he 
 was suddenly pounced upon by five Mahrattas, armed with the 
 long two-handed swords of the country ; but little did they 
 imagine what herculean strength and courage they had to 
 contend with ; quite unprepared for such an attack, and alone as 
 he stood, he was more than a match for them. Coolly raising 
 his musket he shot the nearest, bayonetted the second, and then 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 81 
 
 clubbing his musket dashed out the brains of a third. The other 
 two simultaneously turned and fled, aghast at the fate of their 
 comrades ; it was well for the brave Matlow that they did so, 
 for he fell a short time afterwards, having fainted from loss of 
 blood. He received eleven wounds in different parts of his body ; 
 these, on examination, proved to be merely flesh wounds, and he 
 -oon all right again. I have related this brave act to show 
 the immense superiority of the European over the native, in 
 those most essential of all qualities in a soldier, viz., coolness and 
 courage. Our chain of sentries was composed of half European 
 and half native troops ; every alternate man being a Sepoy. One 
 day, when the bullets from the fort were rather more plentiful 
 than usual, a Sepoy, who was stationed between a man named 
 Hall, of our corps, and myself; finding it getting too hot for 
 him, turned round arid bolted towards camp ; but he did not run 
 far, for Hall deliberately faced about and shot him dead. The 
 act was a rash one, but the fellow's cowardice merited it, and as 
 none but myself saw the transaction, it passed without comment. 
 It was amusing to witness the expedients resorted to by our 
 cook>, t> escape the fire from the fort, as they returned to camp 
 from the various guards. Many of them would tie the large flat 
 bottomed tops or dishes of the camp kettles on their back, 
 place the kettles over their heads, form up in Indian file, 
 and run off at full speed from the point of danger ; but as they 
 could not see before them they would frequently tumble one 
 over the other roll and bawl in great terror then regain their 
 legs, only to act the same farce over again, and in this grotesque 
 manner reach camp, to the no small amusement of the lookers-on, 
 who laughed and shouted, as they made their singular looking 
 summersaults. Many of them were wounded, but I do not 
 remember to have heard that any were killed, although daily 
 exposed to danger. They were hard worked, but received good 
 pay while on field service. At the foot of the hill, and imme- 
 diately in rear of our camp, the country was covered with a 
 
82 NED FOKTESCUE; 
 
 jungle of low thick brushwood, in which there were numerous 
 small wild pigs, striped somewhat like an Indian squirrel, varying 
 in weight from twelve to sixteen pounds ; these are considered 
 tolerably good eating. Now as nothing in the shape of food comes 
 amiss to a soldier on campaign, our men made great havoc 
 among them, and rare sport at times we had. I remember one 
 morning as some of our fellows were returning, laden with spoil, 
 two of the animals contrived to effect their escape, and ran, pur- 
 sued by their late captors, into the lines of the native cavalry 
 who were chiefly Mahommedaiis. Fancy the horror and indignation 
 of these men, for what pork is to a Jew, pig is to a Mussulman, 
 an utter abomination. It unfortunately happened that the per- 
 verse pigs would take to the forbidden ground, and dashed right 
 among a number of men engaged in cooking their morning 
 meal, upsetting everything right and left, to the no small con- 
 sternation and dismay of the followers of Mahomed, who, on 
 seeing the Europeans close at their heels, fancied that it was a 
 planned affair, and immediately sprang away for their swords, to 
 revenge the supposed insult, and direful would have been the 
 consequences, but for the cool self-possession of a colour-sergeant 
 of ours, who happened to be passing at the time, he, at onqe fell 
 the men in, and before the troopers could return with their weapons 
 had doubled them back to our camp. The commanding office 
 gave them a severe reprimand, and so ended the affair; but it 
 made our men more careful in future, how they approached too 
 near to the natives' cooking places. They are extremely particular 
 in cooking; each man clears a space of ground generally about 
 six yards in circumference; he, then, with earth and stones, 
 builds a fire-place, and the spot immediately around he spreads 
 over with a thin coating of cow dung, which the heat of the sun 
 bakes. The place is then carefully swept clean, and after 
 prayers it is consecrated for cooking, for they are so 
 bigoted that should the shadow of a Christian, whom they consi- 
 der only one degree above a pig, fall on any of their culinary, 
 
OE, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE/ 83 
 
 utensils, while using them, they will, if made of earthenware, 
 break them, and if the implement is made of copper or brass, as 
 is generally the'case, they will throw away the food, and take the 
 vessel to the river in order to wash and scour off the pollution. 
 We now received intelligence that the siege train, so long looked 
 for, was within eight miles of us, but stuck fast in the rice fields, 
 the late rains having flooded them for miles. Fatigue parties 
 from every corps were sent to assist in bringing in the long 
 eighteen and thirty-two pounders. This was a severe tug, and 
 had it not been for the assistance from our elephants, we should 
 not have succeeded. It was managed in this way : four pair of 
 spare bullocks were hooked to each gun ; two men placed at each 
 wheel ; then one of the elephants marched up to the muzzle of 
 the gun. He seemed then to understand what was expected of 
 him, for at a certain motion from its mahout or driver, he would 
 place his trunk round the mouth of the cannon, and lift it 
 completely out of the mud ; at the same time the goad and lash 
 were effectually applied to the bullocks, who, by this means 
 were urged forward, dragging the gun about thirty yards to the 
 front. By a repetition of these movements, the battery was at 
 length got to the hard ground, at the foot of the hill, from which 
 it was intended to open fire upon the walls of Samunghur. 
 Many singular anecdotes of the surprising sagacity of the ele- 
 phant had been related to me, by men who had lived the greater 
 part of their lives in India. On one occasion I became an eye- 
 witness to a remarkable instance of acuteness of observation 
 in one of those usually docile animals. I had been conveying 
 baggage belonging to some troops who were changing their sta- 
 tion from Poona to Ahmednuggur, by means of elephants, camels 
 and mules. One morning, on my return march, I had ridden on 
 in advance of the cattle, for the purpose of procuring their forage 
 which arrangement having been effected, I betook myself to the 
 Dawk Bungalo, or halting place for European travellers, to get 
 breakfast, and during this time my cattle came in. Knowing 
 
84 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 that there was plenty of game in the neighbourhood I threw iny 
 gun across my shoulder and passed through the cattle lines on 
 my way to the nearest cover. On passing near the elephants, 
 one of them attracted my attention by a peculiar kind of scream ; 
 on going up to the animal, he gently and quietly upset a 
 heap of flour cakes that had been set before him by his keeper. 
 The cakes rolled about at my feet, he at the same time uttering 
 another scream. Scarcely knowing what to make of this strange 
 conduct, I counted the cakes, and discovered that there were four 
 short of the usual complement. No sooner had I finished count- 
 ing them than the elephant turned slowly round to the keeper, 
 whose duty it was to prepare its food, and struck him to the 
 earth with his trunk, breaking two of his ribs ; thus punishing the 
 man for depriving him of four pounds of cakes for his own 
 benefit. This he had in reality done. The animal then gave a 
 sort of grunt, as if quite satisfied with his performance ; evidently 
 knowing that I was in authority over the keeper, he eyed me 
 with a look, as much as to indicate that he was able to 
 settle accounts with those who defrauded him ; then gathering up 
 his cakes he quietly began his meal. 'It is almost needless to add 
 that the mahout or keeper was discharged on his recovery, and 
 before leaving confessed having taken the flour for his own 
 use. The daily food or rations of these animals are as follows : 
 two hundred pounds of forage, consisting chiefly of jowaree, the 
 green tops of the sugar cane, and branches of young jungle 
 trees ; four ounces of ghee or clarified butter, two ounces of salt 
 and twenty-four pounds of flour, made up into one-pound cakes, 
 and for the baking of which fifteen pounds of wood was allowed 
 for one animal. At that time each elephant was allowed half-a- 
 gallon of proof arrack per day ; but this the government disconti- 
 nued of late years. Getting the breaching guns and mortar 
 battery up the hill, and into position was another long and hard 
 day's work, and was managed by means of fatigue parties ; but as 
 patience and perseverance overcome many difficulties, every thing 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 85 
 
 was shortly in readiness to commence the assault on the fortress. 
 The general now decided, as a preliminary measure, to shell the 
 place, and this was effectively done by firing salvos from our 
 mortars and howitzers every quarter of an hour during the 
 night. Our officers observed, by means of their field-glasses, 
 that in one part of the place there was a number of houses of a 
 better description than the generality of native habitations; 
 these they determined should be speedily destroyed. Accordingly, 
 several live carcases, or hollow shells filled with combustible and 
 inflammable matter, were discharged on the chupper or thatched 
 roofs of the buildings, and in a short time a bright blaze shot 
 up from several places at once, but the fire was put out by the 
 inhabitants, who swarmed up in hundreds to extinguish the 
 flames. However, we were not to be baffled in this way ; there- 
 fore the remainder of the mortars and howitzers were laid for 
 the dwellings these were loaded with grape and canister. The 
 carcases were first fired, then as the enemy were engaged in 
 quenching the flames, the other missiles were sent with fatal 
 precision among them, by which means . hundreds were killed, 
 and the ivinaindor had the mortification of seeing their houses 
 destroyed, or else risk their lives by endeavouring to save their 
 property. The following day the large half-circular bastion at 
 the left rear angle of the fort was selected as the spot where the 
 the breach was to be made, and the batteries opened upon it in 
 grand style, but after several hours practice it appeared to have 
 suffered very little from the bombardment. It was now evening, 
 and it became a question with the officers whether it would not be 
 better to try the strength of one of the other towers. While 
 they were discussing this important subject, a shot from one of 
 the batteries hit the outer curve of the bastion, and glancing off, 
 struck the curtain or wall about half-way between the two 
 corner bastions and near the parapet, bringing down a great 
 quantity of masonry ; this decided the question. A flag of truce 
 was, at this juncture, seen on the battlement, and the Rajah sent 
 
86 NED FOETESCUE ; 
 
 to say that he requested a suspension of hostilities for forty-eight 
 hours, to consider terms, with a view to surrender. Our reply 
 granted twenty-four hours, and while waiting his answer 
 we were joined by a regiment of native cavalry, and a 
 troop of Madras European horse artillery, with six guns ; they 
 also brought the news that several other petty States were in 
 open revolt, and that a very large force was being assembled to 
 reinforce us, and would join in a few days as it was expected we 
 should have to scour the Southern Mahratta country, from one 
 end to the other. The truce on the part of the Rajah was 
 only a ruse to gain time ; as we afterwards found out that he 
 was in hourly expectation of a reinforcement of about two thou- 
 sand men. 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 87 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 AT the expiration of the twenty-four hours, the fort opened 
 fire on our line of sentinels, upon which the whole of the breach- 
 ing guns were turned on the curtain, to effect a new breach, and 
 our light artillery kept playing on the large bastion to deceive 
 the enemy into the belief that we intended storming in two 
 places. We battered away all that night, and by ten o'clock on 
 the following day, the reconnoitering party previously sent out, 
 returned, and the chief engineer reported the breach practicable. 
 Immediate preparations were now made for carrying the place 
 by storm. Our guards and pickets were strengthened, and the 
 line of sentries doubled during the night. The whole of the 
 cavalry formed a circle round the fortifications, just out of reach 
 of their guns, for the purpose of intercepting any that might 
 endeavour to escape during the assault. The rifles, with light 
 companies of the other native regiment, were stationed at the 
 foot of the hill, to the right and left of the breach, concealed from 
 the view of those on the walls, by a long hedge of tall, prickly 
 pear bushes. The storming party were told off, as follows : 
 two hundred of my regiment leading, three hundred of each of 
 the native regiments, with about two hundred dismounted 
 troopers belonging to the cavalry. From this party, volunteers 
 were called out for the forlorn hope, as those that carry the 
 scaling ladders are called. The horse-artillery guns were so 
 placed that they could shower grape and canister into the breach, 
 directly over our heads, as we ascended. Now, we anxiously 
 awaited for daylight, to commence the attack, An order had 
 been issued that not a shot Was to be fired on any account, by 
 any part of the force, until a given pre-concerted signal, which 
 
88 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 was three blue lights, sent up in rapid succession from the top of 
 Sugar-loaf Hill, to the right of the fort. During this time, the 
 enemy were not idle, for they anticipated our attack, and all their 
 available guns were brought to bear on the two breaches, loaded 
 with every description of missile they used great quantities of 
 rod-iron, cut up into pieces about an inch in length. All the 
 loopholes were bristling with matchlocks, and the battlements 
 were lined with hundreds of men armed with swords, pistols and 
 creeses. Parties were also stationed in the barbican, with large 
 two-handed slings, for hurling pieces of rock arid large stones 
 down on the heads of. the storming party ; they had likewise 
 dug a mine beneath the breach of the large circular bastion, 
 believing that to be the place chosen for the grand attack. 
 In this they were sadly mistaken, and suffered severely at this 
 spot, as will be seen hereafter. About half-past four in the 
 morning, the eagerly expected blue lights shot high into the air, 
 illuminating the whole scene for a few brief seconds the old 
 fort with its frowning battlements, thickly lined with guns, 
 ready prepared to belch forth its murderous fire, and the dark 
 swarthy faces of its defenders, betraying an expression of eager- 
 ness and terror at the prospect of the swiftly approaching 
 conflict. As their lights died out, the guard and pickets opened 
 a heavy fire upon the walls, the chain of sentries taking it up, 
 and blazing away at every form discernible to them during the 
 imperfect light of the early dawn. The roar of our heavy 
 ordnance as it thundered forth from the height, pouring a 
 perfect hurricane of shot and shell into the fated place, seemed 
 to shake the very ground. The storming party moved down to 
 the base of the hill, under cover of heavy volleys from the 
 rifles and light companies ; but, on reaching the foot of the 
 breach, we found that our ladders were not required, the breach 
 being so complete, that you might almost have driven an artillery 
 waggon through it with little or no difficulty ; therefore, casting 
 down the ladders, we prepared to ascend. The guns of the horse 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 89 
 
 artillery sending a deadly shower of grape, canister, and spherical 
 case over our heads, which would for a moment completely clear 
 the mouth of the breach, and then began the tug of war. Fixing 
 our bayonets, and with a shout or cheer, such as no native of 
 whatever caste or color, can hear without terror ; up we dashed, 
 and, as we advanced, the whole of this face of the fort became a 
 perfect blaze of fire. Showers of shot swept through our ranks 
 like hail, doing sad mischief; at the same time down came pieces 
 of rock and large stones, crushing or mutilating many a fine 
 fellow that the bullet had spared. The false attack at the large 
 bastion was a complete success ; the party kept up a rolling 
 fusilade from the base of the tower, without entering upon the 
 breach. By this means, the enemy were divided, rendering the 
 real attack less difficult. On our arrival at the top of the breach, 
 there was a short hand-to-hand fight, but the swords of the 
 Mahrattas gave way before the bayonets of the impetuous troops 
 that formed the storming party. A large portion fell back on 
 their reserve at the other bastion, while the remainder scattered 
 through the fort, pursued in all directions by our men. On 
 entering the fort, we divided into three parties ; one, the strongest, 
 went to the left, to rout the foe at the bastion : another, to the 
 front in pursuit of the Rajah and his principal officers ; and the 
 third to the right, to clear the rampart and secure prisoners, f 
 turned to the left, with my musket at the charge, and in passing 
 a small watch tower, partially destroyed by a shell, I encountered 
 a tall native, who had been hid behind a large stone, and 
 who evidently thought my piece was unloaded, and under the 
 impression that I would be an easy prey, boldly seized my 
 musket with one hand, and deliberately unfixed the bayonet 
 with the other, but he had " reckoned without his host," for I 
 shot him through the head before he could raise his sword. 
 Having replaced my bayonet, I pushed on without delay, for at 
 that moment a terrific explosion shook this part of the fort. The 
 mine that had been constructed for our reception had suddenly 
 
90 NED FOETESCTJE; 
 
 exploded, by what means no one could tell, shattering the tower, 
 and blowing into the air upwards of three hundred of the enemy, 
 who had crowded into it. Our men continued to pour in an 
 indiscriminate fire of musketry on the remnant of the foe. What 
 was left of the tower and barbican was now covered with blood 
 and full of the dead. The glare thrown by the flames of burn- 
 ing houses upon the ensanguined earth ; the powder besmeared 
 faces of the combatants ; the groans of the dying ; the clashing of 
 weapons and the heart-breaking appeals for water or assistance 
 of the severely wounded, pourtrayed a scene of horror to 'the 
 young soldiers who, for the first time, were engaged in deadly 
 conflict, not likely to be effaced from their recollection for many 
 a month. By seven o'clock, the " cease fire " sounded, and the 
 " assembly " rang out clear and loud from the large open square 
 in the principal bazaar. There we found a large number of 
 prisoners ; but Babagee Nikum and several other influential 
 men had made their escape, when they found the day was 
 going against them. They accomplished their flight by means of 
 a subterranean passage that led from the Cutchiree, or principal 
 house used by the chiefs while transacting business with the 
 ryots or landholders under their rule, to a small Hindoo temple 
 an unsightly heap of ruins in the thickest part of the jungle 
 about half a mile to the rear of the fort, whose isolated position 
 was its greatest protection, eliciting neither observation nor suspi- 
 cion. Guards were now placed, and the dismounted troopers 
 were stationed at the breaches to prevent the camp followers, 
 who, for the sake of plunder, had entered in rear of us but as 
 may easily be imagined of such cowardly wretches kept at a safe 
 distance, anxiously waiting an opportunity to return to camp 
 with their plunder, which, however, they were in most cases made 
 to surrender. We remained about two hours in the fort, during 
 which time I managed to pick up valuables to the amount of 
 two hundred rupees, or 20 stg. A circumstance occurred upon 
 our leaving the fortress, which will illustrate far better than any 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 91 
 
 lengthy description, how completely, any instructions given by a 
 European, in those days, were carried out by native soldiers, 
 no matter how inhuman the order might be, or just or unjust. 
 Quite a number of prisoners were being brought in from the 
 walls by a havildar's guard ; one of these fellows proved rather 
 restive, and was arguing with the commander. A sergeant of 
 ours, who happened to be passing at the time, noticed this, and 
 told them to move on, but the man would not go. " What shall I. 
 do ?" cried the havildar. " Cut his head off," was the short reply of 
 the sergeant, as he left the spot. The order was decisive, and the 
 native non-commissioned officer drew his sword-bayonet, and in 
 an instant the head of the prisoner fell to the ground. By this 
 time the wounded of our party had been carefully conveyed to 
 the hospitals, and the bodies of those who had fallen were sent 
 to the camp for interment. We were now ordered to return to 
 our various quarters, and glad was I to escape from this place ; 
 for so many of the enemy had fallen during the siege, whose 
 bodies had been thrown into dry wells, for want of time to 
 burn or bury them, that the stench arising therefrom, was in- 
 tolerable. By ten, a.m., we were again in our tents, well satisfied 
 with our success, but of course much fatigued by our active exer- 
 tions. On the same day, our guards, pickets, &c., were likewise 
 withdrawn from the outside of the walls, leaving but one strong 
 guard within the entrance of the principal gate. Fatigue par- 
 ties were set to work, filling up with lirne and earth the wells 
 into which the enemy's dead had been thrown, and such 
 other sanitary steps taken as were considered necessary on the 
 occasion ; and before nightfall, matters in the fort among the 
 native population, went on pretty much as usual. In our camp, 
 preparations were being made for the morning's meal. " Now, 
 Bob, my fine fellow, just step to the cook, and see what you can 
 obtain in the shape of breakfast. Here, take this rupee, it is one 
 that I got in the fort this morning. You know it is your turn 
 to forage, and in the meantime, as I am very hungry, I will 
 
92 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 try if I can procure a couple of drains of arrack." " Musha, but 
 it would be a quare male that I would go a hen's race for, this 
 blessed morning, bedad, the trotters are knocked clane off me, 
 crawling up to that infarnal houl in the wall, after them black- 
 guard nagurs ; bad luck to them, every day they see a paving 
 stone, and every day they don't. But Ned, avic, can you raise 
 a golliogue, for I am dying for a toothful of the crature ?" exclaimed 
 Bob, eyeing the rupee that I had thrown on the ground near 
 him, but he did not move a peg. " I tell you what it is, my boy, if 
 you don't find a beefsteak, or something of that sort pretty sharp, 
 not a drop of grog do you get from me, as it is a scarce article in 
 the camp to-day." " And if he does not, it will be the first time I 
 ever knew O'Toole to refuse doing anything in reason, or out of 
 it, when there is a chance of a glass of grog to be got by it," 
 chimed in a comrade, as I rose and left the tent for the liquor, 
 which I had been promised by the canteen sergeant, in exchange 
 for a silver mounted creese, which I had taken from one of the 
 enemy that morning. Returning shortly after, I found my chum 
 fast asleep on a peg bag, underneath the outer flap of the tent ; 
 I, therefore, carefully put away in my pouch one of the drams 
 and drank the other, at the same time eating a few pieces of 
 hard biscuit that I found in my haversack. I was about to 
 visit the cook with a view to breakfast, when the " alarm " and 
 "assembly" sounded, to turn out the whole, quickly followed by 
 the " double." In a few minutes all was life and bustle ; each one 
 was eager to know why we, who had been so hotly engaged all 
 the morning, should not be allowed time to rest and get our 
 breakfast in peace. It was soon explained. About two thousand 
 of the enemy were approaching. This party had been sent by 
 the Rajah of Kolapoor, a large independent State, some fifty 
 miles dis'tant, that had joined the standard of revolt, for the pur- 
 pose of raising the siege, or in any other way to assist Babagee 
 Nikum ; but they appeared a day after the fair, the place 
 having fallen that morning. The advancing force was about 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 93 
 
 seven miles distant, marching through a long valley, but not 
 observable from our camp. The news had been brought in by our 
 cavalry scouts, and our General determined to meet them 
 in the open plain as soon as they should debouch from the 
 valley. Hence the alarm sounded, for it required great expedition 
 to enable us to reach the spot in time ; but we turned out as sharp 
 as possible, some with, and others without, their 4 moming meal ; 
 myself amongst the latter. Our force consisted of one troop of 
 Madras Horse Artillery ; one regiment of cavalry ; about one 
 thousand native infantry; and three hundred of the second 
 Bombay European regiment. Within twenty minutes of the 
 sounding of the first bugle we were en route ; the cavalry taking 
 their way through a deep nullah, or dry be of a river, the high 
 banks of which hid them as they advanced ; the artillery and 
 infantry availed themselves of the fields of jowaree, that stretched 
 out some miles to our right front, and completely screened us 
 from all observation. In this manner we proceeded until we 
 arrived at the banks of the river Gotoor, the opposite bank of 
 which was steep and rugged. A reconnoitering party was now 
 sent across to look out for the enemy, as well as to see how the 
 land lay. They soon returned, and from their information it was 
 determined to give them battle on the other side of the river^ 
 They were not more than half a mile off, and it was evident from 
 the careless manner of their marching, that they were entirely 
 ignorant of our presence in their vicinity, believing us to be 
 actively engaged before Samunghur. The cavalry was first sent 
 across, with instructions to get to the rear of the Mahrattas if 
 possible, without being noticed, and follow them with a view of 
 driving them to cross the river, and, likewise, in case they should 
 discover us, to cut off their retreat, should they attempt to escape 
 before we could engage them. Our infantry then crossed, forming 
 upon the bank in columns of subdivisions, and advanced in a dia- 
 gonal direction to our right front some four hundred yards, 
 wheeled into line by subdivisions on the centre, right forward, 
 
94 NED FOKTESCUE; 
 
 left tack, -vfrhich brought us under cover of a fine prickly pear 
 hedge, that effectually concealed us. The artillery, on crossing, 
 wheeled a little to the left, and advancing about one hundred 
 and twenty yards, entered a small opening surrounded by niilk 
 bushes, and took up such a position as enabled them to open fire 
 on any bo4y of troops who might attempt to cross the river in 
 the direction of Samunghur. Our reserve infantry and cavalry 
 did not cross, but was stationed in a corn field near the ford, 
 ready to act in any way, when called on. An aide-de-camp now 
 returned to say that the cavalry had succeeded without discovery 
 in gaining the position assigned to them ; all was now completely 
 arranged, and the unconscious foe hurried on to their destruction. 
 The day was magnificent, and the scene as fair as may be, it was 
 just after the monsoon ; the great thirst of nature had been 
 assuaged ; the now refreshed earth teemed with vegetation, 
 which had burst forth with a rapidity known only in tropical 
 climates ; thousands of parrots and bright coloured birds fluttered 
 from bough to bough in the mango topes, which dotted the 
 plain ; whilst high in the air, like mere specks among the few 
 fleecy, lazily-drifting clouds, whirled here and there a kite, that 
 camp scavenger of the East, as if in anticipation of an approach- 
 ing banquet. A gentle breeze rustled the bright green foliage, 
 impregnating the atmosphere with the perfume from blossoms 
 and flowers ; the drowsy hum of myriads of insects, mingled 
 itself with the murmuring of the clear waters as they trickled 
 over their pebbly bed at the ford, producing a sensation of deli- 
 cious languor and repose. I have it all before my mind's eye 
 now : alas, that so fair a landscape should be destined so soon to 
 be desecrated by a sanguinary drama. Were these my feelings 
 or my reflections then ? I regret to say they were not ; my only 
 sensation at the time was that of a restless and feverish anxiety, 
 lest the foe should escape us. It was not until the enemy had 
 arrived within a hundred and fifty yards that they became 
 aware of their danger. Observing only the right wing of the 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 95 
 
 native infantry, they immediately formed in three lines for they 
 had no artillery or cavalry and in this manner awaited our 
 attack. They were not long kept in suspense, for we poured 
 upon them a few volleys by companies from both flanks of the 
 native regiments, followed by a heavy file firing from the mus- 
 kets of three hundred of my regiment, which their first line 
 replied to for a few minutes, by heavy discharges of their match- 
 locks ; but no sooner did they observe the Europeans, than they 
 appeared panic stricken and confused ; their lines broke up, and 
 they prepared to retreat. To their dismay, however, our 
 light cavalry appeared in their rear ; the open space in their 
 front seeming clear, they at once dashed down to the river in 
 hopes of getting the water between us and them, as the only 
 evident means of escaping. This our General had foreseen, and 
 this move was their destruction, for as soon as the first of the party 
 had commenced crossing, our guns, which until then had remained 
 silent, opened upon them with grape and canister, mowing them 
 down like corn. The cavalry then swept through, sabreing all 
 that came within their reach ; it was a fearful slaughter. The 
 remnant threw down their arms and crouched like beaten hounds 
 at our feet ; some two or three hundred, however, effected their 
 escape through the rice fields. We left about seven hundred 
 dead on the field, and forming into a hollow square, marched 
 about five hundred prisoners back to camp. Our loss on this 
 day was comparatively small, seventeen of all ranks killed ; and 
 one European officer, four native officers, thirteen sergeants and 
 havildars, and fifty nine rank and file of all corps engaged, 
 wounded. The return march sorely tried us all. Our morning's 
 fatigue at the fort, and subsequent march and engagement without 
 rest or food nearly knocked me up ; indeed, were it not for the 
 dram of arrack previously taken,! think I should have succumbed. 
 O'Toole had fallen out to obtain a drink of water, as he was 
 almost exhausted, and he was fortunate enough to get a lift 
 nearly all the way back on one of the artillery limbers. It is a 
 
96 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 trite and hackneyed remark regarding excitement, that it is 
 wonderful how soon hunger, thirst and fatigue, are forgotten, 
 whilst under its influence in an engagement or pursuit, and in 
 proportion to the intensity of the feeling the more terrible is the 
 reaction. Our prisoners suffered severely ; they had been making 
 forced marches, and now, with the prospect of a gaol before 
 them ; numbers wounded, and sinking with exhaustion, their 
 state must have been anything but enviable. They were a 
 heterogeneous throng ; some small farmers holding their land 
 under the Kolapoor Rajah, and bound to assist him in his forays, 
 no matter against whom ; field labourers and hundreds of bud- 
 mashes or lazy, evil-disposed persons, who have everything to 
 gain by rebellion, and nothing to lose, except their worthless 
 lives ; plunder being their chief means of support. It was past 
 seven in the evening before we got to our tents, and after a 
 good meal, and glass of grog, it was not long till rest and 
 sleep rendered us for a time oblivious of the stirring scenes of 
 the day. The time we remained here, after the reduction of the 
 place, was occupied by the Sappers and Miners, assisted by large 
 parties from the different corps, in dismantling the fort and 
 rendering it useless as an asylum to the rebellious or disaffected, 
 who might seek its shelter on our quitting that part of the country. 
 In about ten days we received orders to pass on to a fort called, 
 if I remember right, Ang-Ghur ; it was small, and situated on a 
 hill some twenty miles to the south-east of Samunghur. 
 A number of rebels, probably those that escaped from the plain 
 amongst them, had established themselves there, and were rava- 
 ging the country in its immediate vicinity ; plundering and burn- 
 ing the small villages and dwellings of the more peaceably 
 inclined inhabitants, who had as yet taken no part in the rebellion. 
 The Mahratta country, previous to its subjugation by the East 
 India Company, was in a state somewhat similar to our own 
 during the feudal ages, when every baron or chief held his own 
 by virtue of his sword, accepted terms at his gate, and made war 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 97 
 
 on his weaker neighbour when avarice or personal revenge 
 prompted him to do so. Hence the number of forts or strong- 
 holds that are to be seen on nearly every range of hills through- 
 out the country. The East India Company, after conquering 
 these petty princes individually, confirmed them in their autho- 
 rity, upon their paying tribute, allowing them to make war on 
 each other as they thought proper, and in no way interfering 
 unless specially called on by some weaker Rajah for assistance 
 and protection against the raids of some stronger neighbour for 
 which assistance you may depend, the Rajah had to pay in good 
 round terms. At last the Samunghur Rajah having subdued all 
 the neighbouring principalities, began, as het hough t, to feel him- 
 self sufficiently powerful to resist the authority of the East India 
 Company itself, set it at defiance, and save an immense yearly 
 tax; hence the Mahratta war. In two days we reached the place, 
 but the birds had flown ; doubtless the recollection of their late 
 disaster had led them to think that discretion was the better 
 part of valor, for they had hastily evacuated the fort, and disper- 
 sing, sought their individual safety as best they could. We halted 
 here for a week, spiked the few remaining guns ; burnt the 
 carriages, blew up the magazine, and threw all the shot that 
 we found into the valley at the rear of the hill, it being 
 perfectly useless to us, or, in fact, to any body as a projectile. 
 This little affair having been brought to a conclusion, we again 
 started in pursuit of more of these gentry that were disturbing 
 the country in the direction of the large fortified village of 
 Neepanee on the road to KolajDore. Three days after leaving 
 this place we camped near the plain where our late fight had 
 taken place ; the prowling hyena and barking jackal had, with 
 the assistance of the carrion kite, performed their work effec- 
 tually. Human bones laid in all directions, and ghastly grinning 
 skulls, some of which still retained the long scalp lock. These 
 alone marked the spot where so many had perished, only three 
 short weeks before, and where man had been busily engaged in 
 
98 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 the annihilation of his brother man. We were here joined by four 
 companies of the Native Rifles, one wing 20th Native Infantry, 
 and the 4th Company, 21st battalion Bombay Artillery. A 
 large force under Major General was to meet us in a few 
 days, for the whole country was by this time tainted with the 
 contagion of rebellion, and likely to give considerable trouble, ere 
 it could be effectually and entirely put down. At this point, our 
 route was changed, as information was brought that the enemy, 
 in large force, under experienced leaders, were advancing from 
 the Fortress of Baddaghur, with a view of intercepting or delay- 
 ing our march towards Kolapoor, and so afford time for the chief 
 of that district to prepare for our reception, by fortifying the 
 city, and placing the whole of the forts in its vicinity in such a 
 state of defense as time and circumstances would admit of. 
 
OB, KOUGHINO Ili THROUGH LIFE. 99 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE probability of again meeting the insurgents in large numbers 
 on the plain, away from the shelter of their strongholds, was to 
 us a source of great satisfaction, and the new line of march was . 
 taken up with that enthusiasm so peculiar to the British soldier, 
 when on the right track, and eager to meet the enemy he is 
 pursuing. A very absurd and highly ludicrous occurrence took 
 place at this time, and which, but for the unfortunate way it 
 terminated, would have been heartily enjoyed by all. We were 
 ascending a small but veiy steep hill in order to gain some table 
 land, where it was intended that we should camp. A road had 
 been made up to this place by our sappers the day previous ; 
 about half-way from the top this road rounded a sort of pro- 
 jecting point. This portion was very narrow, and on the left 
 hand side the ground was rugged and covered with thick brush- 
 wood ; a deep ravine occupied the right. The day was just 
 dawning, when we reached this locality, and the light was of 
 that peculiar hazy kind that renders objects at a short distance 
 shadowy and indistinct. The artillery were in front, and between 
 them and the infantry rode the General and his staff ; suddenly 
 an aid-de-camp wheeled his horse to the left, and cantered into 
 the jungle ; returning in a few seconds, he reported to the General 
 that he had seen a number of the enemy enter a clump of trees 
 a few hundred yards in front of the guns. To this the General 
 gave no credence, for a circumstance of that nature could not 
 have escaped the notice of our advanced guard, and they had not 
 signalized ; but the young aid-de-camp declared he could not 
 have been mistaken, and offered to lead a company to dislodge 
 them. Our commander called a halt, directed x him to take the 
 right subdivision of the leading company of infantry, and scour 
 
100 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 the jungle to our left front ; this was done, I believe, more to 
 convince the young officer of his error than any other motive. 
 Away the party went in the direction indicated, and on being 
 within a hundred yards of the spot, sent in a volley, 
 when lo and behold, the smoke clearing off, instead of the 
 enemy, out dashed about fifty large monkeys! They came 
 shrieking, yelling and howling, like so many satyrs or wood 
 demons. The shouts of laughter that burst from all that witnessed 
 this unexpected event, may be easily imagined, and the little 
 party on their return were greeted with all manner of jokes and 
 fun ; the Lieutenant came in for his share of chaff, and had to run 
 the gauntlet of his jesting friends, which he did, joining good 
 naturedly in the laugh against himself ; it was fortunate that he 
 did so, otherwise he would have been continually tormented. As 
 a matter of course, the story spread like wildfire over the whole 
 Presidency ; and I have often since heard him greeted with 
 
 " I say A , what is the price of nuts ? " or, " How is cocoa ? " 
 
 which he would ward off with, " No more of that, Hal, an' thou 
 lovest me," or something of that sort. Had the affair ended 
 here, all would have been well, but it was not so, for the terrified 
 monkeys, many of which had been hit, frantically leaped from 
 the high bank into the road, a few yards in front of the artillery : 
 the horses startled at their 'unexpected appearance, and frightened 
 at the fearful din, became unmanageable. Just then a large 
 snake was seen to glide across the road, and pass under the horses ; 
 unfortunately one of them trod upon it ; in an instant it darted 
 at and bit him in the shoulder^ fastening its fangs on it. The 
 poor brute writhing in agony, kicked and plunged violently in 
 his efforts to shake off the reptile. The other horses rendered 
 desperate by the cries and struggles of the bitten horse, reared, 
 backed, and before anything could be done to avert it, gun, 
 limber, horses and men. were hurled over the edge of the road, 
 tearing and dashing through the brushwood and decayed stumps, 
 in their passage down the steep sides of the ravine. The gun, 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 101 
 
 which was a brass six-pounder, fortunately got entangled and 
 jammed in the branches and roots of a banyan tree, which stopped 
 its further downward progress. Assistance was promptly given, 
 and the party rescued from their perilous position. It was then 
 discovered that one of the horses had been killed, and one of the 
 drivers so severely crushed, that he only survived a few hours ; 
 the remainder escaped with some slight contusions and a few 
 ugly looking scratches. A fatigue party was despatched to get 
 up the gun, the rear guard received orders to see it brought 
 into camp, and we again moved forward. An hour later the 
 staff who had ridden on with the advance guard, were seen 
 returning at a smart canter, and the General addressing several 
 of the officers that were riding together said, pointing to an 
 eminence in front, " Gentlemen, there is your camping ground, 
 but you must fight for every inch of it, as the enemy have pos- 
 session, and are in great numbers, therefore you may expect 
 warm work." He then passed on to the centre, to give instruc- 
 tions for an attack on the foe. The cavalry were ordered into 
 the valleys and nullahs, and large parties of infantry, each accom- 
 panied by a light gun to assist in the work of destruction, were 
 soon seen swarming up and over the numerous hills and ridges 
 with which the country abounded, whilst the main body or 
 reserve followed close up, relieving or reinforcing the skirmishers 
 from time to time, as circumstances required. It was a lovely 
 morning ; the sun that had been obscured during the earlier 
 hours, now shone forth in all its brilliancy, dispelling the misty 
 and vapour-like clouds that floated among the hills, disclosing a 
 magnificent panorama of wood, water, valley and mountain. The 
 dark blue range of the western Ghauts being distinctly visible, 
 stretching away to the left, as far as the eye could reach, seemed 
 to disappear among the clouds. The pleasing effect of the picture 
 was considerably heightened by the events that were now passing, 
 Here and there might be seen small parties of our cavalry, who, 
 while sweeping round the base of the different acclivities came 
 
102 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 occasionally upon some of the enemy's horse, when a hand to 
 hand encounter would take place, resulting generally in the 
 defeat of the latter ; while the artillery from various promi- 
 nent spots, opened a conversation with the rebels from the brazen 
 throats of their guns, in a language not at all appreciated 
 by, but painfully felt by many of them, as their mangled 
 remains testified. Then again, the advancing lines of our skir- 
 mishers driving the Mahrattas before them like scared sheep, the 
 green and scarlet uniforms of our rifles and infantry contrasting 
 strangely with the loose white clothing and brightly burnished 
 weapons of the flying foe, formed, with our reserve, for a fore- 
 ground, a grand tableau, that would have made the fortune of 
 any good artist, could he have placed it on canvas for exhibition. 
 It was quite evident, from the obstinate way in which many parts 
 of the ground were contested, and the orderly manner in which 
 large parties of the enemy made good their retreat, that they had 
 a leader among them of no mean capacity, and well skilled in 
 military tactics ; and so it turned out, for as our main body was 
 pursuing its way along the foot of a steep acclivity, the spur or 
 rocky point of which hung over the path at no great distance in 
 front, there suddenly appeared on its extreme summit the tall 
 figure of a man, whose dress, features, and general appearance as 
 he stood out in bold relief against the sky, plainly indicated that 
 he was of European birth. He waved his sword several times, 
 either in defiance of us, or as a signal to his followers, of our 
 approach in that direction. The quick eye of our Brigadier 
 measured at a glance the distance between them, and turning to 
 his orderly, anon-commissioned officer of the rifles, who constantly 
 attended him, said : " You are reckoned the best shot in your 
 regiment, I believe ; do you think you could hit yonder figure ? " 
 " The distance is great, but if the Sahib wishes it, I will try my 
 best," replied the havildar ; " it is not more than six hundred 
 yards in a straight line, remarked the commander, and if you 
 succeed, I will give you five rupees ; but you must be quick." The 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THEOUGH LIFE. 103 
 
 soldier stepped a few paces to the right, then dropping his rifle 
 into the forked prong of a wild guava tree, took deliberate aim 
 and fired. The man was seen to spring apparently about six 
 feet into the air, then turning a somersault, came down headlong 
 into the jungle below. It was a splendid shot, for there were no 
 Enfield or minie rifles in the army in those days. Then, to hit a 
 target the size of a man, at 300 yards, was considered good 
 shooting. The body was discovered, and, on examination, proved 
 to be that of a man named Lowengholm, a Norwegian, who had 
 entered the service of the East India Company, and deserted 
 from the horse artillery at Poona, about two years before. It 
 was afterwards ascertained that he had been employed by the 
 Rajah of Sattara, as a sort of generalissimo of his forces, and sent 
 by that intriguing native prince to assist the insurgent chiefs ; 
 hence his presence on the battle ground. On the fall of their 
 leader, the rebels gave up the contest, broke into small parties, 
 and fled through the jungle, seeking the shelter of the fortress of 
 Baddaghur, which their superior knowledge of the country 
 enabled them to attain, in defiance of our light troops who followed 
 them as best they could, but only in time to witness the massive 
 gates of the fort close on the last party of the fugitives. We had 
 the satisfaction, however, of seeing the white flag of truce or 
 surrender, flying from the tower of the principal entrance, and a 
 great satisfaction it was ; for a thirty mile march in a country 
 like India, through thick jungle, with a running fight for the last 
 fifteen miles, beneath a noon-day sun, is no joke, and quite 
 enough for one day, especially for infantry. On the arrival of 
 the remainder of the brigade, we commenced making ourselves 
 comfortable and snug in the valley at the foot of the hill on 
 which Baddaghur was built, at a distance of about four hundred 
 yards. Rolls were called, arms piled, and some of the tents of 
 the staff in course of erection. I threw myself on the ground, 
 awaiting the arrival of the grog, beneath the shade of a cur- 
 rawa bush, where I soon fell asleep, but I did not long enjoy the 
 
NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 exquisite luxury, having been awakened by a lot of earth or dirt 
 which struck my face. I sprang up, highly indignant, as I 
 fancied some of my comrades had been playing a practical joke 
 upon me. The booming of artillery at once silenced me. The 
 white flag had been hauled down, and the fort suddenly opened 
 fire upon us, sending their old iron flying through our camp in a 
 most uncomfortable manner. The first shot, a thirty-two pounder, 
 struck close to where my head laid, covering me with earth, then 
 ricochetting over a pile of arms, passed through the officers' mess 
 tent, and finally lodged in the lap of an old woman, a Madrassee 
 camp follower, who was vending cowheel curry to a group of 
 hungry soldiers. The poor old creature was cut completely in 
 two, to the no small surprise of her customers. I had a narrow 
 escape that time ; but " a miss is as good as a mile." We had to 
 cut and run to get out of range of the guns of our treacherous 
 foe ; which we did without loss, pitching our camp on a piece of 
 table-land, about the same height as that on which the fort stood, 
 and about sixteen hundred yards distant, with the valley between 
 us and the enemy, who discontinued their fire as soon as we got 
 'out of range. We then commenced in good earnest to make 
 ourselves comfortable, and got our breakfast, dinner and supper, 
 three meals in one, and as the foe did not further molest us, we 
 did not interfere with them. Burying the slain, bringing in 
 the wounded, and securing our camp for the night, every one 
 was' ( fully employed that evening, all being anxious to avail 
 themselves of the chance of a good night's rest, and feeling 
 satisfied that tough work would be cut out for us on the morrow. 
 As I said before at the period of which I am writing the 
 East India Company was in its palmiest days, trusted and 
 yet envied by the European powers, and feared and respected by 
 its native subjects. Just prior to the outbreak of the present 
 campaign, its already large army had been strengthened by three 
 European regiments of infantry, and several battalions of Sepoys, 
 while the complement of native artillery and irregular cavalry 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 105 
 
 had been largely augmented. These troops were all thoroughly 
 drilled, and in a high state of discipline, ready and anxious to be 
 led to any point or against any foe, no matter of what creed or 
 denomination for the material of which the native army was 
 then composed looked down with sovereign contempt on all 
 those who followed any other occupation than that of the noble 
 profession of arms. As the grey dawn of day lit up the eastern 
 horizon, and ere the world's great luminary had blazed forth 
 upon the scene, all was bustle and preparation in the camp. 
 Large parties of men on fatigue, from the various corps, were 
 hurrying here and there ; earth-works were being thrown 
 up, breaching batteries got into position, and mortar-beds laid ; 
 whilst those gentlemen of the scientific branch of the service 
 as the field engineers are usually styled were busily engaged 
 ascertaining by means of theodolites and other instruments, 
 the correct distance between our position and the Fort, the height 
 of its walls, and such other information as they deemed necessary 
 for the work in hand. To one of these look-out points, where the 
 theodolite was in full operation, my friend Bob and myself not 
 being required for duty, made our way, and having some slight 
 acquaintance with the European sergeant who had charge of the 
 instrument, I obtained permission to take a peep at the enemy's 
 works. Having satisfied my curiosity I beckoned my comrade to 
 approach, who, believing it to be nothing more than a large 
 telescope, was impatient to look through it. He had not 
 been more than five seconds at the glass, when he exclaimed, 
 " Arrah, Ned, avic, sure the place is upside down, why don't 
 the nagers fall out," then shifting his head on one side he 
 looked steadily at the fort, and finding it in its usual position, 
 called out : " By the piper that played before Moses, and sure 
 he was a musical man, it's mighty quare any how." " There- 
 upon I endeavoured to explain to him the use, construction, 
 and peculiarities of the glass, but I fear with little success, 
 for it was evident by the quiet way in which he retired, that 
 
 14 
 
106 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 lie was not at all satisfied in his own mind, but that his 
 Satanic Majesty had some hand in the construction of the instru- 
 ment in question. This incident brings to my mind a story that 
 was related to me by one of the Royal Engineers. It appears my 
 friend was engaged in surveying a portion of a country road 
 somewhere in the south of England, and had just commenced 
 work, when a party of young ladies from a neighbouring boarding 
 school, of various ages, from the infant prodigy of eight to the 
 blushing maiden of seventeen, were seen approaching ; they were 
 headed by a tall thin vinegar- visaged female, the peculiar rustle 
 of whose stiff silk, together with the primness of her general 
 costume, clearly indicated that she had never loved, or had loved and 
 sighed in vain. As they drew near, he advanced, cap in hand, to 
 meet them, and with a politeness for which he was proverbial, 
 offered to use his scientific apparatus for their amusement. This 
 proposal was received with delight by all, but to the unloving 
 governess, the theodolite had no charms. Indeed, she was superior 
 to such things. However, she offered no objection to the scheme* 
 and in a few minutes distant scenes were brought near. Cottages, 
 gates, trees, and other objects, were turned upside down, to the 
 wonder and astonishment of the party. When all had been 
 satisfied, our hero, with a spice of that mischief for which he was 
 noted, turned the glass full on the group, saying, with a wicked 
 smile, "Ladies, as I have afforded you a little pleasure, it is 
 nothing but fair that you should contribute a little to mine ;" so 
 I am about to turn you all upside down." At this remark a 
 terrible commotion seized them. The antique lady of the Academy 
 believing the glass to be levelled solely at her, uttered a scream 
 of terror, and fled for refuge behind a clump of laburnums, 
 which effectually screened her from view. Some of the maidens 
 performed a manoeuvre known to the initiated as "making a 
 cheese," formed by ladies dropping on their knees, compressing 
 their garments closely around them. While they remained 
 huddled together in little groups, each holding the bottoms of 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 107 
 
 their petticoats firmly with both hands to the ground, uttering 
 piteous exclamations, such as "Well, I never;" "Did you ever;" 
 "Oh, please, don't, Mr. Man;" "Takeaway that nasty thing.'' 
 The scene was ludicrous in the extreme. At this juncture, three 
 of the elder pupils who had loitered behind, fern-gathering, now 
 came up, and it so happened that they had brothers, who 
 were surveying students. These ladies were perfectly au fait 
 with the theodolite, and its peculiarities ; therefore the meaning 
 of the scene burst upon them at a glance, and being no longer 
 able to control their risible faculties, broke forth into a peal of 
 merry laughter, which instantly communicated itself to the little 
 tremblers, and tended to reassure them. At the same time the 
 head of the glass swung round in an opposite direction, and now 
 all was fun and good humour again. But the shouts of laughter 
 were too much for the stately dame, who now advanced, and 
 with scathing words of reproof at what she termed the levity of 
 their behaviour, hurried them quickly away; casting a withering 
 look of scorn and indignation at the man of chains and links, 
 she was soon lost in the distance. 
 
 Our belligerent neighbours opposite paid us little attention 
 during the early part of the morning, save treating us to an 
 occasional round shot from one or the other of their bastions, and 
 as in each case, they fell short, shewing they had no gun of 
 sufficient calibre to pitch a shot into our camp, while we intended, 
 in a very short time, by means of our eighteen and long thirty- 
 two pounders, and eleven and-a-half inch mortars, to make their 
 fort too hot to hold them. Things remained in this state until 
 about eleven o'clock, when a violent commotion was observed 
 going on in the fort. Numerous matchlocks were fired ; flames 
 shot up here and there, and the Mahratta sword blades were 
 distinctly seen flashing in the sunlight. This lasted about half 
 an hour, when all was again silent. The crimson and yellow 
 war banner of the insurgents, which had been proudly floating 
 over the principal gate, was now hauled down, and a white flag 
 
108 NED FOBTESCUE; 
 
 of truce substituted ; but our general, recollecting the manreuvre 
 that had been practiced at Samunghur, continued his prepara- 
 tions for the attack. About four o'clock in the afternoon, one of 
 the cavalry that had been posted on an eminence midway between 
 us and the fort, dashed into camp with information that a single 
 horseman, with a numerous guard, on foot, with one of the 
 number in front, bearing a flag of truce, had left the fort, and 
 was coming in the direction of our camp. This caused consider- 
 able stir among us, and preparations were made to receive this 
 dignitary. A lane was formed through which he had to pass on 
 his way to the general's quarters. Every available gun was 
 brought up to the front, and our whole strength united in several 
 divisions along the front, and we made as good a display of our 
 force as possible, in order to convince the foe that we were 
 prepared to take by force what they might at first not feel 
 inclined to concede. These arrangements had scarcely been com- 
 pleted, when the party arrived. A man carrying a white banner, 
 protected by two matchlock men, headed the party ; then came, 
 mounted on a superb cream-coloured charger, the appointments 
 of which were of velvet, covered in many places with silver 
 stars or roses, the keladar or governor of the fort, for such he 
 proved to be. He was a fine looking man about fifty, by caste a 
 Brahmin, he wore a yellow satin quilted dugla or surcoat, with 
 pagamas of the same material coming down as far as the knees ; 
 a pale blue turban, with a deep border of kinkob or cloth of 
 gold, formed his head dress ; a magnificent Cashmere shawl was 
 round his waist, into which was thrust a silver-mounted pistol, 
 and a double handled Mahratta creese ; a profusion of jewellery 
 ornamented his person, and a golden amulet was suspended from 
 his neck by a number of curiously worked chains. But for such 
 of my fair readers who have a weakness for. long boots, I must 
 confess that his pedal extremities were innocent of covering from 
 the knee downwards; his naked feet rested in silver clogs, 
 affixed to the stirrup irons. On each side a man walked, sup- 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 109 
 
 porting, by means of a bamboo pole, an enormous umbrella of 
 crimson satin, with a deep fringe of green silk, which effectually 
 protected the horseman from the scorching rays of the sun. His 
 followers, to the number of one hundred and fifty, were armed 
 some with matchlock and creese ; others with long swords and 
 shields of hides, studded with iron, brass or silver knobs, accord- 
 ing to the fancy or wealth of the owner. They wore no sort of 
 uniform, but were dressed in the usual dress of the country; 
 though all had sandals on their feet. On reaching the general's 
 quarters, the keladar dismounted, and was conducted by our 
 commander, who had met him at the entrance, to a small tent, 
 that had been prepared for his reception, and here the business 
 on which he came was transacted. In about an hour the Council 
 broke up, and this important personage departed with his dusky 
 attendants, in the same order as he came. It soon became known 
 throughout camp that the fort had surrendered, and that two 
 companies were to go in the evening to take formal possession. 
 The cause of the disturbance in the morning also came to our 
 knowledge ; it appears there was a war and a peace party 
 amongst them. At first the war party were in the ascendant, 
 but on learning our strength many had succumbed, when a 
 contest ensued between them, in which several were killed and 
 wounded. The pugnacious few were overpowered and driven 
 beyond the walls through one of the rear gates, and left to shift 
 for themselves as best they could. My company and one of the 
 rifles were ordered out for duty at the fort, which place we soon 
 reached ; guards were placed at the different gates, and the 
 Union Jack hoisted. We then proceeded to make ourselves 
 comfortable in the Cutcheree, a large public building near the 
 principal entrance. The officer of the rifles being senior, had 
 command of both companies, and previous to dismissing us, said 
 that as the place had been surrendered, no looting would be 
 allowed, at the same time taking down from the wall of the 
 room a pair of handsome peacock fans, set in wrought silver 
 
110 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 frames, which he concealed in his bedding. Understanding 
 perfectly what he meant, we acted accordingly. During the 
 evening I passed a large temple, and on entering was asked by 
 the Brahmin priest if I was an officer. Anxious to learn his 
 reason for the enquiry, I replied in the affirmative. He then 
 asked if I would furnish a guard to protect his temple. On 
 enquiring his reason for this request, he drew back a bamboo 
 screen exhibiting a rough stone altar, which supported a massive 
 silver idol, about three feet in height, with the head and trunk of an 
 elephant. I remarked that it appeared to me to be a fixture 
 which could not be easily removed. Not so, he replied, the figure is 
 put together by pieces fitting one into another, which can be 
 instantly taken apart, at the same time lifting the head and 
 trunk in order to convince me of the fact. I turned away appa- 
 rently satisfied, promising to return with a guard in half-an- 
 hour. On my way back I conceived a plan of converting this 
 idol into rupees, and hailing Bob OToole and two others on 
 whom I could depend, at once communicated my design, which 
 pleased them mightily. Stealing out quietly with our muskets, we 
 met in rear of our quarters, where we fell in and marched down 
 to the Temple. On our arrival we halted and planted a sentiy at 
 the entrance ; then piled arms. The Brahmin was highly satis- 
 fied with this arrangement, and shortly after left for the Petta. 
 He had not been gone long ere we took his elephantship down a 
 peg or two, divided it amongst us myself, as leader of the 
 expedition, taking the largest share and returned to our quarters 
 with the booty, and without detection. Thus, like the Israelites 
 of old, we entered the temples of the heathen, and despoiled 
 them of their idols. The next morning, at daylight, a company 
 of Sappers and Miners, with a detachment of Native Infantry, 
 arrived for the purpose of dismantling the fort, and we were 
 ordered to return to camp forthwith* 
 
OB, BOUOHINO IT THOROUGH LIFE. Ill 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 THE arrival of this party to take our place was exactly what 
 we desired, for most of us had managed to pick up some memento 
 by which we could remember our visit to Baddaghur. A day or 
 two after our return to camp, Bob, myself, and several others 
 of our company were warned for duty at the look-out picket ; 
 a guard that had been stationed at the extreme end of the piece 
 of table land, on which our camp had been pitched. It commanded 
 a view of all roads leading to and from the fort, and the sentry 
 could, either by day, or on moonlight nights, observe any body of 
 troops, or others, moving either way. This guard was in great 
 repute amongst our men, for various reasons. It was sufficiently 
 distant from head-quarters to avoid the surveillance of the 
 sergeant-major, or his subordinates, and relieving those on duty 
 there from the many harrassing fatigues incidental to camp 
 life. The guard being a strong one, and mounting but few sen- 
 tries ; each man had but two hours duty to perform ; and if 
 cards, dice, backgammon, and other games, were not exactly 
 allowed, they were at all events winked at, and most decidedly 
 practised to a great extent. The day had drawn to a close, 
 cribbage, all-fours and twenty-fives had been given up ; the moon 
 had just risen in all its splendor ; and the men had gathered round 
 in a circle some smoking and conversing, others lying on their 
 beds, ready to listen to any song or story that their comrades 
 might indulge in such being the usual way in which our time 
 was spent, between sunset and tattoo-beating. The scene, on 
 this occasion was opened by some one asking the O'Toole to spin 
 a yarn or sing a song. " And is it me ye mane T replied the 
 Hibernian, " the devil a yarn have I at all, at all, and as for 
 singing, sure the voice of the bullfrog would be music compared 
 
112 NED FOUTESCUE; 
 
 to mine, but if I can't sing, bedad, I am the purtiest whistler as 
 ever cocked a lip." Thereupon he executed a number of jigs and 
 reels with surprising correctness as to time and cadence, to the 
 no small astonishment of those who were unacquainted with his 
 ability in that line. When he concluded, he turned to me, 
 and said, " Musha, Ned, but it is yourself that ought to know 
 about singing, by my sowl that's a mighty nate ditty consarning 
 the colleen that dhramed she was going to be kissed, but 
 woke too soon. Ye might give us a taste of that same, so you 
 might." Knowing that my audience were in no way particular, 
 and that anything about love and ladies, &c.,is always acceptable 
 in a guard-tent, I responded to my friend's request, and with the 
 best voice then at command, sang the following lines to the air 
 of " Marble Halls" : 
 
 ELLA'S DREAM. 
 
 I dream't I was dancing in old white halls, 
 
 With an ebon haired youth by my side, 
 And as we were waltzing along the hall, 
 
 He asked me to become his bride. 
 He told me of castles and wide domains 
 
 In merry Northumberlandshire, 
 But I told him that love only counted its gains 
 
 When the object it worshipped was near. 
 CHORUS Was near, was near, 
 
 When the object it worshipped was near. 
 
 And the time flew quickly and pleasingly past, 
 
 And the festival drew to a close, 
 When he won with soft seductive arts, 
 
 A maiden her love to disclose. 
 Half laughing, half sighing, I cried, "I'm thine" ; 
 
 When goodness, how strange it did seem, 
 For just as his lips were approaching to mine, 
 
 I awoke, and 'twas only a dream. 
 
 CHORUS Only a dream, only a dream, 
 
 I awoke, and 'twas only a dream, 
 
 " Bravo, bravo, bravo, repeated several voices," as I concluded. 
 " Did the young lady compose herself to sleep again T mildly 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 113 
 
 enquired the corporal. " Be the powers, if I had been there, I 
 would have kissed her any way sleeping or waking, it's all one 
 to the O'Tooles." " That is something new ; I do not remember 
 having heard that sung before," remarked the sergeant of the 
 guard. " No, perhaps not. It is a conceit of my own ; I wrote it 
 some time ago, for our amateur theatre, but it is your turn now, 
 I suppose you will have no objection to assist us with your 
 voice." " Well," replied the sergeant, " to tell the truth, I do not 
 profess to be a singer ; neither can I whistle like O'Toole, but if 
 a story will suffice, I will try my best to amuse you, and as the 
 yarn is about love and soldiers, it may pass muster." * A general 
 shout of approbation ensued, and he commenced es follows : 
 " Zillapoore was one of the best stations in Rajahpootanna. It 
 had been previously the head-quarters of a native contingent? 
 but for some reason the Nawab had given it up ; and the 
 Bombay Government knowing the salubrity of the climate, at 
 once seized upon it as a station for European troops. It was most 
 beautifully situated, and fountains, tanks, aqueducts, temples, and 
 gardens, the usual surrounding to the whereabouts of a native 
 prince, were still to be seen at every turn. A commodious 
 barrack had been erected, and a number of bungalows had been 
 put up, of various sizes, for the officers and petty staff, in the 
 beautiful gardens adjoining the old palace. In one of those 
 dwellings, a small and compact one, nearest to the barracks, but 
 screened from view by creeping plants and the outspreading 
 branches of some magnificent gold mohur trees, sat, or rather 
 reclined in a luxurious easy chair, a young man, apparently 
 about six and twenty, remarkably good looking, with an open 
 and intelligent countenance, a fair complexion, with eyes of the 
 deepest blue, and light brown wavy hair. The golden chevrons 
 on the sleeves of a scarlet jacket, which had been thrown care- 
 lessly on the back of a lounge, denoted his rank ; that of quarter- 
 master sergeant, for such was the position held by Herbert Grey 
 in his regiment. He was puffing away a few clouds of fragrant 
 
 15 
 
NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 tobacco, through the velvet snake of a handsome glass silver- 
 mounted hooka, when he was disturbed by some one entering the 
 veranda. " Who is there," enquired Herbert, half rising, as the 
 tall handsome figure of Walter Cressingham, in the uniform of a 
 color sergeant, advanced through the open doorway. "Oh, is 
 that you, Walter, come in, old fellow ; how are you. What is 
 the news. " I see you have the order book ; do we march on 
 Friday, or is it postponed until Monday." " As I anticipated, 
 neither one or the other," replied Cressingham throwing him- 
 self at full length on the lounge before alluded to but some- 
 thing, I fancy, will suit you much better," at the same time 
 glancing round the comfortably furnished apartment. The 
 order for marching has been countermanded. A new regiment 
 has arrived from Europe, and they are to take the place of the 
 one we were to relieve at Dessa ; therefore we are to remain here 
 for the next two years, and if all I have heard be true, before 
 that period arrives you will receive your commission as Lieute- 
 nant and Quartermaster." " Well, by Jove, that is news indeed, 
 and to tell the truth, I do not care to leave the place at present, 
 it is a pleasant station ; I have snug quarters, and if I only had 
 some little divinity in petticoats, to aid me in whiling away the 
 leisure hours, and to keep the servants in order, I should be 
 quite contented to wait for the promotion, but one might as well 
 expect a major-generalship as a wife, in this part of the world ; 
 indeed, I do not believe there is an available female within five 
 hundred miles of the station ; beautiful country, is it not? " 
 " And if there were," rejoined his companion, without apparently 
 noticing the fling at the country, "nothing under the rank of a 
 commissioned officer would have the least chance; but however, 
 be that as it may, I must be off to my company and promulgate 
 the orders ;'^ rising, as he spoke, to depart. " Wait a little, my 
 dear fellow, I must go and speak to the quartermaster about 
 unpacking the stores, and if you will take a glass of brandy 
 Pannee, while I am dressing, I will walk up to the barracks with 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 115 
 
 you." Herbert was not long at his toilet, and then, taking a 
 little of the eau-de-vie, for which the good news was a sufficient 
 excuse, the two friends passed out together. The following 
 afternoon, as Herbert Grey was returning from the stores, he was 
 accosted by an orderly, with, " Sir, Sergeant Cressingham says he 
 would feel obliged if you would go over to his room after evening 
 parade, he wishes to see you particularly." " Very good, Green, 
 tell him I will call and see him, " Is there anything the matter." 
 Not that I am positively aware of, but he received a letter 
 from Europe this- morning, and he appears out of spirits ever 
 since," replied the soldier, saluting as he moved off. According 
 to promise, Herbert paid his friend a visit during the evening. 
 On entering he found Walter seated at a small table, covered 
 with writing materials ; an open letter lay before him, and from 
 the numerous pieces of torn paper lying around him on the floor, 
 it was evident that he had not been successful in framing a 
 suitable answer. After the usual salutation, Walter proceeded to 
 give his reasons for sending for him. "Herbert," said he, " I have 
 requested your presence, for advice and assistance on a subject of 
 the utmost importance. I do not remember that I ever mentioned 
 to you any portion of my early history. To be brief, my father 
 was a lieutenant in the Royal Navy, and was killed several 
 years ago in an engagement with some pirates off one of the 
 West India Islands. At his death he left a widow and two 
 children, to be provided for out of the small income of his rank, 
 allowed by the Government. I was then about fifteen, and my 
 sister was ten years of age. After the loss of my father, my 
 mother and sister went to reside in a small cottage on the sea 
 coast, in the South of England, but I was kept at school near 
 London. My aunt, my mother's sister, a maiden lady receiving 
 a small annuity, kindly paid for my education there. I remained 
 until I was eighteen, when my aunt died. I had then to leave 
 school, and being unfit for a trade, and having no interest 
 to procure an appointment abroad, I entered the service and 
 
116 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 joined this regiment. The rest you know. This morning I received 
 the announcement of my mother's death, which from long ill- 
 ness and other causes, I have been led to expect for some time 
 past ; but the unhappy position in which my poor sister is left 
 is to me a source of great anxiety and uneasiness. How I am 
 to relieve her from her present embarrassment, and care for her 
 future welfare, is the cause of my seeking your friendly counsel 
 and assistance. Read her letter ; it will explain matters better 
 than I can." Herbert took the letter in silence, and moving 
 to an open window, read as follows : 
 " Dear Brother 
 
 " The blow has at last fallen, our poor dear mother is now no 
 more, and we are orphans. She died on the fifteenth of this 
 month ; oh how fervently she prayed that she might be spared 
 until your return, but it could not be. She died, blessing us 
 both, and the last word she uttered, was your name. You are 
 aware that her income was drawn in advance, and died with her, 
 and as she expired a few days prior to pay-day, there is nothing 
 to receive on that account ; and after the funeral expenses were 
 defrayed, there remained but a few shillings. The landlord, a 
 hard, cruel man, seized and sold the furniture for some arrears of 
 rent that was due ; thus at one stroke I was rendered motherless 
 and houseless, and thrown on the cold charity of the world. 
 What I should have done, I know not, but for the kindness of a 
 poor neighbour, who has given me shelter for the present. Our 
 dear mother spared no pains with my education, and I believe 
 myself competent to perform the duties of a governess, or school 
 teacher ; but alas, there are hundreds of better qualified persons 
 seeking for such appointments daily without success. Dearest 
 Walter, I know that the kindness of your heart will prompt you 
 to do all in your power for me ; but oh, if you could remit a little 
 money, to repay these poor people that have sheltered me, and 
 can ill afford to do so, it may be an inducement to them to 
 extend it until something turns up. I am too much overpowered 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 117 
 
 by our loss and my sad situation to say more at present, but 
 oh, do write soon, and relieve the anxiety and suspense of your 
 
 affectionate sister. 
 
 ALICE CRESSINGHAM." 
 
 Herbert quietly refolded the letter, and for a few moments 
 made no reply, but continued to pace up and down the room in 
 thought. Suddenly he confronted Walter and said, " Cressingham, 
 we have been friends since you entered the service ; you know 
 my present position, and future prospects ; you have asked my 
 advice, and I now give it frankly and unhesitatingly. I have a 
 sum of money in the paymaster's hands, a portion of which I would 
 willingly lend you for your sister, but this would not be exactly 
 what is now required, and you will be unable from your rank 
 in the regiment, to spare a sufficient sum to support her. I see 
 but one way to obviate this difficulty, that is, to write a line and 
 explain exactly how you are situated our long friendship and 
 tell her that I will, if she wishes it, remit to England a sufficient 
 amount to pay her outfit and passage to join you, and that on 
 her arrival at this station, I will make her my wife, and sweep 
 away the present difficulties. The suddenness of this proposition 
 may at first startle her somewhat, but calm reflection will shew 
 her, I think, that the offer is made in all sincerity, and with the 
 best of motives. Now, Walter, what do you say on the subject T 
 " My dear Herbert," he replied, shaking his friend warmly by 
 the hand, " I sincerely thank you for your generous offer, and 
 I can assure you that nothing will give me greater pleasure than 
 to see you united to my sister ; it shall be as you propose. I 
 will write, and explain all to Alice, and leave it to her good sense 
 for the acceptance of your kind suggestion in our behalf." The 
 next morning a letter was despatched to Alice, in which Herbert 
 enclosed a draft on Forbes <fo Co., London, of sufficient amount to 
 meet all requirements. . In a few months, Alice's answer was 
 received by her brother, in which she had consented to entrust 
 her happiness to the keeping of her brother's friend. She had 
 
118 NED FOBTKSCUE ; 
 
 procured a passage on board the " Seringapatam," East Indiaman, 
 which vessel was expected to arrive at Bombay about the middle 
 of the ensuing January. It was now late in November ; Cres- 
 singham lost no time in communicating the news to Herbert 
 Grey, and it was soon arranged that Walter should at once obtain 
 leave of absence, and proceed to the Presidency, to await the 
 arrival of Alice. On his reaching Bombay, he found that the 
 " Seringapatam " had arrived, and that Alice had been fortunate 
 enough while on board to make the acquaintance of an officer's 
 family who were to remain a few weeks at Bombay, prior to 
 their journey up country, and that they had invited her to 
 stay with them until her brother could fetch her. This was all 
 very satisfactory to Walter, and after visiting the fire Temples of 
 the Parsees, the Towers of the Silence, as their burial places are 
 very appropriately named, and other places of interest on the 
 island, they set forth on their long and tedious journey to 
 Zillapoore. One morning, after having been ten days on the road, 
 on entering the Dawk Bungalow, they found one of the rooms 
 occupied by Henry Dashville, sergeant-major of Walter's regiment, 
 who had also been on furlough, and like themselves was on his 
 way to rejoin. This was indeed a fortunate event ; Walter intro- 
 duced him to Alice, and he was invited to dine and spend the 
 day with them, when it was arranged that they should perform 
 the rest of the journey together. During the evening, as the young 
 men were lounging and smoking in the ve randa, Dashville said, 
 as he drew a letter from his pocket, " Here is something that I 
 had forgotten until now ; it will, I think, surprise you very 
 much it is from sergeant Winter read the concluding para- 
 graph," handing the letter as he spoke to Walter, who, glancing 
 over it, read aloud the following lines : " The only news of 
 interest here is, that your friend, Herbert, the quarter-master 
 sergeant, was detected in an intrigue with one of the women of 
 the regiment, by her husband ; of course Herbert was arrested, 
 tried by a court martial, and reduced to the ranks ; this affair 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 119 
 
 caused quite a sensation in camp." Walter was thunderstruck ; 
 he could scarcely believe the statement ; he read, and re-read the 
 few lines, and each time he .did so, he felt the more confused ; 
 he apologized to Dashville for leaving him, and sought his sister. 
 She met him at the door of her room, and noticing his agitation, 
 said ; " Calm yourself, dearest Walter ; seated, reading at an 
 open window, I became unintentionally a listener, and have heard 
 all. You take this matter too much to heart, for a man who 
 could be guilty of such baseness is unworthy of your confidence, 
 or my love, and he shall never be the husband of Alice Cressing- 
 ham." Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes flashed with indignation 
 as she spoke. It must be remembered that Alice had not seen 
 Herbert, and knew nothing of him more than he was her bro- 
 ther's friend, and therefore she had but little difficulty in dismis- 
 sing him from her thoughts. But not so with Cressingham, they 
 had been so long acquainted, and to think that he should have so 
 acted when his intended wife was within a few hundred miles of 
 him, stung him to the quick. It was an insult to both, and it 
 was several hours before he could compose himself sufficiently to 
 reason calmly on the strange turn events had taken. They did 
 not proceed on their journey until the following evening. The 
 beauty and quiet manners of Alice made a deep impression on 
 Henry Dashville, as was evident by the marked attention he paid 
 her during the journey. In crossing the fords, and as the roads 
 were almost impassable he was ever ready to assist and anticipate 
 her slightest wish, paying those delicate attentions so pleasing to 
 females in general. During the beautiful moonlight evenings, she 
 would alight, and in company with her brother, but leaning on 
 the proffered arm of Dashville, walk on a considerable distance, 
 Dashville endeavouring to interest and amuse her. Although 
 young, he had seen a great deal of the world, besides possessing a 
 fund of anecdote and agreeable rattle, and the happy knack of 
 suiting his conversation to the circumstances and place. These 
 attentions were not lost upon Alice Cressingham. On one occasion 
 
120 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 having been compelled to go to the rear in order to give instruc- 
 tions to the servant concerning the baggage, Dashville embraced 
 the opportunity of declaring his attachment, at the same time 
 making Alice an offer of his hand and heart ; and the appeal was 
 made so ardently and eloquently that she consented, provided he 
 would speak to her brother on the subject. Dashville took 
 advantage of the first opportunity to speak to Walter on the 
 matter, but the latter demurred at first. However, when Dash- 
 ville assured him that he would, on reaching camp, refund the 
 amount which Herbert had advanced, he hesitated no longer, and 
 finally consented. On their arrival at Mow, a large military 
 station, about ninety miles from Zillapoore, they were united ; 
 this entailed a delay of a few days, and tlie trio then resumed 
 their journey. It was a beautiful morning, the sun had scarcely 
 risen, the heavy dew being upon the hedges, plants and grass, 
 which sparkled and glittered like diamonds in the sunlight ; the 
 air was impregnated with the odour of roses, jessamines and other 
 flowers that bloomed in great beauty in the surrounding gardens. 
 There had been a full-dress parade, and the officers were returning 
 to their quarters, as our travellers entered the'cantonment. Walter 
 and Dashville had alighted, and were walking in advance of the 
 garrie, and on turning the corner of a compound they came 
 suddenly upon Herbert in the full dress of his rank, a quarter- 
 master sergeant. "Oh Cressingham, I expected you in this morn- 
 ing, glad to see that all is safe," said he, bowing politely to 
 Mrs. Dashville, as she drove past. "Dashville, you look well after 
 your trip. The colonel has been enquiring about you ; he says 
 the regiment is getting quite slack since you left ; that is a 
 feather in your cap, I can tell you. What is the matter with 
 Cressingham ? he spoke little, and seemed quite confused/' con- 
 tinued Herbert, looking after Walter, who had followed the garrie 
 and was conversing with his sister, as they proceeded onwards. 
 " There has been a great mistake made somewhere," said Dash- 
 ville, "look at those lines," he resumed, at the same time handing 
 
OE, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 121 
 
 him the letter he had received from Sergeant Winter. " Well," 
 replied Herbert Grey, " what has Charles Herbert's reduction to 
 do with it ; he has left the Native Infantry and joined his former 
 regiment, but how that can affect Cressingham I cannot under- 
 stand ?" " But," said Dashville, " we all thought it was you, and 
 as you may well imagine, felt much concerned about it ; however, 
 it gives me great pleasure to find you are all right again. You 
 will excuse me, for I must overtake my wife." " Your wife !" 
 " Yes, I married Cressingham's sister at Mow, a'few days since ; 
 come up in the evening, and I will introduce you," said he, walk- 
 ing rapidly away. Herbert Grey seemed almost dumbfoundered 
 for a few moments, then advanced slowly towards his quarters. It 
 was great satisfaction to Walter to learn, that instead of his 
 friend it proved to be a quarter-master sergeant named Charles 
 Herbert, of the Native Infantry, that had been reduced to the 
 ranks, and he blamed himself for being so hasty ; indeed, he 
 sincerely regretted the unlucky moment that placed Dashville in. 
 his way. An explanation and apology was due to Herbert, and 
 that evening Walter wrote a full account of the whole affair, 
 and sent it to him. The next morning he visited Herbert, who 
 was a good man, and too generous to bear a profound resent- 
 ment ; and they parted, as on former occasions, nothing appear- 
 ing or transpiring to interrupt their friendship. Alice felt 
 considerable embarrassment on her first introduction to Herbert 
 Grey, but her anxiety was modified by his quiet, gentlemanly 
 manner, and while on after-visits, which were frequent, she 
 endeavoured, by courtesy and pleasing attentions to convince 
 him that she was not unmindful of the generous effort he 
 had made in her behalf. Some months later, Herbert received 
 his commission as lieutenant and quarter-master, and was 
 sent to Bombay, on some duty connected with his office. 
 Before his return, Dashville had been promoted as lieutenant and 
 adjutant, and Cressingham, to the vacant sergeant-majorship. 
 Dashville, poor fellow, did not long enjoy his rank, for at the 
 
 16 
 
122 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 first brigade parade, at which he acted as marker to the regi- 
 ment, he was thrown from his horse and died before he could 
 be removed to his bungalow. This was quite a severe blow to 
 Alice and her brother, and cast a deep gloom over their little 
 circle. A short time after her husband's funeral, Alice, by the 
 advice of her brother, paid a visit to some friends at Mow, who 
 had invited her to stay with them during the first few weeks of 
 her bereavement, in hopes that time and change of scene would 
 in some degree alleviate her sorrow and assuage her grief. 
 " Where are we now ? " exclaimed the occupant, aroused from 
 his slumbers, by the sudden sloping of the " dumny." On the 
 banks of the river Taptee," replied the driver, as the traveller 
 descended from the vehicle. " Hand me my rifle," said Herbert 
 Grey, for he was on his way back to join his regiment. He care- 
 fully examined his weapons, for it was at such places that the 
 tiger and cheeta lurked, ready to pounce upon the droves of cattle 
 as they crossed the river. Descending the steep path that led to 
 the water's edge, by the light of the moon, and aid of the stepping 
 stones, that were placed at regular intervals, he succeeded in 
 crossing the broad but shallow stream, dryshod. Silently ascend- 
 ing the opposite bank, he was about emerging from the deep 
 shadow of the overhanging trees, when, on the road, at a little 
 distance in front, and beneath the broad moonlight, he observed 
 a party of Bheels, (robbers) in the act of plundering a bullock 
 garrie. He pondered for a moment whether to advance singly or 
 to await the arrival of his servants, when instantly a fresh object 
 met his view, a little to the right of the road. On the high bank, 
 apparently engaged in stripping the jewellery from the prostrate 
 form of what appeared to be a European lady, was a ferocious 
 looking Bheel. At this instant a loud shriek broke the stillness 
 of the night, and while the ruffian's bright creese glittered in the 
 moonbeams, while in the act of plunging it into the heart of his 
 victim, a bullet from Herbert's rifle brought him to the ground, and 
 he rolled over the edge of the bank and into the river beneath. At 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 123 
 
 the report of the rifle and the appearance of the .Sahib, the other 
 Bheels fled to the jungle, and on Herbert's advancing he recog- 
 nised the beautiful features of Alice Dashville, who lay almost 
 lifeless before him. His servants now came up, and he procured 
 some stimulants, which served to restore her to conscious- 
 ness ; then lifting her gently in his arms, she was conveyed to 
 the garrie. When sufficiently recovered, she informed him that 
 she was on her way back to Zillapoore, when they were attacked. 
 She was dragged out, half-fainting, and thrown upon the bank ; 
 her quick ear having caught the sound of wheels crossing the 
 river, she uttered that scream, which, but for the trusty aid of 
 Herbert Grey, would have been her last. Her driver and the two 
 chaprassees or native policemen, that had been sent to protect 
 her, but who, as usual, had run on the first appearance of the 
 Bheels, now came from their hiding places, and with the assist- 
 ance of the other servants, soon set matters right again, and 
 under the protection and friendly escort of Herbert, they reached 
 their station in safety. After a suitable time elapsed, Herbert 
 sought her love, and again made her an offer of marriage. 
 Grateful for the preservation of her life, and no doubt impelled 
 by a deeper feeling towards him, Alice accepted his offer and 
 became his wife. All the elite of Zillapoore were present at the 
 wedding, for Alice's story, like most things of the kind, had 
 leaked out, and all were anxious to be introduced to the beautiful 
 and interesting heroine. Not a great while after this event, in 
 looking over the orders, I noticed the following : " Sergeant- 
 major W. Cressingham to be lieutenant without purchase, vice 
 Sterling, promoted." Thus, the two friends are now both officers, 
 and Alice is as happy as she could wish. " I wisli promotion 
 would only go as fast in our regiment as it did in that one," 
 growled out an old soldier, who had lost his chance, by his great 
 predilection for strong drink. " An' if it did, sure it's Captain 
 O'Toole I would be this blessed night, with an Alice of my own, 
 whose Christian name would be Biddy !" responded the incor- 
 
124 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 rigible Bob, knocking the ashes out of his pipe and preparing to 
 re-fill it. " Well, boys," said the sergeant, consulting an old fash- 
 ioned silver watch, " it is nearly ' sentry go/ but I think there 
 is time for another song before planting the relief, and the 
 bugler, here, if I mistake not, is a famous singer, so come, Green, 
 lay aside your bugle and see what you can do." The individual 
 alluded to, who for the last half-hour, had been smoking a short 
 black pipe, which he seemed to enjoy very much, now came for- 
 ward, and seating himself on the end of a peg mallet in such a posi- 
 tion that the light fell on his features, without further preface or 
 delay, and with a serio-comic expression of countenance that 
 was perfectly irresistible, chanted the following lines : 
 
 THE LEGEND OF HAMLET THE DANE. 
 
 A long time ago lived a monarch 
 
 In an outlandish place in the north, 
 
 Who, some folks supposed killed his brother, 
 
 For & crown, which was all he was worth ; 
 
 If he did, he made fine reparation, 
 
 For the crime he committed, do you see ; 
 
 For he invited the wife to supper, 
 
 After giving her husband his tea. 
 
 CHORUS. 
 
 Now, just pay attention a minute, 
 All you that would knowledge obtain, 
 And I'll shew you, or the devil is in it; 
 The Legend of Hamlet the Dane. 
 
 Now, this brother was a cunning old fellow 
 And so he contrived his plans, 
 To send his relation to heaven 
 Without blood or etaining his hands ; 
 For stealing one day into his compound 
 When slumber did over him creep 
 He poured something into his ear-hole 
 Which served to continue his sleep. 
 
 CHORUS* 
 Now, just pay attention a minute, &c. 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 125 
 
 Now the king who was killed, left behind him, 
 
 A son who became all the talk ; 
 
 For his learning and various acquirements 
 
 Had made him cock of the walk ; 
 
 He could read all the stars and converse in 
 
 Hebrew, Soomallee, and Dutch ; 
 
 He could whistle his own native lingo, 
 
 And sneeze in most excellent Scotch. 
 
 CHORU9. 
 
 Now, just pay attention a minute, &c. 
 
 Now one night when Prince Hamlet was on duty, 
 
 In charge of an officer's guard, 
 
 He prowled like a sick wolf round the ramparts, 
 
 It is mentioned by Shakespeare the Bard ; 
 
 Th ith e Ghost of his father having opened 
 
 His tomb with a skeleton key 
 
 Ome forth to divulge a grave secret 
 
 Which preyed on his spirits, do you see. 
 
 Now, what the precise nature of the secret which the spirit of 
 Hamlet's defunct papa had to communicate, we were not then 
 destined to learn, for at that moment we heard the sentry's 
 loud, "Who goes there?" which made the guard turn out 
 quickly, and caused us to spring to our arms in a hurry. Our 
 steps were accelerated by the report of his musket, which was 
 immediately replied to by half a dozen carbine shots that whistled 
 over and around our tent, cutting leaves and branches from 
 the trees which partially concealed it. 
 
126 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 " HALT that guard," shouted an officer, riding up from the 
 rear ; " You are off the track, sir," said he, addressing the Soo- 
 badar in charge ; " What was the meaning of that firing ? " 
 " We were fired upon from the top of yonder hill, and I returned 
 it," replied the native officer, lowering the point of his sword as a 
 token of respect to his European superior. " One would have 
 thought that with your thirty years service, you would have 
 been able to distinguish the difference between the report of a 
 musket and that of a matchlock, it was one of our European 
 pickets, and the wonder is that you have not drawn the fire of the 
 whole guard upon you. We distinctly heard the sentry chal- 
 lenge from the head of the column ! fall to the rear and give up 
 your sword to the Jemadar adjutant, consider yourself under 
 arrest, and should any casualty have occurred through your 
 carelessness and stupidity, you will have to answer for it before 
 a general court martial ;" then, turning to the guard, said, " Take 
 ground to the left in file, and follow me," and he lead the way 
 through a narrow cart-track. As they merged from the deep 
 shadow of the dark jungle, they were brought to a halt, on a 
 sandy road, beneath the broad moonlight, by the quick sharp 
 challenge of a sentry "Who goes there," from a rocky point 
 that jutted out from the table land to their right front. 
 "Advance guard of the heavy brigade," responded the deep 
 voice of the aide-de-camp. " Pass guard, all's well," replied the 
 sentry, at the same time bringing his piece from the port to the 
 shoulder, with a ringing sound that was heard by all. " Keep 
 that road," said the aid to the havildar, indicating, as he spoke, 
 the direction with his sword ; " move slowly on, and I will send 
 you an officer in a few minutes ;" then wheeling his horse to the 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 127 
 
 rear he galloped off to make his report. This force was the 
 heavy brigade that we had been expecting for some days past ; it 
 consisted of five squadrons of European dragoons, the same 
 number of native cavalry, two regiments of Her Majesty's foot, 
 several corps of sepoys, some heavy and light artillery, and an 
 efficient siege train ; likewise a detachment of Sappers and 
 Miners, with all their usual accompaniments ; our total strength 
 amounted to upwards of eleven thousand of all arms. A number 
 of men from the various head-quarters of the several detachments 
 of our light brigade also arrived, to fill vacancies caused by death 
 or other casualties, and the brigade was soon as effective as ever. 
 After a few days we broke up our camp and took up the line of 
 march for Kolapoor, on the banks of the Kisthna. The evening 
 before our departure from Baddaghur, there was a general chevo 
 throughout the force, which was entered into, more or less, I 
 believe, by all ; from the General in command to the youngest 
 drummer *boy. Many an unfortunate dragoon had to pay the 
 penalty for his too frequent libations to the rosy god, by being com- 
 pelled to carry his saddle and trappings on his head, and lead his 
 horse fourteen miles the next morning's march. On our approach 
 to Kolapoor, it was ascertained that the Rajah and his fighting 
 men had left the town, and established themselves at Punella 
 and Pawanghur, two forts situated on a range of hills, with a 
 small valley dividing them, a few miles distant, on the opposite 
 side of the river. Just prior to crossing, our chief received 
 notice from the Rajah, that he had made a prisoner of Colonel 
 
 , staff officer of the Bengal army, while passing Punella, and 
 
 that if we crossed the river in the direction of his fort, he would 
 cut him into quarters and hang him over the principal entrance ; 
 and that all persons that might fall into his hands would 
 be served in like manner. The bearer likewise brought a com- 
 munication from Colonel , requesting our commander to 
 
 push on without delay, as the threat of the rebel chief was 
 only a ruse to gain time, he being in hourly expectation of 
 
128 NED FORTESCUE 
 
 receiving reinforcements, both in men and provisions ; that there 
 was a peace-party in the council, who, though not strong enough 
 to induce the chief to surrender, had sufficient influence to pre- 
 vent him from committing any violent or outrageous act, and that 
 this same party were now devising means for his (Colonel Ovens') 
 escape, understanding of course that certain immunities would 
 be granted them, should they be successful in so doing. Upon 
 this hint the General acted ; his answer was brief, and to this 
 purport " that if the Rajah should hurt a hair of his prisoner's 
 head, or failed to surrender within three days, he would batter 
 down the Fort ; and any prisoners persons of note irrespective 
 of caste, who might be captured, should be blown from the mouth 
 of a gun, and their remains swept up into one common grave by 
 the bungys or sweepers of the camp." This alternative, terrible 
 as it was, to the Hindoos, and natives generally, was not in this 
 instance put into execution ; though some years after, during the 
 Sepoy mutiny, it had to be enforced. After dispatching his reply, 
 our General waited for no further parley, but moved on in the 
 direction of Punella. The river was crossed by means of pontoons, 
 without opposition from the enemy, and before eight o'clock the 
 following morning, we had established ourselves on various 
 positions, around the base of the hills on which the forts stood, 
 completely surrounding them. The ground in our immediate 
 vicinity was of a very different nature from that of Samunghur 
 or Baddaghur, it being an open plain, without any elevation of 
 sufficient height to be available for artillery purposes during the 
 siege. It was soon discovered by means of field-glasses, that there 
 were at least three pettas or villages, outside the walls ; one was 
 in the valley, directly between the two forts, the other appeared 
 to be built on the slopes leading up to the principal gates. These 
 villages were swarming with insurgents, who might give us 
 considerable annoyance while we were engaged throwing up the 
 necessary earth-works. Therefore, it was deemed advisable to 
 occupy these places^without delay, or render them untenable by 
 
OB, BOrOHT^G IT THBOUGH UFK. 
 
 mean? rfovsWfcso Hat ftej nil fail m BOWBC far OH 
 enemy. The petta in the valley was soon taken possession of by 
 
 *~ ~ ~ * M \ *~ ~_L * \ 1 1 1 ~- , ~ _ 1- * * _' T. " ~~ " ~*~*~ I I~"L * 
 
 capture of the others was a far more tedious ai 
 ral companies of one of Her Majesty's 
 ordered for this duty ; but it was not until after j 
 obstinate struggle that they MeeeeoVd in driving out the fee, 
 
 : : :. ,;." " :.., > l-n-lr.j ::.J i.lj:.: ::.,"- ^^ii^y 
 large numbers, and after a desperate contest our 
 obl^ed to ^U back, leaving not only the 
 
 ncoate in the hands of the 
 They were not long left m peaceful possession ; fire was 
 
 soon reduced to ashes. Tins had scarcely 
 
 icaraifcnr in our camp, mauling * 
 
 GbknelO .fixMnwbkhhai^eared that he, the Cotonel, was 
 
 a pnsooer ? bat at large within the fort* under the 
 of asntH guard; that he had had two or three 
 lebel chieC and was of opinion that the place would be 
 to the last, as the Bajah eviiKed no sign <^ a change of 
 
 so by the peace party. But the latter being h 
 had but fitde influence with the chief; they 
 
 _ . 
 
 his escape, sTi^esting that the 
 siwuld be adopted: Hut the Goieral should 
 
 - - ->;-; .:: -y :_;- ::^y - Mil ;li-_ ., ,- \ L ' '- r. V 
 
 i_". _>" L-. :-.--.:.." ^:.~.:^ L. ". ~ -. r :_im - .: -. "." r: :_ 
 
 into the hands of any party that might be sent to 
 
 - 
 
130 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 Steps were immediately taken to carry out this idea, a battery 
 of artillery and a detail of infantry were moved up to the point 
 indicated, and having, under the cover of night, and unseen, 
 approached as near the walls as was deemed necessary, the 
 guns opened a fierce cannonade, followed by a rolling fire of 
 musketry, to the great alarm and consternation of the insur- 
 gents, who, although taken completely by surprise were alive to 
 their danger, and made simultaneously to the part threatened. 
 This was exactly what had been anticipated by the projectors of 
 the plan. The small party of infantry, to whom had been 
 
 entrusted the duty of receiving Colonel and covering his 
 
 escape, silently and without delay, made their way up the steep 
 sides of the hill in the direction of the ruined village, near the 
 main entrance. The large boulders and stunted jungle screening 
 the party from the observation of those who might be on the 
 look-out from the walls, enabling them to reach the desired spot 
 without accident of any kind. They patiently waited for a 
 further development of the plan, nor were they long kept in 
 suspense, for the booming of the distant guns of our heavy 
 battery announced to them that the time for action had arrived. 
 Pieces of dry timber, brush and other light material was hur- 
 riedly gathered together, and thrown into a pile in order to form 
 a sort of bonfire within the walls of the roofless houses, ready for 
 use, when required. In a few minutes afterwards a bright blue 
 light shot up from one of the embrasures, about forty paces in 
 front of the concealed party ; this light illuminated the locality 
 for several seconds, and again all was shrouded in darkness. The 
 Commander, who had been anxiously watching for this signal, 
 now gave orders to fire the pile, which soon blazed forth, and the 
 light from the flames disclosed a large portion of the angle of the 
 wall. There we discerned the form of the Colonel slung in a sort 
 of bamboo frame- work or basket, being lowered carefully from the 
 mouth of the embrasure, from which he alighted without accident, 
 and in less time than I have taken to relate it, the fire was extin- 
 
OH, ROUGHING IT THEOUGH LIFE. 131 
 
 guished, and the little party were making their way back to camp. 
 On arriving at head-quarters a rocket was sent up, as this was the 
 sign agreed upon, for the discontinuance of the false attack ; the 
 whole party then quietly returned to quarters, without loss of life 
 or accident of any kind on our side. A 'great deal of useful and 
 
 necessary information was furnished by Colonel ; no 
 
 further delay was made, and active preparations now began for 
 for the reduction of the place in good earnest. A slight sketch of 
 the country surrounding Punnalla and Powanghur may be inter- 
 esting to my reader, and at the same time enable him 
 more readily to follow me in my description of the siege. For 
 miles round the forts the country was a flat open plain, in a 
 high state of cultivation, bounded on one side by the river 
 Kishna, on the banks of which stood the large city of Kolpoor; 
 and on the other, far away in the distance, a dark line could be 
 distinguished, which marked the commencement of a dense 
 jungle, the haunt of the tiger, cheeta, and wild boar, and where 
 many a venomous reptile and poisonous snake raised its hideous 
 head at the approach of man, or any other enemy. The forts 
 stood on a long high hill, separated from each other by a valley, 
 Punalla, the largest, occupied two-thirds of the hill ; this fortress 
 was in the form of a large parallelogram, and it stood consider- 
 ably higher than Powanghur, (thereby commanding it for all 
 military purposes), and divided from it by a valley extending 
 down, yet not reaching the base of the hill, save by a rugged 
 ravine. For a quarter of a mile ere a person commenced the 
 ascent, it was a barren, rocky, desolate soil, but as one toiled 
 upwards it gradually merged into a tangled mass of stunted 
 brushwood, and immense boulders, afterwards to arrive upon a 
 large plateau, on various parts of which patches of joarree, gram, 
 and other grains, had been cultivated by the inhabitants of the 
 villages. On the ascent for unlike the small farmers of other 
 countries, they do not live on their farms, but huddle together, 
 in villages for mutual protection you would then find your way 
 
132 
 
 impeded, by a bluff rock, or scarp, that almost defied further 
 progress, winding round which the path leads through brush- 
 wood, and over boulders, till another plateau is gained ; and thus, 
 by tiresome winding and climbing the summit is finally 
 reached, from which a magnificent panorama of the sur- 
 rounding country bursts upon the view. The bright waters 
 of the Kishna, glittering and sparkling in the sunlight, while 
 winding its serpent-like course ; the waving fields of yellow 
 grain in the plains below ; the neighbouring city of Kolapoor, 
 with its sea of palaces and temples ; and, stretching away 
 in the distance, as far as the eye can reach, the dark jungle, with 
 its lofty background, the Bam Ghaut mountains, standing out 
 in bold relief, towering thousands of feet above the level of the 
 sea. The singular manner in which the Hindoo devotees bathe 
 or wash themselves must have been a source of amusement to 
 many. It is somewhat after the following fashion, and could 
 easily be seen (with the aid of a glass) by any one standing in 
 either of the forts. A cluster of some four or five temples stood 
 near the river, in the city of Kolapoor, from one of which a flight 
 of stone steps descended into the water ; at the foot of these 
 steps the natives, some standing, some sitting, would stoop down, 
 and with their brass, or silver lotas, scoop up the water, hold 
 it above their head, and pour it over their person, at the same 
 time the Brahmin priests stand at the door of the temple, chant- 
 ing prayers in a low monotonous voice. After the bathing pro- 
 cess is over, they prostrate themselves before their idols, which is 
 considered a necessary duty before their usual daily work. Some 
 of the temples are very beautiful, being carved all over with 
 grotesque figures, in every imaginable attitude. The cupolas are 
 covered with chunam, a white polished substance that gleams in 
 the bright sunlight, like burnished silver. Hauling our heavy bat- 
 tering trains of long eighteen and thirty-two pounders, together 
 with eleven and a half-inch mortars, up the steep and rugged 
 side of the hill was both a difficult and fatiguing task, which 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 133 
 
 had to be effected during the short Indian night, as to have 
 attempted it in broad daylight,benpath a scorching sun, would not 
 only unnecessarily expose our men to that intense heat, so fatal 
 to Europeans, but to a concentrated fire from the Fort ; therefore, 
 it was resolved not to commence the work until Sol had set in 
 its golden splendour, behind the distant hills. He no sooner 
 disappeared beneath the western horizon than the numerous 
 fatigue parties from the different corps commenced tln-ir ardu- 
 ous and somewhat difficult and dangerous duty, in placing the 
 guns in their different positions, on the several plateaus ; but we 
 were not long allowed to pursue our work undisturbed, for we 
 had scarcely gained the first ridgo, when the pale silvery moon 
 rose majestically, shedding its refulgent light, on camp, tower 
 and tree, pouring a flood of moonlight on the long row of white 
 tents, in our now nearly deserted camp, where nought but the mea- 
 sured tread of the sentry, and the footfall of the horse of the 
 cavalry vidette broke upon the silence of the night ; all was 
 calm, clear and quiet. Far above us frowned the dark fortress, 
 with its embattled towers, ramparted curtains, and numerous 
 bastions, from the deep mouthed embrasures of which bristled 
 many an old fashioned cannon, the whole pile standing out in 
 bold relief against the clear and almost cloudless sky. Those on 
 the walls were no doubt watching our movements with some 
 anxiety, but as we made no attack upon them, they did not deem 
 it necessary to arouse the whole garrison, when no immediate 
 danger threatened, but contented themselves by treating us to 
 an occasional round shot, and keeping up a desultory fire from 
 every available jingal or wall piece, that could be brought to 
 bear upon our batteries. These jingals carry one ball each, of 
 various sizes, weighing from twelve to twenty-two ounces, and 
 they gave us considerable annoyance, wounding many, but I do 
 not remember that any were killed. Our men worked energeti- 
 cally, and with good will ; and, by day, light every gun and mortar 
 had been dragged up, over the numerous obstacles that impeded 
 
134 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 our way, and all got into position. The Sappers and Miners had, 
 at the same time, thrown up ihe necessary earthworks, and all 
 was now ready to commence the assault by breaching. At six 
 o'clock our batteries opened a heavy fire upon the walls, with a 
 view of testing their solidity, in order to ascertain the most 
 vulnerable part for the main breach. After a couple of hours 
 of severe cannonading on different parts of the place, the second 
 embrasure from the principal entrance was decided upon for the 
 real breach, and now the fire of our heaviest metal was 
 brought to bear on that spot, while the lighter guns kept up 
 a continuous bombardment at other places, to deceive the enemy 
 as to our real point of attack. From our mortars we sent shot 
 into every part of the fort, waking up the Mahrattas from their 
 peaceful slumbers, and sending many to that last sleep from 
 which there is no awaking. Being on the plain we had not 
 the same opportunity we had in the Fort of Samunghur, 
 or Baddaghur, of witnessing the effect of our shells. Not 
 many of those missiles had been thrown in when a terrific 
 explosion took place. High in the air were hurled pieces of 
 stone, earth, timber, and human beings, in one heterogeneous 
 mass ; some of which fell inside and outside of the place ; 
 here and there a leg, or arm, or head, scorched out of all 
 semblance of a human being, while at a short distance lay the 
 blackened and shapeless trunk, frightful to look upon ; one of 
 their magazines had blown up, producing great noise, confusion 
 and death. All that day and night we kept pounding 
 away at different parts of the walls, to prevent the enemy 
 from filling them up to any extent. Next morning the 
 bombardment was recommenced with redoubled energy, and 
 about eleven o'clock the besieged appeared to have divined 
 our plan to effect a breach or entrance point, and directly 
 opposite -to it, they commenced to erect a work, half 
 barrier, half stockade, and right ably did they work away, 
 despite the shower of spherical case, canister, and round shot, 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 135 
 
 that we hurled amidst them. They were under the direction of 
 a tall, fine looking Mahratta chief, who, standing on the rampart, 
 near the great gate, with the upper part of his person exposed 
 to our view, being either unconscious or indifferent to the danger 
 in which his prominent position placed him, while skilfully 
 directing and commanding his men by word and gesticulation, 
 to complete their work. All thought of self seemed banished 
 from his mind, his bright scarlet cloak and white turban, pre- 
 sented a fair target, and when the breeze occasionally swept away 
 the cloud of smoke and dust by which he was enveloped, many 
 a pot shot was taken at him from the muskets or rifles of the 
 infantry, some of which had crept up within a short distance of 
 the wall, but to no purpose, he seemed to bear a charmed life. At 
 length a sergeant-major of a battery of brass nine pounders, that 
 were engaged in pitching spherical case at the new work in 
 progress, asked and obtained permission to try a shot at him. 
 After carefully laying his gun, he gave the word " fire," the cloak 
 and turban disappeared, the work ceased to progress, and in half 
 an hour afterwards, not a vestige of it remained. On entering 
 we found the body of this brave fellow lying on the rampart, it 
 had been cut completely in two by the sergeant-major's shot. 
 By mid-day the principal breach was reported practicable ; 
 dinner was hurried through, which, to many a poor fellow, 
 proved a last meal, and at one o'clock the general assembly 
 sounded, and out turned the whole force ; volunteers from all 
 corps were now called, to form the storming party that were 
 to force their way through a murderous fire into the stronghold 
 of rebellion. 
 
136 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE hour of four in the afternoon was the time appointed for the 
 grand attack, and seven hundred were the number required for 
 the forlorn hope, (as this desperate service is usually termed,) 
 and for such duty many men from our regiment offered themselves, 
 myself among the number. Smaller parties were also told off for 
 the minor breaches, to act as false attacks or decoys, in order to 
 draw numbers of the besieged from the real point of attack. All 
 our guns were brought into play ; the cavalry surrounded the 
 entire base of the hill, and four thousand infantry swarmed up the 
 slopes, taking advantage of every stone or bush that offered a 
 sufficient cover. At four, p. m., the order to advance was given, 
 and the whole force moved forward to perform the various duties 
 assigned them, under a terrific fire from every species of artillery, 
 while the infantry poured an unceasing hail of musketry, 
 sweeping away everything human that presented itself on the 
 ramparts. Nor were the insurgents (now rendered desperate by 
 the almost hopelessness of their situation) a whit behind us ; 
 every embrasure belched forth its dire messenger of death ; the 
 loopholes, walls and towers, flashed out a murderous fusilade 
 from matchlocks and jingals, while huge masses of stone were 
 hurled from the ramparts, crashing from rock to boulder, and in 
 their descent frightfully mangling and killing many of our poor 
 men. As the colonel of a native regiment was cheering on his 
 men to advance, a round shot from one of the bastions struck 
 him, taking off his right leg, then passing through the body of 
 his horse, carried away the left. Whether the^unfortunate officer 
 survived this terrible dismemberment, I am unprepared to say. 
 The band of stormers consisted of men from every regiment in 
 the force ; native and European, formed up in columns of sections, 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 137 
 
 those of Her Majesty's regiments claiming the honor of leading. 
 These were all fine sturdy men, of long service, cool and deter- 
 mined. Next followed those of my own regiment, all high-spirited 
 young soldiers, and being on their first campaign, eager to 
 compete in the coming struggle with those of the line. Then came 
 the Sepoys, zealously pressing forward to support their white 
 brethren in arms. All were under the command of Colonel 
 
 B , of Her Majesty's Foot, the insignia of whose 
 
 regiment was " the Lamb and Flag." At four p. m., the order for 
 our advance was given, and up we sprang, through bush and over 
 boulder ; from steep to steep, as best we could. The enemy had 
 been watching our approach with intense anxiety, and no sooner 
 did we arrive within range of their fire, than a perfect shower 
 from matchlocks, together with ball, and grape, round shot, and 
 every description of projectile, mingled with pieces of rock, swept 
 through our ranks, crushing, wounding and killing in every 
 direction, thinning our party fearfully, yet onward we rushed. 
 Our artillery sent shells of all sizes into the breach over our 
 heads as we advanced. These for an instant would clear 
 all before them ; but again the foe would rush to the great gap 
 only to be hurled back with greater slaughter. We had nearly 
 gained the uppermost plateau, when we were brought to a momen- 
 tary stand still by a perpendicular scarp of rock, some fifteen 
 feet in height. Noticing a narrow path, a little way to the 
 left, I went wii^h eight or ten others and hurried up into it. 
 There was an officer of the Foot with us, who, after proceed- 
 ing upwards a little way, turned round in search of his own men, 
 and exclaimed, " 0, where are my lambs, where are my lambs V 
 " Grazing at the foot of the hill," I replied, as I passed him with 
 a bound. This pert reply elicited quite a shout of laughter from 
 my comrades. A few steps onward almost brought me to grief. 
 A comrade, having been a little way in advance, was shot down 
 and fell immediately before me, so close that I stumbled and fell 
 over his dead body, and in so doing, my bayonet fell out of the 
 
 18 
 
138 NED FORTESCUE 
 
 scabbard, where it was lost among the stones and grass, while 
 the shot fell fast and thick about me. To remain in this position 
 was extremely perilous, and to go into the fort without my 
 bayonet was equally so. I had no alternative but to secure 
 the one belonging to the fallen man, and rushed upwards. 
 I soon gained the wall at the foot of the breach, where I found 
 some officers and a few men close to the wall, and out of the line 
 of fire, the enemy not being able to depress their guns suffi- 
 ciently to hurt them. They were consulting as to whether they 
 should make a dash into the breach or wait for more men to 
 come up. " Gentlemen, it is better to make a rush than 
 remain here to be crushed to death ; a large mass of stone is on 
 the rampart above our heads, which in a few seconds will be hurled 
 upon us ; I am for a dash," I said, at the same time preparing to 
 advance. " You do not go in alone," cried the Colonel, springing 
 to my side ; and up we went, followed by the remainder. It now 
 became a race between us, as to who should achieve the proud and 
 glorious distinction of being the first man in all that gallant band 
 of stormers to stand on the summit of the deadly breach, and 
 leap into the stronghold of the enemy. This proud triumph fell 
 to me. Just as we reached the top, a piece of rock struck the 
 Colonel on the shoulder, at the same time another hit him on the 
 side of his head ; he would have fallen, had I not caught him, 
 having been completely stunned by the blow. Seizing my musket 
 by the barrel, with the butt I dealt a crushing blow on the 
 chest of a native, who was making a downward cut at my 
 head, that sent him reeling to the earth ; and amid the fire 
 and smoke of a thousand matchlocks, and with a wild hurrah, 
 leaped into the fort ; throwing the Colonel between my legs, I 
 used my bayonet to some purpose among the rebels. By this 
 time a greater portion of the storming party had entered, and 
 now the conflict became more general, fierce and bloody, for the 
 Mahrattas fought with the valor of desperation, defending each 
 position with an obstinacy and energy worthy of a better cause. 
 
OB, EOUGHING IT THKOUGH LIFE. 139 
 
 But what chance had they in a hand-to-hand encounter with 
 troops before whom the well disciplined soldiers of France and 
 every other European nation had quailed. Standing across the 
 prostrate form of the Colonel, I took several shots at the flying 
 foe, as they crossed before me from bastion to tower. I had 
 just brought down my fifth man, when an officer of Engineers 
 exclaimed : " Capital shooting, by thunder ; but who have we 
 here ? " pointing to the Colonel, who now attempted to rise. I 
 assisted him, and in a few seconds he came to himself. " Where 
 am I ? How did I get here ?" " You owe your safety to this good 
 soldier, my dear Colonel," said an aide-de-camp, who now joined 
 us. " We saw the whole affair from the principal battery, and the 
 General will not forget him." "Oh, I remember it all now; let me 
 have your name and regiment, my brave man. After this affair 
 is over, you shall find that I too will not forget you." 
 I saluted and turned away. By this time the principal part 
 of the fighting was over ; numbers of the Mahrattas had, by 
 means of their turbans, lowered themselves from the walls, in 
 order to escape, but they all fell into the hands of the cavalry, or 
 parties of infantry, who were on the look-out for them. But 
 there still remained many on the walls, and in other parts of the 
 fort that kept up the contest. Passing a look-out station on the 
 wall, which was roofless, I saw the turban of a rebel just above 
 the top, and fancying that the head could not be far off, I sent 
 a shot at it. The bullet being a jagged one, caught in the fabric, 
 carrying it out to its full length, some fifteen yards, exposing to my 
 view the bare scalp of the wearer. While reloading I observed a 
 flight of steps leading up to the ramparts, which commanded 
 a full view of my gentleman ; up these I ran, and faced him ; at the 
 same moment up went both our pieces, and the triggers of both 
 pulled at the same time, the whizz of his bullet sounded very un- 
 pleasantly as it passed my ear. My hammer came down, but no 
 report followed. In my hurry I had forgotten to cap, therefore, 
 bounding up to him, and before he could raise his pistol, I sent 
 
140 NED FORTE8CUE; 
 
 my bayonet directly through him. He must have been a person 
 of some note, for on him I found a very handsome kurgoota, or 
 silver waist chain (usually worn by persons of rank), five gold 
 finger-rings, a few rupees, and a magnificent silver hilted sword 
 and pistol. Taking possession of these, I went on my way 
 rejoicing; but while passing a small dark archway, a man fired at 
 me, cutting the pouch off my belt, but doing me no injury. 
 Flinging down his matchlock, he took his sword in hand and 
 sprang upon me, but ere he could reach me, my bullet went 
 crashing through his brain. Crossing towards the centre, I came 
 upon a very fine looking temple, which, on entering, to my 
 surprise, I found several of my comrades busily engaged in 
 digging up with the point of their bayonets something from the 
 floor. On examination it proved to be rupees, with which the 
 floor was paved ; they had been let into the chunam or plaster 
 which formed the floor. Taking from my waist-belt a small axe or 
 tomahawk that I had picked up, I lost no time in following their 
 example, and succeeded in collecting eighty-four of these pieces 
 of silver. The ornaments or valuables had been removed before 
 my arrival. As I left the spot the " general assembly " rang out in 
 different parts of the place, the firing had ceased, and the fort 
 was entirely in our possession. The men were collected together; 
 no further looting or pillage being allowed. By this time it was 
 nearly dark, and the greater portion of the men were ordered to 
 return to camp, leaving a sufficient number to guard the mint 
 and other places, to prevent robbery by friend or foe, during the 
 night. A prize agent was immediately appointed, and many had 
 to give up their spoil for the general good. It being necessary 
 to send an orderly to camp to warn the quarter-master-sergeant 
 to furnish rations for such of our men as were ordered to 
 remain in the fort or on sentry, and being on good terms with the 
 acting sergeant-major, I prevailed upon him to dispatch me for 
 this duty. By this means I passed out through one of the 
 smaller breaches with all my booty, prior to the guard being 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 141 
 
 placed whose duty it was to search all parties leaving the 
 place, to prevent any spoil being carried off. On reaching the 
 camp I sought out the quarter-master sergeant, and gave him 
 the order concerning the rations. Then looking over my booty, 
 I found it to consist of twelve silver-mounted swords, one 
 silver mounted pistol, eleven kurgootas, eight gold finger rings ; 
 and one hundred and two rupees in cash. I went immediately to 
 the bazaar, disposed of all my valuable articles, and being first in 
 the market, obtained a better price for them than those who 
 came after me on a similar errand. I raised in all, cash included, 
 three hundred and thirty rupees not a bad afternoon's work. 
 During the heat of the engagement at Punella, a party of infantry 
 stole up from the ravine, unobserved, to one of the rear gates of 
 Powenghur. This gate, like all the others, was strongly barri- 
 caded on the inside, but it had a small postern, or wicket, which 
 was securely fastened with a large ancient Mahratta barrel-bolt, 
 the staple or fastening of which came through the door, and was 
 secured on the outside by an iron nut or boss ; the whole door 
 was covered with these bosses, which rendered it a difficult 
 matter to decide by a casual observer which one covered the 
 lock. My comrade, Bob O'Toole, who was one of the party, and 
 who had some knowledge of this description of lock (by what 
 means I know not) seized a piece of rock, and dashing it with 
 great force against the nut, which age and exposure had com- 
 pletely rusted through, broke it off, the bolt gave way, and 
 the wicket flew open. Bob jumped in, followed by the rest of the 
 party, to the terror and consternation of the small guard, for 
 there were not many in the archway ; most of them being on a 
 rampart that commanded a view of Punella, watching our opera- 
 tions during the assault. A few shots were fired by both parties ; 
 a short hand-to-hand conflict ensued, but they were soon over- 
 powered the remainder surrendered at discretion and long ere 
 night had spread her sable mantle over the earth, the red cross of 
 St. George was proudly floating from the towers of both the 
 
142 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 rebel strongholds. The fall of the Forts Punella and Powenghur 
 had both a powerful and salutary effect on the insurgents gene- 
 rally. The capture of the Rajah of Kolapoor and his principal offi- 
 cers, not only deterred others from joining the standard of revolt, 
 but was the means of inducing many to desert the cause, and to 
 return to their allegiance. Thus peace and quietness was restored 
 to that section of the country where rebellion first unfurled its 
 defiant flag. But it still existed deep in the Sawent Warree 
 Jungle, and in the immediate vicinity of the chain of Ghauts, 
 which run through the whole country, from east to west, 
 dividing the Deccan from the Conkan, where, trusting to the 
 natural fortifications and the difficulty of access for large bodies 
 of troops there being no made route but a mere track through 
 the dense jungle many had sought refuge within its recesses, 
 and set the government at defiance. The day succeeding that of 
 the siege was one of frolic and amusement ; there were no 
 parades or roll calls until tattoo. Those who had fallen during the 
 engagement had been interred with all the solemnity befitting 
 the occasion. At an early hour in the morning all was now life 
 and glee ; men of different regiments visited and congratulated 
 each other on their safety, the dangers they had escaped, or the 
 booty they had obtained. My companion, Bob, and myself 
 received an invitation to a chevo, given by some of the 
 Dragoons, with whom we had become acquainted some years 
 previous, while at Poona, and right glad were we to avail our- 
 selves of their kind invitation. About six o'clock in the evening 
 we strolled over to their lines. In a large well-lighted double- 
 poled tent were assembled some ten or twelve soldiers of 
 different corps. The fun had began before our arrival, judging 
 from the peals of merry laughter that rang in our ears as we 
 approached. On entering we were greeted with a rousing cheer. 
 My friend Vincent, a sergeant of Dragoons, and who had 
 been for many years manager of their amateur theatre, had been 
 installed Master of the revel, and being principal improviser, 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 143 
 
 was seated on a throne, or dais, erected for the occasion out of an 
 empty beer barrel, with a shabrug thrown over it ; the rest of 
 the company were seated in rows to the right and left of him on 
 saddles, or anything that could support them. Vincent, like the 
 King in Bombastes Furiosi, had a foaming pot of porter before 
 him; a long clay pipe protruded from his lips, from between 
 which volumes of smoke came puff puff puff and as it curled 
 and rolled upwards, mingling with the fumes from the various 
 pipes smoked by his companions (from the aristocratic meer- 
 schaum, to the short black dudeen), floated above the heads 
 of the assembly like vapours on a sunny morn. He stood up, and 
 like that sapient monarch welcomed us right bombastically. " My 
 brave associates, companions of my toil, my pleasure and my 
 fame, behold," said he, majestically waving his long clay pipe in 
 our direction, " behold the men whom the General delighteth to 
 honor. Fill, fill your goblets to the brim, my bold cavaliers, and 
 drink welcome and success to yonder braves the leader of the 
 forlorn hope, and the heroes of yesterday's fight. Take your 
 time from me, my worthy men at arms," and raising his pot of 
 foaming heavy wet to his lips, took a deep and mighty draught ; 
 his companions following his example in a most laudable manner, 
 and then followed three hearty cheers that made the place ring 
 again. " Most puissant Sir Knight of the sabre, and gentlemen 
 all," I replied, stepping forward, and bowing with most profound 
 mock gravity, " many thanks for the high compliment which you 
 have been pleased to bestow upon myself and comrade. I do 
 not possess sufficient eloquence to reply in suitable terms, for 
 indeed I am no speaker, and not much blessed with eloquent 
 phrases, therefore little shall I grace the cause in speaking for 
 myself, but by your leave I will transfer the grave but pleasing 
 responsibility to my friend and chum, the immortal Bob, the last 
 of the OTooles, and lineal descendant of the King of Munster." 
 " Oh, Ned, ye villain of the world, is it me that is to be 
 speechifying. Oh, ochone, the devil a word can I say, baring that 
 
144 NED FOETESCUK ; 
 
 its mighty dacent of yees all, gentlemen, so it is, to trate us in 
 this fashion, and I'll remember it two years after I'm dead, and 
 if any man or mother's son, after this, should ssy, black's the 
 white of your eye, be all the crosses in a yard of check, I'd take 
 the measure of his eye for a shute of niburning," and he sat down 
 amidst a torrent of acclamations, completely overcome by his 
 feelings. A jorum of steaming arrack punch was now handed to 
 us from a large camp kettle, in which there appeared to be about 
 three gallons of this highly spiced, -and very tempting tipple. Two 
 large kettles of commissariat porter graced the floor, there 
 being neither board or table to be had. Filling our pipes, we 
 seated ourselves in the most convenient places we could find, 
 and the convivialities of the evening commenced in right ear- 
 nest. Songs, yarns, and anecdotes, followed each other in rapid 
 succession, and although it is now over twenty years since this 
 occurrence, I will endeavour to relate a few of them, in their own 
 woids, as near as I can remember. " Talking of ventriloquists," 
 said an old trooper, in answer to some remark that had just 
 been made, " we had one in our troop, though no one knew it 
 until the day after he obtained his discharge. It was old Joe 
 Brown. I remember a very good joke that he played off some 
 years ago on one of our non-commissioned officers ; he was a very 
 young sergeant, who had been promoted in consequence of some 
 letters of introduction he had brought from an unpaid tailor, 
 bootmaker, or somebody, of that sort, and he was very generally 
 noted for being very pompous, dictatorial and authoritative 
 when on duty as barrack orderly, or sergeant of the day, conse- 
 quently, he was not at all a favourite with the men of his 
 troop, but being of a vindictive disposition, no one cared to 
 play off any joke upon him. Well, on one occasion he gave 
 some cause of umbrage to old Joe, and the latter determined to 
 pay him eff the first opportunity, which, to one possessing 
 his peculiar gift, was not long in occurring. You know 
 that in the barrack rooms at Kurkee, there stands a wooden 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 145 
 
 horse about eight feet high, between each man's cot, and 
 on which the bridle, saddle, and trappings are hung; now, 
 opposite to old Joe's cot, there slept a man named Nelson, a 
 regular bon vivant, and devil-may-care sort of a fellow. It so 
 happened that Nelson was on leave for the day at Poona on the 
 next occasion that young Sparks was sergeant of the day. 
 Old Joe knew that he would be absent without leave, and he 
 embraced this good opportunity to take the pompous young 
 sergeant down a peg. After sundown, and prior to the closing 
 of the canteen, Joe managed to make a stuffed figure, and dress 
 it in some of Nelson's clothes, with his full-dress shako on its 
 head, and a short pipe stuck in the mouth. He placed it on the 
 saddle, and by the uncertain light of the barrack room, it had 
 all the appearance of a half-drunken trooper. He succeeded in 
 effecting this without being observed by any one, for the room 
 was usually vacant at that time in the evening, and then getting 
 quietly into his cot, waited patiently the approach of the non- 
 commissioned officer in question. Soon after tattoo the clanking 
 of spurs, and clatter of sabre were heard, and the pompous 
 sergeant strutted into the room. " Where is trooper Nelson ?" 
 said he, standing at the foot of his cot. No response. " Where 
 is trooper Nelson ?" he again demanded, in a stern authoritative 
 tone. " Here I am, old buffer," said the figure on the saddle, 
 "what's the row ?" "I will let you know to your cost, if 
 you do not immediately come down ; none of your rustical 
 rigadoons with me, or I'll find another place for you," replied the 
 sergeant. " You be hanged, you can't do as you like, if your 
 father did make the major's breeches." A suppressed titter was 
 heard throughout the room. " You shall have some extra rough 
 riding drill for this, you blackguard." " I don't ride like a tailor, 
 as you do, any how." This was a severe cut for young Sparks, 
 for he was a good horseman, and rather prided himself on his 
 personal appearance when mounted. Here several horse laughs 
 broke out in different parts of the room. " Fall in, a couple of 
 
146 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 troopers, pull yonder fellow down, and take him to the guard," 
 exclaimed the now thoroughly exasperated sergeant. Up jumped 
 the troopers, and down came not Nelson, but the stuffed figure. 
 " It's a dummy," cried one. " It spoke out pretty plainly, any 
 way," cried the other. The shouts of laughter that followed 
 this discovery may be more easily imagined than described ; and 
 the crest-fallen sergeant was only too happy to escape from the 
 room as quiet] y as possible. Old Joe's practical joke had suc- 
 ceeded to perfection. 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 147 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 
 
 THERE were various comments made at the conclusion of 
 the trooper's yarn narrated in the last chapter. " Brown 
 must have had a great deal of impudence to treat his superior 
 officer in that manner," remarked young Sims, a cockney, 
 and a corporal of some three weeks standing. " When a non- 
 commissioned officer makes himself ridiculous, as a great many 
 young ones frequently do, by their pomposity and arrogance, they 
 must expect to be laughed at," remarked Sergeant Vincent, with a 
 a meaning look towards young Sims, but he continued, " there is 
 a good deal of fun and frolic to be met with in all ranks of the 
 service." " That there is," I responded, and I will relate what 
 once occurred to myself, while on leave at Bombay. I was in 
 the habit of daily frequenting the " Crown and Anchor," which 
 no doubt many of you know well. They had a capital billiard 
 table, which was the inducement that drew me there. I here 
 met and became on very friendly terms with a midshipman of 
 the Indian navy, who, for some wild prank had been suspended 
 from rank and pay for six months, and sent on shore to rusticate. 
 He was an Englishman by birth, and a native of London, and 
 we often amused ourselves by relating the different scrapes and 
 frolics we had gone through in different parts of the world, for 
 you must know that I was several months at sea prior to 
 entering the army. One afternoon, when I called upon him to 
 have our usual game of billiards, he said : " Now Ned if you are 
 the fellow that I take you to be, you can have some capital fun 
 to-night, it will require some cool impudence, however, but where 
 
148 NED FORTESCTTE ; 
 
 is there a soldier worth anything without it. But to my plans ; 
 a very rich Hindoo named Jaggurnath Sunkersett, living at 
 Girgaum, gives a ball and supper in a most magnificent and 
 Oriental style, and has given a general invitation to all officers, 
 both military and naval, together with all the civil grandees in 
 Bombay, and it is, I believe, to eclipse anything that has been 
 seen in the island for years." " But what is all this to me ; I 
 cannot go, not being either an officer or a grandee, nor hav0 I a 
 ticket of admission ; I do not see clearly what part I can play 
 in this pageant." " Then, you must be duller to-day than usual ; 
 but I will turn on the gas a little ; listen, come to my room 
 about six this evening, slip on my uniform, it will fit you to a 
 hair ; jump into a palkee, and off you go. On arrival, wait until 
 you see a knot of our fellows, follow them in, and when once 
 inside, you can easily carry on for the remainder of the night, or 
 I am no judge of horse-flesh." The scheme pleased me exceed- 
 ingly ; it would enable me once more to mix in decent society, 
 though under false colors, and anything that promised fun or 
 excitement, though attended with some risk to my personal liberty, 
 for I knew that if discovered it would lead to my arrest, was 
 of itself sufficient inducement for me to accept the offer. My pal- 
 kee arrived at the principal entrance just as a number of naval 
 officers came up laughing and jesting among themselves, seem- 
 ingly in high glee. With this party I entered, and in five 
 seconds found myself unquestioned in a spacious reception hall ; 
 directly in front of the splendid mansion of the host, upon the 
 marble steps of which he stood, surrounded by his dusky friends, 
 magnificently attired in their Oriental costume, Sunkersett 
 himself bowing a welcome to all that entered. On my right, 
 beneath a double row of picturesque looking palm trees, the leaves 
 of which waved and rustled in the evening breeze, imparting a 
 delicious coolness to the place, was erected the supper 
 saloon, it was formed of tent walls, festooned with gor- 
 geous flags and evergreens, with a long table running down the 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 149 
 
 centre, brilliantly illuminated, and redolent with splendour, con- 
 sisting of gold, silver, flowers, and cut glass. On the left, reached 
 by a flight of broad stairs, handsomely carpeted, the niches of 
 the walls, on each side, filled with elegant figures in gold, silver, 
 and marble, fantastically supporting wax lights, in every position 
 that grace or fancy could dictate, was the ball-room. It was 
 superb, with its beautiful canopy of white glazed cloth, studded 
 with gold stars, and roses, and supported by fifty-four fluted 
 columns of burnished silver, the reflection of which was seen in 
 the enormous mirrors that were placed between each of the 
 pillars, lending a feeling of enchantment to the scene ; sofas, 
 lounges, and ottomans were innumerable in the verandah outside 
 the pillars, into which the pale moon threw its soft light, while 
 the interior or dancing hall, w;is lighted by numerous wax tapers 
 in massive candelabras. Scattered over the grounds were iron 
 cressets, filled with blazing cocoa nut shell, anl Chinese lanterns 
 of many colors were suspended from the numerous orange and 
 pomegranate trees, the whole forming a splendid coup-d'oeil. 
 Putting a bold face on the matter, I sprang lightly up the steps, 
 just as the first set of quadrilles were forming, and stepping 
 quickly up to a fair young girl, of about nineteen summers, soli- 
 cited and obtained her for my partner, and was soon lost in 
 the mazes of the dance. At the conclusion of the set I led my 
 fair friend to a seat, placed myself by her side, and was 
 not long in finding out who she was. Chancing to glance to my 
 right, I saw, to my confusion, seated on the same ottoman as 
 myself, a lady flirting violently with no less a personage than 
 the colonel of my own regiment. " I am in for it now," thought I ; 
 but fortunately, a young middy was too unimportant a personage 
 to attract the attention of the gorgeously apparelled field officer. 
 I saw that he did not recognize me, and in a moment I was myself 
 again, and blossoming out in trope and metaphor to the little divin- 
 ity by my side. Waltz succeeded gallop, and quadrilles followed in 
 turn ; there was no lack of partners, thanks to my own assu- 
 
150 NED FORTESOUE ; 
 
 ranee. I flirted first with one, then another, told innumerable 
 stories and escapes from storm and wreck in the Persian Gulf, 
 to elderly ladies and cavalry griffins. Drank as much champagne 
 as would have floored any one possessing a softer head than 
 mine, and in fact enjoyed both myself and supper amazingly. 
 About two in the morning while I was crossing from the salle & 
 manger to the ball-room, an officer came suddenly to me, and 
 touching me on the shoulder, said, " Step this way, sir, a few 
 words with you, if you please," leading the way, as he spoke, 
 towards an orange grove. I followed, " I am done for now," 
 said I, half aloud ; for, by the light of a Chinese lantern, I recog- 
 nized the uniform of my regiment. When beyond ear-shot of 
 the gay throng, he halted and turned towards me. By the 
 moonbeams that played upon his countenance, I discovered much 
 to my relief, the features of Captain C , the wildest, hand- 
 somest, and certainly the most popular officer in the regiment, 
 and with whom I was on easy terms, having played on several 
 occasions at our theatre in many of the pieces in which he took a 
 part. He had recognized me from the fact of my having played 
 Lieutenant Wilder to his "Red Rover," some four months previous, 
 in a uniform similar to the one I then wore. "Upon my word^ 
 youngster, you possess no small amount of cheek to present 
 yourself in that character in this brilliant assembly. I knew 
 you the moment you entered, and have had my eye on you all 
 night ; the wonder is that the Colonel did not twig you, for you 
 sat awkwardly close to him in the early part of the evening, but 
 he has not the slightest suspicion, nor any one else, as far as I 
 can learn ; but if the Major had been here, you would have be^n 
 cooling your heels in the guard room long ere this. You have 
 been pulling pretty heavy at the champagne, or I would 
 not have spoken to you until you were about to leave, but you 
 do not appear to be the least affacted by it ; mind, keep sober, and 
 you are all right. I see that you can behave like a gentleman, 
 but this I suspected before, or I could not have allowed you to 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 151 
 
 remain five minutes after your arrival ;" then laughing heartily at 
 what he was pleased to call my taking a cheerful rise out of the 
 grandees generally, he left me, and turned into a large octagon 
 shaped tent, fitted up as a smoking divan, where the Bengal 
 cheroot, and trichanopolly cigar, were in vogue, and that 
 Oriental luxury, the silver-mounted glass hooker with its velvet 
 snake, was to be had in true Mahommedan style, but in those 
 days the odour of lavender mille-flower, or otto of roses, had more 
 charms for me than garraco or tobacco ; therefore I did not follow 
 but returned to the ball-room, nor did I again leave the gay and 
 festive throng until the boom of a gun announced that the 
 festival was about to close with a grand display of fireworks, 
 which were to be seen from different parts of the grounds. And 
 anything more magnificent or grandly beautiful can scarcely be 
 conceived ; countless meteor stars, serpents, rockets, blue lights, 
 and every description of fireworks, shot high into the air, in one 
 simultaneous mass, spreading beneath the sky brilliant shades of 
 every tint and hue, reflecting back again their tinge on water, 
 wood and temple, like a magic scene in fairy land ; lighting up 
 the whole country for miles around the harbour, wherein lay a 
 fleet of vessels, from whose masts floated the flags of all nations. 
 The rugged rocks of Malabar Point, with its temples, mosques, 
 and the far-famed towers of silence, or burial places of the Parsees, 
 on the extreme right. On the left the wildly picturesque island of 
 Elephanta, celebrated for its magnificent caves, and directly 
 opposite, with silent and deserted like appearance, stood 
 Colaba lighthouse; all were brought in vivid and startling 
 beauty before us by the dazzling and brilliant light of the fire- 
 works. At the close I helped myself to a bumper of champagne, 
 and ere the crush came, jumped into a palkee,and was fast asleep 
 before I reached my friend's bungalow. " By George, I would 
 have laid in the guard room for a month, to have had such a 
 glorious spree as that," said one of the party, as I concluded ; 
 "but you must have been used to that sort of thing, or you 
 
152 NED FOKTESCUE; 
 
 never could have carried it out so cleverly." " I thought that your 
 regiment was stationed at Poona. How was it that so many of your 
 officers were at the ball," enquired another. " Our head-quarter 
 wing was there; the other under the command of the major 
 at Colaba," I replied : " But why did not he attend, and why 
 would he have recognized you more than any of the others ?" 
 " Well, you must know that our second in command was one of 
 those sanctimonious, praise God bare-bones sort of men, who 
 pretend to have a perfect horror of balls, parties, theatricals, 
 and such like vanities, as he termed them. He had many 
 peculiarities, both of speech and manner, which I used to 
 mimic on our stage to the no small delight of my audience. 
 This, of course, came to his ears, hence his dislike to me. He had 
 evidently mistaken his vocation by entering the army instead of 
 the church ; not that I think the ecclesiastical body would have 
 benefitted by his admission ; far otherwise, but had he abstained 
 from entering the service," " I fancy that his absence would have 
 been mighty good company," put in the O'Toole, finishing the 
 sentence for me, at which there was a general burst of laughter. 
 " I should say by the way your friend Bob handles his pipe, and 
 takes his grog, that he could spin a good yarn for us," suggested 
 Sergeant Vincent. " No doubt of it," cried several voices, " let's 
 have a twister from the hero of Powenghur." " Faith, it's little 
 I know about spinning yarns and the like as you call it, how- 
 ever, I'll tell ye's an anecdote I had wid a black divil of a 
 bear in Ameriky." " In America, I did not know that you had 
 been such a traveller, Bob," " Arrah, hould yer whisht, Corporal 
 Sims, for a meddlesome cockney that ye are ; it's many more 
 things ye don't know, nor ever will. Do you remember, Ned, 
 avic, where I first met ye ?" " Yes, I remember very well," was 
 my reply, " it was at Quebec." " Well, then, I'll tell ye how I 
 got there. My father was what they call one of the better 
 class of immigrants ; that is to say, he had a few soovereigns in 
 the heel of an ould stocking, whun he wiut to Canada, where ho 
 
OE, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 153 
 
 was to get ever so much land just for the axing, and live like a 
 foin gintleman as the O'Tooles used to do, when they were 
 kings of Munster, arrah, but it's little he knew what a devil's 
 own hole we wor going to. Well, to make a long story short, 
 from Quebec we were forwarded to Toranto, and then to a place 
 called Barrie, and from there to our estate, in the township of 
 Wasanagus ; faith, it was well named, for we were all like 
 to die with the ague there ; devil a fut of dry land was 
 there in it, but what was under wather. What is ye'es laughing 
 at, ye devils <" " Never mind, go on, Bob, said I. " After a while," 
 continued Bob, " we get up a bit of a log shanty, wid a shed at 
 the ind of it for a cow, and a tranneen of a pig, and began to 
 feel a little comfortable like, altho 'twas awful lonely. Be this 
 and be that, I often think of that same cow, boys, and give her a 
 blessing, for she was the cause of all my trouble wid the bear. 
 There was a beaver dam, and a meadow some distance from our 
 lot, and the little cow would often stray away there, bad cess to 
 IRT, and stay until I fetched her back. One day I was after the 
 cow, and not for from the meadow, when I heard a kind of 
 shuffling noise behind me. When I looked round, be the mortal, 
 but there was a big brown bear hot foot after me. Ye's have 
 seen me run a race, boys, but ye never seen me run in airnest ; 
 1 KM lad, I run that time, and sure it was no kind of use at all, at all ; 
 the shuffling came nearer and nearer. "Well, jist forninst me, I 
 seen a hollow log about twel\ e feet long, wid a hole in it that a 
 bit of a gossoon could crawl into; so bedad in I went; faith 
 'twas time, for the next minute I felt the claws of the baste 
 tickling the soles of my feet ; the brute was too big to get in. 
 Arrah, but he was mad ; I could hear him tearing and biting at 
 the ind of the log. Presently, the other ind of the log got dark- 
 ened, and the bear poked in his head, champing and foaming like 
 a mad wild boar ; musha, but it makes me shiver yet when I 
 think how I could feel the hot breath of him in amongst me 
 
 hair. Round and round the log he wint, from one ind to the other ; 
 20 
 
154 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 says he, at last, ' this will never do, I must get the boy 
 out of that.' " " What, do bears speak in America T said the 
 unfortunate corporal. " Shure, was'nt he thinking it, and is'nt 
 it all as one, ye omadahon ye," said Bob. " To be sure," said I, 
 " go on Bob." " All of a suddint I felt my feet rising up in the air, 
 till I was standing on my head, houlding on for dear life, be the 
 knots and rough places inside the hollow log, which the baste 
 commenced shaking and pommeling on the ground, for all the 
 wurld like a pavier bating paving stones, and whin he thought 
 he had loosened me hould, he let the log go down with a bang 
 that fairly shuck the breath out of me, and quick as thought 
 made a dive at the ind of the log, but I was as far from him as 
 ever. Well, presently the head ris up, and by this and by that, 
 the black divil took me in his arms, log and all, and began 
 walking away wid me, till I felt him splashing in the water. 
 Tare and ages, sis I, I'm kilt now entirely ; he manes to droun 
 me, and shure inough he rolled the log in till it was under wather. 
 Well, boys, it's well I can swim like a duck, and can bate any 
 stone at diving. So before I was quite smothered, I took a 
 deep breath, floated quietly out of me hiding place, and dived 
 clane acrost the pond, till I kim up amongst the rushes, on the 
 other side, thin I took courage to raise me head and take a look. 
 There sat me gentleman on the top of the log to keep it down, 
 looking as knowing as you plase, and whin he thought he'd 
 kept me there long inough to drown me, he rowls the log 
 out and looked in at the ind of it. Ye'd have kilt your- 
 self laughing, to have seen the look he put on, whin he found me 
 gone ; he was fairly puzzled. But bears, me lads, is cute things, 
 and this one bate Banagher for cuteness ; he began now to walk 
 round the pond, and af course whin he kim forninst me, I put my 
 head under wather, and kept it there too till he wint by. Well, 
 when he had done sniffing and looking after my dead body, 
 thinks he, c his body must be at the bottom of the pond/ and 
 would ye's believe it, boys, he began tearing away the dam wid 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 155 
 
 the big paws of him, to draw the water off, and soon had it 
 running like mad through the sluice. Then he began walking 
 round the pond again. ' Holy Virgin, shure, I am lost now,' says I. 
 I took another dive for the sluice, and down I wint with the 
 stream, and kim up just below a bind in the creek, where I 
 landed and away for the bare life, towards a small Indian 
 encampment, that I knew was on the banks of the river, not 
 far off. Jist as I got within sight of the wigwams, as they call 
 them, I heard the same noise again, and be all that's great, 
 there was the bear after me again, but bedad he was too late 
 this time; I gave a yell ye'd have heard a mile off. The Indians 
 kim running out, and in less than half an hour they had the 
 divil kilt and the skin off him. A few days after, my father, 
 may the Heavens be his bed, sent me to Barrie, for something 
 was wanting, and somehow I thought I'd had enough of Canada, 
 and that me little brother Tim wid be the better of the estate, so 
 I made my way to Quebec, and from there to the ould country, 
 where I listed, and here I am, and," added O'Toole, reflectively, 
 " if, as some of yees says, there is the laste taste of rid in 
 my hair, by this and by that, it's that same fright I got wid 
 the bear turned it that color." Such exclamations as " Bravo, 
 bravo," " More power to your elbow;" " That you may never die," 
 and others of a similar nature that burst from his amused hear- 
 ers, shewed with what satisfaction he had been listened to. 
 " That is a very good story of yours, and you had a narrow escape 
 from a watery grave, but there is an ancient proverb, that the 
 man who is born to be hanged will never be drowned," maliciously 
 remarked Corporal Sims. " Oh thin, you are a purty boy, cor- 
 poral dear, has your mother any more like ye ; but the divil 
 a fear of your being hurt, had ye been in my place." " For 
 what reason, Bob," said I, the whole group looking enquiringly 
 towards him, "Arrah, gintlemen, shure the bears in Canada 
 don't ate carrion," was the response. The unfortunate man of 
 two cherrons wished he had kept his ancient proverb to himself, 
 the laugh had been so cleverly turned against him. 
 
156 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 AFTER the roars of laughter, had somewhat subsided, which had 
 greeted the yarn of the immortal Bob, Sergeant Vincent immersed 
 his moustache in some of Barkley and Perkins' dark-looking fluid, 
 greatly to his satisfaction, and having laid aside his long clay pipe, 
 began as follows : " I suppose you all know the black jungle near 
 Belgaum ; it was, and in fact is now, the favorite shooting ground 
 for the officers and men at that station ; principally because in 
 addition to deer, peacock, partridge, duck, and other game of a 
 similar nature, there are still to be met with, the tiger, cheeta, 
 hyena, and not unfrequently the brown bear. Many a trophy 
 has been brought in from there, and many a narrow escape from 
 loss of life and limb has been related by parties on their return 
 from a hunting expedition in the thickets of this jungle. What 
 I am about to relate, happened to two men belonging to a com- 
 pany of artillery that were doing duty at the fort, and who had 
 obtained leave of absence to go on a shooting excursion within 
 the jungle in question. They had very fair sport up to about 
 four, p.m., as their game-bag amply testified. They had quietly 
 seated themselves to take some refreshments, beneath the shade 
 of some bushes that grew near the bank of a small stream, which 
 ran rippling and murmuring with a cool refreshing sound through 
 the little valley where they halted. Both were tall, well-made, 
 muscular men, between thirty and forty years of age, and they 
 were dressed in shooting coats and overalls of checked cotton, 
 the manufacture of the country, with high hunting boots, stout 
 leather belts round their w,aists, while their heads were protected 
 from the heat of the sun by broad-leaved felt hats, around which 
 was twisted the common turban of India. One carried a double 
 barreled shot-gun, and a long stout hunting knife, stuck in his 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 157 
 
 belt ; the other had a carbine loaded with ball, as was likewise 
 the regulation holster pistol that he wore in his waist belt. They 
 had finished their meal ; one had filled his pipe and commenced 
 smoking, the other had gone to the stream to slake his thirst 
 with some of the clear element. As he was about to rise from 
 his kneeling position, he observed a pair of fierce gleaming eye- 
 balls fixed upon him from amidst the bushes that grew on the 
 opposite bank of the narrow rivulet. He had barely time to 
 rise, and draw his knife, when the creature, a monstrous hyena, 
 sprang upon him a frightful struggle ensued. Several times 
 did he bury his knife in the body of the animal, but to no pur- 
 pose ; the savage beast seemed to heed them not, but fixing his 
 immense paws on the man's right shoulder, tearing off the flesh 
 in one piece, down to the elbow ; the pain was so intense, that 
 with a shriek of anguish, the poor fellow sank fainting to the 
 ground. The cry aroused the attention of his comrade, who 
 sprang forward, and seeing the fate of his friend, levelled his 
 carbine, and fired at the creature, his shot taking effect in its 
 neck. Turning from the man with a hideous laugh, for which that 
 beast is noted, he sprang at the throat of the other, who, clubbing 
 his weapon, dealt many a heavy blow on the head of the brute, 
 but unfortunately in so doing, the carbine broke short off at the 
 small part of the stock. Dropping the now useless weapon, he 
 felt for his pistol, but to his dismay, he found that during the 
 struggle it had fallen from his belt, and lay at some distance 
 from him ; he was now powerless, but, in desperation, he, with 
 both hands, seized the brute by the head, and endeavored to 
 shake himself free from its grasp. But, alas ! he was but an 
 infant in strength compared with his enemy. He was nearly 
 exhausted ; his clothes had been torn to shreds, and blood issued 
 profusely from many a ghastly wound, inflicted by the teeth and 
 claws of the monster, on different parts of his body. At this 
 critical moment, a double report was heard quite close to the 
 scene of action, the hyena grinned horribly, and with a convul- 
 
158 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 sive gasp relaxed his hold, and fell dead, pierced through the 
 side by a couple of rifle bullets. Fortunately the captain of the 
 men's company likewise sought game in that neighborhood, and 
 had witnessed the first encounter from a slight eminence, at a 
 short distance. Rapidly, but without noise, he approached close 
 enough to the spot, under cover of the adjacent bushes, to make 
 sure of his aim, then fired, with the effect above related. After 
 some stimulants had been administered, both the men recovered 
 sufficiently to walk home. A few weeks' attendance at the 
 hospital enabled them to resume their duties ; it was a narrow 
 escape for them." " But what became of the hyena," I enquired. 
 " He was brought into camp during the evening by some natives, 
 who had been sent out for that purpose by the captain. He had 
 it skinned and stuffed, and it was usually kept in the Orderly 
 Room, and for all I know may be there to this day," he replied. 
 " Bedad, but it's mighty quare that I did not hear of that same 
 baste's story before," hiccuped the O'Toole, as he buried his 
 glowing visage in a porter pot. " Hark," said Sergeant Vincent, 
 " the trumpets are sounding off the first post, fill up my boys, 
 and let's drink the Queen's health, and confusion to her enemies," 
 which was done right loyally. " Long life to John Company, and 
 bad luck to all Rajahs and rebel Nagurs," hiccuped the O'Toole, 
 making a grasp at my arm to preserve his perpendicular, as I 
 rose to leave the tent, for the arrack punch had made considerable 
 impression upon him, so much so that I had some difficulty in 
 getting him home. As it had been a day of universal jollity, 
 we succeeded in reaching our lines unquestioned, though we were 
 not allowed long to enjoy our rest, or to remain inactive, for 
 about four o'clock the next evening, an order was issued by the 
 Commanding Officer for the re-forming of the light brigade, which 
 Was to march the following evening ats un-down, and by ten, 
 p.m., we found ourselves once more on the banks of the Kishna. 
 What direction we were to take after crossing, was known only 
 to the Brigadier in command. The next morning we made out 
 
OR, KOTJGHINa IT THROUGH LIFE. 159 
 
 way to the high-road that led to Neepanee ; halted at that 
 place during the night, afterwards turning off to our right, entered 
 the jungle the next morning by a cart track. Now it became 
 known that our destination was the fortress of Ranghur, on the 
 Hunmunt Ghaut, and the object of this forced march was to get 
 there before the rebels could establish themselves at that place. 
 After four days' inarching through a dense jungle, during which 
 time we had accomplished a distance of about ninety-seven 
 miles, found ourselves halted about sixteen miles from Ranghur, 
 to allow the artillery to come up. On the arrival of the 
 guns we again resumed our route. In consequence of the 
 intiicacies of the way, the cavalry were sent on some time in 
 advance, but the brigade started at the usual hour. It was a 
 lovely morning when we commenced our march. The moon 
 shone bright and clear ; the air was cool and refreshing ; the 
 heavy floods caused by the monsoons no longer drenched the 
 earth , all nature teemed with luxuriant wild vegetation, bright, 
 green and beautiful, and although it impeded our progress to some 
 extent, yet it was pleasant and cheering to look upon. The 
 month of December is in my opinion tbe most delightful time 
 of the season of the year in India ; that is in the Southern 
 Mahratta country. We had completed about half our distance, 
 when an aide-de-camp came hastily back to order the artillery 
 to the front at the trot, and the infantry to follow at the double. 
 The cavalry had been attacked, and were now engaging the 
 enemy. We pushed on as rapidly as possible, for a number of 
 their men had fallen. We soon came up with the doolies and 
 hospital paraphernalia of the cavalry. The medical staff sur- 
 rounded by a strong guard, were busily engaged in dressing, and 
 binding up the wounds of those who had suffered in the skir- 
 mish. It appears that at this spot a number of the enemy had crept 
 up the sides of a ravine concealed by the thick brushwood, and 
 poured in a heavy volley from their matchlocks, as they rode by, 
 putting Jiors-de-combat about twenty troopers. The enemy then 
 
160 NED FOKTESCUE ; 
 
 fled and rejoined their main body. Near a jambool bush, knelt a 
 fine-looking Mahommedan, a troop havildar, bending over the 
 dead body of his only son, who had been slain by the fire of the 
 murderous foe. He drew his sword in silence, and vowing on 
 his Koran, swore by both, and all that he held most dear, to 
 take bitter vengeance on the murderers of his gallant son ; then 
 springing into his saddle quickly overtook his troop. One of the 
 advance guard, who had lived some years in the neighbourhood, 
 said he knew a short cut that would speedily bring them into 
 the very heart of the rebel encampment. No sooner did this 
 become known through the regiment, than they were clamorous 
 and vehemently requested to be led on to them without delay. 
 The treacherous attack had roused their blood. The officer in 
 command acceded to their demand, and off they went at a hand 
 gallop. We pushed after them with all speed, but did not arrive 
 in time to take any part in the fight, for the artillery and cavalry 
 had driven and dispersed the Mahrattas effectually without our 
 aid. Many fled to the Fortress of Ranghur, leaving their dead, 
 wounded, and prisoners in our hands. It was a splendid affair ; 
 I heard it described by the European sergeant-major to a number 
 of our sergeants, who had gathered round him as he sat smoking 
 at the foot of a shady banyan tree. Our guide turned into a 
 narrow path ; here we dismounted, each trooper leading his 
 horse, for there was scarcely room for one at a time to pass. In 
 this way we advanced about one and a half miles as silently as 
 possible. The moon had gone down, the day had not yet 
 dawned, and all was dark around us, but the grey light of the 
 coming day became visible as we emerged from the jungle, and 
 entered a comparatively clear spot, where we formed to the 
 front by troops. This space had the appearance of a small park, 
 in front of which grew a large patch of joarree, under cover of 
 which we made this movement, by the leading file halting, the 
 remainder coming up into their positions. " Steady," cried our 
 commander, and the word forward was given, and with drawn 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 161 
 
 sabres we advanced a little to our front, and as the ground 
 opened, formed into line at a trot. Our guide now crept through 
 the corn, and soon returned with information, that the rebels in 
 large force, with artillery and some cavalry, were pitched not 
 more than a quarter of a mile on the other side of the grain 
 fields. Making a detour, we saw before us by the light cf the 
 coming day the burning matches of some of the enemy, who 
 acted as a sort of outlying picket. We then advanced without 
 sound of trumpet, the pickets fired their matchlocks at us, and 
 then fell back, in considerable consternation, so unexpected had 
 been our appearance. They were prepared to meet us, but not 
 from that point. Forward we went right at them, the blare of 
 the trumpets ringing on the fiank of each troop as we came in 
 full view of the foe. Their infantry in line, with a few guns and 
 cavalry on their flanks, came on to meet us ; they greeted us with 
 a heavy discharge of matchlocks, which caused many of our 
 troopers to fall dead or wounded from their saddles. Our colonel 
 now gave the word " prepare to charge," and the whole of the 
 cavalry, advancing first at a canter, then rushed on at the charge. 
 The enemy was enveloped in smoke, from which there came a 
 discharge of grape and canister that swept through our 
 line with frightful effect, while the surrounding hills rang with 
 the din of battle. " Gallop, charge," thundered the Colonel, and 
 on we dashed like an avalanche, knee to knee, and bridle to 
 bridle, the very earth seeming to shake beneath our horses feet ; 
 everything went down before us. Their infantry being unpro- 
 vided with bayonets or pikes, could not resist our terrific 
 onslaught, and after a few more discharges of matchlocks, turned 
 and fled in wild confusion. Our artillery opened upon them with 
 several discharges of spherical case, mowing them down like 
 grass. Their loss was immense, but their thorough knowledge of 
 the country enabled many to escape through the jungle. Their 
 cavalry, with their long steel-pointed spears, made several 
 ineffectual attempts to arrest our progress, but finding all lost, 
 
 21 
 
162 NED FOBTESCUE ; 
 
 sought their own safety in a rapid flight, leaving us masters 
 of the field. 
 
 " Do you see yonder havildar," said the sergeant-major, pointing 
 as he spoke to a fine-looking man, who was carressing his 
 horse while feeding ; " he is the finest man in the corps, and 
 made great havoc among the Mahrattas." He had a son 
 killed by them, early this morning, and vowing vengeance 
 against the whole race, fearfully did he keep his vow, for 
 no sooner was the word given to pursue, than he sprang 
 his charger two lengths in advance of his troop, and wheeling 
 to the left, dashed after a number that were flying down a 
 narrow track, hewing, hacking and cutting right and left, 
 every one he met with the powerful strokes of his avenging 
 sabre, and it was not until both horse and rider were nearly 
 exhausted that the work of slaughter was stayed. He then rode 
 slowly back to his troop, avenged. The number slain by his 
 single arm was almost incredible. Had the infantry arrived in 
 time they must all have fallen into our hands. As some time would 
 elapse before either the tents would arrive, or the breakfast be 
 ready, I strolled over to the scene of action ; it was a sad spec- 
 tacle. The wounded and dying were being removed for medical 
 treatment. The bodies of the fallen on both sides had been 
 gathered ; those of the Mahommedan faith to be buried, while 
 those of the Hindoo were conveyed to the funeral pile, the 
 smoke and flames from which soon burst forth and curled up- 
 wards, and the odour from this burning mass was offensive and 
 disgusting in the extreme. To European minds this ceremony 
 conveyed a sense of complete barbarism. Riderless horses were 
 caught, and not a few of the camp followers, those pests of the 
 army, were making their harvest by despoiling the bodies of the 
 slain. Weapons of all descriptions were scattered about ; many 
 were broken and useless. One of the cavalry standards, cut to 
 ribbons by bullets, was found among a heap of dead, with its 
 gallant bearer pierced through the heart lying lifeless beside 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 163 
 
 it, his noble steed quietly standing by the side of its late rider. 
 Nor were the ravens and kites absent from their sanguinary 
 banquet. The theatre of this bloody drama was both wild 
 and picturesque, with a dense jungle for a background the 
 open park-like table land, on the mountain tops, where the 
 conflict had raged so furiously, with its rugged peaks and numer- 
 ous cascades of bright falling waters dashing from crag to crag, 
 in their downward course, till they reached the stream, which 
 flowed through the valley below. From many spots a magnificent 
 view of the Indian Ocean could be obtained, which to those 
 whose eyes for many a month had looked upon nothing save 
 sandy plains and thick jungles, was a charming relief, and in 
 fact a great treat. From one of the numerous pretty promonto- 
 ries that jutted out above a deep ravine, to which I had the 
 good fortune to stray, and seating myself on a piece of rock 
 beneath the shadow of 'a clump of trees, I beheld the glorious 
 orb of day, rising from its ocean bed, its bright golden rays 
 lighting up the eastern hemisphere and smiling down upon the 
 fair face of nature's garden stretching out for many a mile 
 towards the sea shore, from the foot of that magnificent range of 
 Ghauts which have been so often and so ably portrayed by 
 writers on British India. 
 
 The countiy in the immediate vicinity of the Fortress of 
 Ranghur, presenting no facilities for the development of cavalry 
 evolutions, it was decided that they, together with a battalion 
 of native infantry, should be left here to act as a corps of 
 observation, while we, the remainder of the brigade, should 
 march on that place at an early hour the following morning. 
 We moved about daylight, and when the sun had dispelled 
 the clouds and vapours that surrounded us, we found Ranghur 
 to be situated on a rocky eminence of a similar height to 
 the table land on which we were marching, and approachable 
 on one side only by a narrow neck of land, whose steep and 
 almost precipitous sides rendered it very difficult for artillery or 
 
164 NED FOBTESCUE ; 
 
 bodies of infantry to cross, provided the occupants of the fort 
 were disposed to dispute the passage. A small village on the 
 verge of the Ghaut, where the track to the fort opened, was 
 immediately taken possession of by us, and a strong picquet 
 posted there. The inhabitants, after exchanging a few shots, fled 
 to the fort. A little later in the day an officer, with a flag of 
 truce, was sent to demand a surrender of the place, but having 
 been fired upon, returned without having effected anything. 
 During the afternoon the artillery was got into position at the 
 village above alluded to, and in the evening some shells were 
 thrown into the fort to let them know that we were within 
 range. Early the next morning an artillery man, who, during 
 the previous night had taken more grog than was quite good 
 for him, had wandered out of the camp and lost his way 
 in the jungle. After roaming about for a couple of hours, 
 and on emerging from some bushes, he was surprised to 
 find himself close to the principal gate of the enemy's works. 
 Crouching as near as possible to the wall, so that he might 
 not be observed, he began to meditate what he should do 
 to enable him to return to camp without being discovered. He 
 remained in this position about a quarter of an hour, and every 
 thing being quiet around him, he listened attentively, but 
 hearing no voices, he imagined the place was empty. Taking 
 courage, he crept softly up to the gate, and found the wicket 
 to his surprise was partially open. Looking about, and observing 
 no one, he cautiously entered and found that the place was 
 deserted, the enemy having evacuated the fort during the night, 
 taking with them everything of value that was portable. Having 
 satisfied himself of this fact, he returned quickly to camp, and 
 meeting the brigadier, who was walking alone, reported the 
 circumstance to him, omitting to say, however, that in conse- 
 quence of his having indulged in too much grog the night before 
 he wandered abroad, and while endeavoring to make his way- 
 back, came accidentally upon the fortress. But he accounted for 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 1C5 
 
 the discovery in such a plausible manner, that subsequently the 
 commander promoted him to the rank of sergeant. The place 
 was immediately taken possession of, and we found that one of 
 our shells had fallen among the retreating rebels, killing eleven 
 of them as they were making off by the rear gateway. A few 
 days afterwards, meeting the color sergeant of the company 
 coming from the C. 0. tent with the order book, I enquired if 
 there was anything new stirring. " Yes," he replied, " the heavy 
 brigade from Punnella are expected in the morning, and the light 
 brigade are to march to a new position, near the Vingorla road, 
 in order to endeavour to force our way down the Ghaut to 
 Seevapoore, a large village in the Sawaunt Warree jungle, near 
 the Fortresses of Monahar and Monsontosh, where the rebels 
 appear to have concentrated their entire force, and are 
 making a final stand ; but my dear fellow I believe that I ahall 
 soon have the pleasure of congratulating you on your promotion, 
 for the captain has just told me that your name has been favor- 
 ably mentioned in the general's dispatch to the government, and 
 it is expected by the officers that your dashing conduct at 
 Punnella, will be rewarded by a commission, but nothing is to 
 be said to you about it, until the reply from government arrives." 
 Thanking him for the information, and having heard something 
 of the rumor before, fervently hoped that it might turn out to be 
 correct. As " there is many a slip between the cup and the lip," 
 I did not allow my mind to dwell long upon it, I therefore busied 
 myself in preparing for the coming march, which had been 
 rendered necessary by the change in our base of operations, 
 
166 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 MoNAHAR and Monsontosh, are two rocky eminences rising out ol 
 the Sawaunt Warree jungle, which stretches from the foot of 
 the Ram Ghaut to the sea shore, between the ports of Vingorla 
 and Rutneegerry, and towering in altitude to nearly the level of 
 the Ghauts themselves, and on which two fortifications had 
 been constructed many years ago. The difficulty of access, and 
 the natural defences of these forts led the Mahrattas to the 
 belief that they were impregnable. Through the valley at their 
 base ran a broad but shallow stream, which, after crossing the 
 high road, and meandering through many a hollow and shady 
 dell, found its way to the sea near the Portuguese settlement 
 of Goa. On the bank of this stream, and immediately at the 
 foot of the Hunmunt Ghaut, stood the large and populous 
 village of Seevapoore, in which and the vicinity we found 
 the remnant of the rebel host who had escaped from our cavalry 
 at Ranghur. They had likewise conveyed large quantities of 
 provisions and munitions of war to the two mountain fortresses, 
 as a place of retreat and shelter, should we succeed in routing 
 them. Here, also, were congregated hundreds of " Budmashes," 
 thieves and vagabonds of all castes, who had an antipathy against 
 honest labor, and a propensity for plunder. These hordes 
 infested the public road leading from the sea-board to Belgaum, 
 Bellary, and other large military stations, murdering or maltreat- 
 ing all who fell into their hands, and plundering any vehicle that 
 passed without a sufficient escort. They pillaged the smaller 
 pettas, when the inhabitants refused to join or aid them in their 
 schemes against the Government. To put an end to this state 
 of "things, two small but effective brigades were organized and 
 despatched ; one to the top of the Ram Ghaut to keep open the 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 167 
 
 main road, and protect life and property, also to capture as many 
 of these scoundrels as could be pounced upon. The other to a 
 smaller Ghaut the name of which has escaped my memory, but 
 it was situated between the latter post and the heavy brigade on 
 the Hunmunt Ghaut in order if possible to force our way, (for 
 to this brigade my regiment belonged,) down some of the narrow 
 ravines to the valley below, and effect a junction with a force 
 that was to be sent from Vingorla to meet us, and separately or 
 conjointly rout the enemy, and if found necessary, reduce Seeva- 
 poore to ashes. After a three days' march through a dense jungle, 
 we arrived at the post assigned to us. The first thing to be 
 done, after taking up our position, was to pitch camp, entrench 
 it, and make our quarters as comfortable as possible. Reconnoit- 
 ering parties were next sent out to ascertain the possibility or prac- 
 ticability of a descent. On our arrival a few fellows showed them- 
 selves on the crest of the hill, and wasted a few shots on us, then 
 retreated, conveying information of our whereabouts to their 
 friends in the valley, who lost no time in stockading every 
 possible avenue that led to the plain below. " I tell you what 
 it is, Martin, these ruffians are trying to out-flank us," exclaimed 
 an officer of ours, who had charge of a party, consisting of fifty 
 of our men and about the same number of native rifles, who were 
 acting as coverers to a working party engaged in constructing 
 a road along a ravine, to get our light howitzers into play, 
 should opportunity offer. The remark was made to a handsome 
 young man, apparently about five-and-twenty, who was reclining 
 at full length on the soft mossy grass, beneath the shade of an 
 overhanging nym tree, puffing clouds of smoke from a genuine 
 Manilla, consoling and amusing himself from time to time 
 in knocking off the white ashes from the end of his cigar, with 
 the gloved tip of his little finger, without moving from his 
 recumbent position. This youth was an exquisite of the first 
 water, and affected all the peculiarities of that class, who usually 
 exist only in the drawing-rooms of St. James' and Pall Mall. I 
 
168 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 have said that he was very handsome ; he dressed always with 
 studied elegance, and his uniform fitted him to a charm. He wore 
 kid gloves on all occasions, and never condescended to wear any 
 other than patent leather boots. The air became impregnated 
 with the odour of some exquisite perfume whenever he flourished 
 his handkerchief, which he did frequently. During the day, 
 while moving about, except when on parade, he assumed a very 
 slow measured step ; never being hurried by any one, or any 
 thing, and in conversation affected a lisping drawl, most amusing 
 to listen to, whether the subject was of importance or of the 
 most trifling nature. On one occasion, when on duty as orderly 
 officer inspecting the rations of the men, a complaint was made 
 to him by the mess orderlies, that the meat furnished by the 
 contractor was not as good as it ought to have been, and not at 
 all to his own satisfaction, he turned to the butcher and said, 
 " Oh toom slaughter man, dooseerah, wackett toom, atcha, ghos, 
 ney langa, um toom, ko general Sahib report carrunga, so, toom, 
 decko non." What he meant to convey to the native butcher 
 was, that the next time he failed to supply good meat, he would 
 report him to the general, and that he had better look to it. 
 There was nothing peculiar in these words themselves, it was 
 the haw, haw, drawling, affected tone in which they were uttered, 
 and the superlative wave of the hand as he motioned the con- 
 tractor to fall back that was so irresistibly comic. Stern discipline 
 prevented our laughing outright ; but many a time since I have 
 enjoyed a hearty laugh whenever the incident crossed my mind. 
 All that he vouchsafed to do on the present occasion, was to 
 raise himself a little on his elbow, look through the small field- 
 glass that he always carried in the direction indicated.' Then, 
 in his most drawling and affected style, replied, " My dear fellow, 
 they have not the ghost of an idea of such a thing," and sank 
 back as if the effort had been almost too much for him. He was, 
 to use the expression common among the men of the brigade, 
 " an immense swell ;" but it was also well known to us all that 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 169 
 
 when bullets were Hying and swords and sabres flashing, there 
 was no braver or better officer in the force. If the rebels had not 
 a ghost of an idea of flanking us, they certainly had a very sound 
 and practical notion of it ; and if we had not changed our posi- 
 tion, by throwing back our right skirmishers and re-inforcing 
 them, we should have been out-flanked. On this being done, a 
 smart fusilade ensued, during which several of our men were 
 struck. Where was the dandy now ? All puppyism had vanished 
 with the report of the first rifle, leaving only the cool, efficient 
 officer, whose flashing sabre was seen waving and glittering where 
 the fire was hottest. Skirmishes of this kind became almost of 
 daily occurrence, in which many men were killed or wounded on 
 both sides, without any real advantage to either party. The day 
 before Christmas we received the unpleasant intelligence that 
 our supples in the shape of rations had run out, and none could 
 be issued until the arrival of the stores theii expected from Bel- 
 gaum. 
 
 It was Christmas morning, a balmy coolness pervaded 
 the air, the golden rays of the sun lit up the early dawn, and 
 fleecy vapour-like clouds floated across the blue vault of heaven ; 
 a heavy mist hung over the waters in the valley below, shrouding 
 from view both stream and village a sure indication that intense 
 heat woujd succeed as the day advanced. Christmas ! What 
 recollections ? what old associations were awakened within us as 
 the drums and fifes played through the camp some snatches from 
 old carols or Christmas ballads so well remembered in the happy 
 days of our childhood? Who could fail to remember (even 
 in the far distant lands of the heathen, with the sounds of 
 deadly strife constantly ringing on the ear,) the happy homes and 
 crowds of merry laughing children that gathered round the 
 social board and hearth at this festive season in dear old England ? 
 What visions of rich sirloins, fat roast turkeys, and the never 
 to be forgotten glorious plum-pudding, filled our hungry fancies, 
 
 for beef, either roast or boiled, could not be had, and certainly 
 22 
 
170 NED FORTESCTJE ; 
 
 plum pudding was not current among us that day ; besides, to the 
 annoyance of many, not a glass of grog could be obtained for 
 love or money. Fortunately we had plenty of good water and 
 some tobacco, so we drank and smoked, and drank and smoked 
 again, it being our only solace. Information was brought in 
 during the night that a large party of the enemy had got between 
 us and our supplies, but that word had been sent to the heavy 
 brigade concerning our situation, and no doubt they would soon 
 dislodge the scoundrels and open the roads. About ten o'clock 
 heavy firing was heard in the direction of our working parties, 
 and shortly after a sergeant came up for a reinforcement. Ac- 
 cordingly four companies of native infantry under a field officer 
 were sent to their assistance. The firing increased, and it was 
 not long before an officer came back at full speed for some Euro- 
 peans. His report was that the enemy had advanced cautiously, 
 firing with great effect, and retiring slowly ; that our men 
 had pushed on after them, when, on turning a bend in the 
 ravine, they came full on a large stockade, from behind which the 
 rebels poured forth a murderous volley. The men were falling 
 fast, and being unsupported by Europeans, could not hold their 
 ground, and in fact, had began to fall back." A detachment of 
 our regiment were told off without delay for this business; eighty 
 rounds of ammunition per man were issued, and in ten minutes 
 we were descending at the double to the post. As we 
 descended we met doolies conveying the bodies of those who had 
 fallen, and some of the most severely wounded, while those 
 more slightly wounded were hobbling along towards camp, 
 occasionally resting themselves under the shade of some neighbor- 
 ing bush, and as best they could staunching the blood that flowed 
 from their wounds, until picked up by some passing dooly. 
 "Ah, Major!" said young Campbell, a dashing officer of ours, as 
 we halted for a few moments to get breath before going into 
 action, " so you have got your Christmas box. I am afraid you 
 will not have as much jaw as usual at mess this evening." This 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 171 
 
 was said with a light laugh, without the least intention to hurt 
 the feelings or offend the person to whom it was addressed, for he 
 was a particular friend and associate. The wounded man looked 
 up with a faint smile and a nod of acknowledgment. He had 
 been shot through both cheeks, the ball carrying away his lower 
 teeth and fracturing the jaw to some extent. Little did the light- 
 hearted laughing Campbell dream that his ear would never again 
 listen to the chit-chat and badinage of the mess table ; that in a 
 few short fleeting moments, he that was now all life and spirit, 
 would be lying dead in the cleft of the rocky water-course he was 
 then descending. There was a hurried consultation among the 
 officers ; the Sepoys were ordered to fall back, and with firm step 
 and clenched teeth we advanced to the work of death. The first 
 and second stockades were carried in good style, but the third 
 was a regular rasper, much higher than either of the other two, 
 with a triple row of loop-holes and mounted with several jin- 
 gals. The ravine was much narrower here, and the sides more 
 precipitous. Our advance was met with a heavy discharge of 
 matchlocks and jingals from the front of the stockade. Both the 
 officers with the whole of the leading section went down, and 
 with the exception of a man named Thacker and myself all were 
 either killed or wounded. The second and third sections 
 suffered nearly as bad, for the approach to the stockade 
 was enfiladed by a number of the enemy, who poured. a continu- 
 ous discharge on us from behind some bushes of wild cactus that 
 grew on either side of the ravine. It was an infernal hole, and 
 our commander seeing the fearful odds that was against us, 
 humanely, though reluctantly, gave the order to fall back upon the 
 second stockade. Here a post was established,, in rear of which 
 our dead and wounded were carried. So much had been gained, 
 but at an awful cost of human life and blood. My left hand 
 man, Charles Matlow, of whom I have before spoken, was a man 
 of great personal courage ; he had been several years in London 
 where he worked as a stage carpenter at several of the minor 
 
172 NED FORTESCTJE; 
 
 theatres, acquiring a great taste for theatrical representations, and 
 was as an amateur, no mean performer in the parts he usually 
 assumed such as a brigand, the pirate, a rebel chieftain, or the 
 villains of the melodrama. Although a kind and good-natured 
 fellow, he had acquired a reckless habit of swearing, and his usual 
 oath or execration, was " bloody shoot me." He was shot bloody 
 enough ; he was fired upon from above, and the ball entering the 
 right temple, passed through his head, coming out at the neck, 
 separating the jugular vein. He bled profusely, and fell forward ; 
 but turning with his face upwards, in the same manner as I had 
 frequently seen him do on the stage, when playing his favorite 
 characters, and with a sound, half sigh half groan, died imme- 
 diately. Thacker and myself carried his body to the rear, and 
 placed it in a dooly. 
 
 It was late in the afternoon when we got back to camp, 
 tired, wearied and hungry, but had nothing wherewith to 
 appease our appetites. After washing away the stains of blood, 
 dust and gunpowder, and diminishing my thirst with a 
 long draught of good water, I flung myself on my pallet and 
 soon lost all consciousness in sleep. I had slept about a couple 
 of hours, when I was awoke by the bugle sounding the parade 
 call. We were to be present at the burial service which was to 
 be said over the bodies of the European portion of the force 
 that had fallen. The place of interment was a clear open space 
 at the rear of the camp a wild romantic spot among the hills, 
 surrounded by thick jungle over which perhaps the foot of man 
 had never before trodden. The mournful procession, if I remem- 
 ber right, advanced as follows : The firing party, with arms 
 reversed ; the band, with muffled drums, playing the " Dead March 
 in Saul ;" then came the bodies, borne in doolies on the shoulders 
 of their comrades ; next the men of different corps under their 
 respective non-commissioned officers, bare-headed, with their side- 
 arms only ; and lastly, the officers of the brigade with their 
 swords reversed. There being no chaplain with us, the senior 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 173 
 
 officer read the service in a clear, calm and audible voice, com- 
 mencing with that beautiful and solemn portion of the 
 Church service, " I am the Resurection and the Life, he that 
 believeth on me," &c. ; it was an affecting and impressive service. 
 As the last of the three volleys that final tribute of respect 
 always paid to the dead soldier echoed among the neighboring 
 hills, the last rays of the setting sun sank below the horizon, 
 to rise again on the morrow, but not for the glorious dead ; they 
 would never again look upon evening's sweetness or on morning's 
 glory. Indeed the scene and occasion was one to call forth deep 
 reflection. Death on the battle plain amid the booming of can- 
 non and clashing of the weapons of those engaged in bloody strife ; 
 the wild exulting shout of victory ringing on the ear, scarcely 
 at the time heeded for a soldier's death and a soldier's funeral 
 are two very different scenes but now many a tear fell and many 
 a gallant bosom heaved at the sad spectacle. A pyramid of small 
 stones at the foot of several trees here and there mark the spot 
 beneath which the heroes rest in that last sleep which knows no 
 waking until the final trumpet shall sound. This was indeed a 
 solemn way to end our Christmas day. 
 
 " And is it there ye are, and by jabers taking it as aisy as if ye 
 had dined with the Lord Lieutenant. The divil a soul would 
 believe it's fasting ye have been these three days," said O'Toole, 
 pushing aside the boughs beneath whose shade I had thrown 
 myself to smoke or sleep away the gnawing pangs of hunger. 
 " What is the matter, Bob," I enquired, " you seem excited." " Ex- 
 cited, and what is to hinder me. Haven't I been hunting for you 
 al 1 over camp, and isn't there lashings of ateing and drinking 
 going on, and be St. Patrick of blessed memory, won't the grog 
 bugle be after sounding in the twinkling of a shillalah. Excited, 
 be the hokey, I soon will be, or I'm no O'Toole." I needed no 
 further spur to accelerate my movements, but accompanied my 
 chum to the rear of our tents, where a number of camp followers 
 were vending to a group of hungry soldiers such edibles as black 
 
174 NED FORTESOUB ; 
 
 pudding, fried sausages, cow-heel, curry liver cut in slices and 
 stewed with onions and green chillie, eggs and bacon, scons or 
 pancakes and hoppers made of rice flour, and cocoa-nut milk 
 with plenty of hot coffee. The rations had just been isued, and 
 the cooks were preparing them, three meals in one, but few of 
 us waited for that, nearly all had money wherewith to purchase 
 the savory and to us tempting morsels prepared by the camp 
 followers, and as Bob had predicted, it was not long before the 
 grog bugle rang out far and near, which was greeted with a 
 rousing cheer. It appeared that the general commanding had 
 sent a couple of regiments of cavalry, who coming unawares 
 upon the rebels from their rear, had routed them and thus opened 
 the road for our stores to come on. 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 175 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 OUR attempt to force a passage down the ravine was attended 
 with so great a loss in killed and wounded, that it was not deemed 
 expedient to renew it. And it subsequently appeared that our 
 loss was comparatively small to what it must have been had we 
 continued to advance in that direction, for stockades had been 
 constructed in great numbers for upwards of two miles. Securely 
 sheltered behind these the enemy could, with little loss to them- 
 selves, shower destructive volleys as we advanced, and then retire 
 to their next, and so on. A couple of days later the Brigadier, 
 who with the Engineer staff had been exploring the neighborhood 
 on our right flank, chanced upon a spot that suited the pur- 
 pose they had in view. It was a large overhanging cliff, called 
 the Elephant Bock, from its shape and resemblance to that ani- 
 mal. The greater part of the rock, towards the base, was a 
 perpendicular scarp, at the foot of which there was a spur or 
 narrow ridge, sloping down to the small plain where stood the 
 village of Seevapoore. To this position the greater portion of the 
 brigade was removed. On the verge of the cliff a large der- 
 rick was erected, to which was attached by short chains, a ladder 
 some two hundred feet in length, constructed of rope and bamboo. 
 This was thrown over the face of the cliff, by which means we 
 were to descend one by one. It was a novel idea, and one which 
 had by no means been anticipated by the enemy, only a small 
 number of them being observed in that direction. As soon as the 
 arrangements were complete, a few small mortars were placed 
 near the edge, with just a sufficient quantity of powder to force 
 the shells over the rock. Volunteers were called out to form the 
 advance party to descend the ladder. A sufficient number 
 sprang forward at the first call, but a controversy arose as to who 
 
176 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 should lead the party. I claimed the honor by virtue of having 
 led the Forlorn Hope at Punella. This was disputed by our swell 
 friend of the Rifles. The case was referred to the Brigadier, who 
 decided in favor of Lieutenant Martin ; it being the province of 
 an officer to lead his men into action and where danger most 
 threatened, but in consideration of my former service, I was per- 
 mitted to be the second to descend this exciting though perilous 
 downward course. Just prior to starting a few shells were dropped 
 below, in order to make the jungle at the foot of the cliff especi- 
 ally uncomfortable to such of the foe as might be prowling about 
 in that vicinity. The command to descend was at length given, and 
 young Martin sprang on to the ladder with his sabre swung by the 
 sword knot to his wrist, to admit of his using both hands going 
 down. He had likewise between his clenched teeth by the trig- 
 ger guard a double barrel pistol. He had only descended about five 
 rungs of the ladder when he was greeted by a shower of match- 
 lock balls, or rather pieces of rod iron cut about an inch in 
 length, two of which took slight effect in his arm and in the 
 leg, and the third struck the barrel of the pistol, sending it 
 flying, with three of the front teeth of the gallant lieutenant. So 
 great was the shock that he thought half his head was off, and he 
 was compelled to return. I now took the lead and fortunately 
 my nautical experience enabled me to descend rapidly and with 
 great ease, and quickly followed by the remainder of the party. 
 We were favored with a volley, but it must have come from 
 a greater distance, as few of the shots took eftect. One earned 
 away my left shoulder knot, but drew no blood. While forming 
 upon the ridge, a few of our number got hit, but as we advanced 
 the insurgents retreated to Seevapoore. On arriving at the 
 plains, we halted until the whole force had descended and joined 
 us. We lost no time in preparing for an attack on the devoted 
 village. It was to be altogether an infantry engagement on our 
 side, as it was not quite an easy matter to lower horses and 
 artillery from the heights to the plain below. The ball was 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 177 
 
 opened by our skirmishers firing upon those of the enemy, on 
 the opposite bank of the stream, which was about knee-deep 
 where we crossed. At first they seemed determined to resist, 
 but the accuracy and rapidity of our fire told fearfully among 
 them, and after some twenty minutes of hot work, they bolted 
 to the cove rof the village. We posted on after them, and a 
 fierce contest raged upwards of two hours. The enemy were 
 defeated at all points ; those who escaped sought safety in flight 
 through the jungle in the direction of Monnahar and Monson- 
 tosh. The half of Seevapoore had been burnt to the ground 
 before the scoundrels could be effectually routed. We now 
 
 waited for instructions from General D , relative as to what 
 
 was to be done, concerning the fortresses of Monnahar and 
 Monsontosh. On the day preceding the capture of Seevapoore> 
 I received instructions to return to camp, on the top of the 
 Elephant rock, and to wait on the officer in command. This was 
 regarded by my friends as being very significant, and I left them 
 in high expectation of some coming event of importance to my 
 future well-being ; and so it turned out, for on my arrival, I was 
 handed a despatch from the general commanding, announcing 
 rny promotion, with an appointment in the Quarter-master 
 General's Department, with directions to report myself at the 
 head-quarter camp heavy brigade forthwith. This was joyous 
 news indeed, for I had by an act of daring which could have 
 been done by any one else possessing presence of mind and 
 having the same opportunty, cleared at a bound many of the 
 rungs of the ladder of promotion. My friends, comrades* 
 and others, congratulated me when they heard of my good 
 fortune, and after bidding them a hearty farewell, I left 
 the sphere in which I had seen so much rough-and-tumble life. 
 Procuring a guide, and a powerful young horse which I had 
 purchased at the bazaar, I soon mounted and made my way to 
 the Hunmunt Ghaut, where I reported myself to the Quarter- 
 master General, and without delay was installed in my new 
 
178 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 office. The force from Vingorla having joined the light brigade, 
 the whole of the Sawaunt Warree jungle was thoroughly scoured, 
 and the rabble captured or dispersed, with the exception of those 
 who had sought the shelter of Monnahar and Monsontosh. The 
 Sappers and Miners, with the assistance of large working parties 
 from the different corps, soon constructed roads down the ravines 
 to the valley, by which means the artillery and heavy ordnance 
 stores were transported to the base of the acclivity on which 
 stood the last two strongholds of the insurgent Mahrattas. Two 
 divisions were then formed ; one consisting of Her Majesty's 
 troops, who were to mak.e the false attack, to be converted into a 
 real one if opportunity oifered ; the other, those of the Company's 
 service, who were to lead the real attack. The mortars having 
 been got into position on several parts of the steep ascent, the 
 enemy were treated to salvos of shells, with a view of making 
 the place too hot to hold them. The signal for the combined 
 assault was given, and the whole force moved forward, toiling 
 and struggling up the rocky eminence, till they gained the sum- 
 mit, and then the fight began in earnest. In about an hour, 
 both places were carried in grand style, and the remnant of the 
 rebel horde, supplies, and loot, &c., were captured. The fortifica- 
 tions were then dismantled, and our men returned to camp beside 
 the clear stream which ran through the valley, where we remained 
 for some few weeks. By this time the rebellion had been entirely 
 crushed ; peace and quietness restored throughout the entire 
 Southern Mahratta country, and the Mahratta chiefs taught a 
 lesson they were not likely to forget in a hurry. The General 
 in Chief received instructions to break up the force, and order 
 them to return to their several stations. The campaign having been 
 brought to a satisfactory close, my post on the Quarter-master 
 General's staff was consequently abolished, and I rejoined my 
 regiment at Belgaum. However, I did not remain long doing 
 regimental duty, for the Government, in consideration of the 
 services I had rendered at Punnella and elsewhere, bestowed a 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 179 
 
 civil appointment on me, as chief of a division of police at the 
 Presidency, a position which for some time I had been anxious 
 to obtain. Shortly after my arrival in India, I began to study 
 hard to acquire a knowledge of the native language. I now 
 spoke Hindoostanee fluently, with a tolerable smattering of 
 Mahratta and Goozeratee, and passed my examination in good 
 order. Without a knowledge of the vernacular, I should not 
 have been eligible for this position ; therefore it was with unfeigned 
 satisfaction that I proceeded to Bombay to take up the duties of 
 my new appointment. Scinde and Afghanistan were quiet, and 
 the Mahrattas had learnt a severe lesson during the recent 
 campaign, consequently there was no likelihood of another 
 outbreak taking place for some time to come. The monotonous 
 routine of regimental duty at up-country stations, far removed 
 from the pleasures of civil life, was to me irksome in the 
 extreme ; therefore, the change from a dull cantonment to the 
 gay capital, was highly satisfactory to one who had for so 
 long a period looked on the latter only from a respectful 
 distance. 
 
 The Island of Bombay, the capital of the Presidency and 
 the seat of government, is about eleven miles in length, and 
 three in breadth. The fort or citadel is encompassed on three 
 sides with walls of solid masonry, and surmounted with bristling 
 cannon of heavy calibre ; surrounded by a wide deep moat, and 
 entered by three double gates, protected by ponderous portcullies 
 and heavy draw-bridges. Its principal buildings are the castle, 
 mint, barrack, custom-house, cathedral, supreme court of judica- 
 ture, dock-yard, town hall, and other public offices. The island 
 formerly belonged to the Portuguese, but on the marriage of Char- 
 les the Second of England with Catherine of Braganza, a prin- 
 cess of Portugal, it was ceded to the British as her dower. The 
 original settlers did not however remove, and there are still a large 
 number of their descendants on the island. Many turned their 
 attention to the study of medicine, and were employed as private 
 
180 . NED FOETESCUE ; 
 
 practitioners, while several entered the military and naval service 
 of the Company as apothecaries and stewards to the hospitals. 
 Others entered the secretariat and other public offices as clerks ; 
 but by far the greater number are hired as domestic servants, and 
 are be found as such in every large station throughout the Presi- 
 dency. But certainly the most energetic and enterprising race are 
 the Parsees, who are chiefly merchants, shop keepers, and dock- 
 yard employe's ; in fact the principal or master builder is a Par- 
 see. As a community they are rich and influential, and the only 
 caste that has had the honor of knighthood conferred upon them. 
 The present Baronet is Corsetjee Jamsetgee, son of the late 
 Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy, better known among the natives as 
 the Bottle Walla, from the fact of his having started in life by 
 selling empty bottles. He subsequently amassed an immense 
 fortune by opium and other speculations. He was widely known 
 for his benevolence and generosity, having erected an hospital 
 and endowed a medical college for the native population. The 
 Mussulmen are furniture dealers, ship-brokers and boatmen. The 
 Banians deal in grain, groceries, oil, drugs and dye-stuffs. The 
 Borahs in dry goods, cotton and ready-made clothing, while 
 Arabs, Moguls, and Persians trade in horses, carpets, perfumes, 
 hookas, pipes of all descriptions, coffee and sherbet. The Me- 
 mons from Cutch are gold and silver smiths and dealers in 
 precious stones. A peculiar caste called Marrwarries are pawn- 
 brokers and money changers. Very few Europeans live in the Fort ; 
 they chiefly reside at Girgaum, Mazagon, Byculla and Tardeo 
 on Malabar hill. The Governor's principal residence is at Parreel, 
 five miles from the Fort. There is a very large native town out- 
 side the citadel and beyond the esplanade, where thousands of 
 artizans earn their daily bread by carrying on their different avo- 
 cations. There is little in the shape of amusement for Europeans 
 except what they create among themselves. There is a good 
 theatre where some excellent amateur performances occasionally 
 take place. There is also a first-class race-course, as racing is en- 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 181 
 
 tered into with great spirit by both European and native, and large 
 sums of money exchange hands during the racing season. There 
 were quite a number of balls and public breakfasts given at the 
 Government House, which excellent example was followed by all 
 the members of the Council, and principal merchants. The native 
 dignitaries frequently gave grand entertainments to the European 
 gentry. The uniform of the service and the dress coat of the 
 civilian being a sufficient passport, there were no invitations 
 issued ; but the privilege of entry is granted by circular notifica- 
 tion published in the newspapers. There is at Byculla an excellent 
 institution or school for the orphans of soldiers ; the boys are 
 educated and then put to some employment ; some are trained as 
 engineers and employed as such on board the small steamers that 
 run to Vingorla, Surat and other ports on the coast. Many 
 find a field of labor in the dock-yard, while others are 
 clerks in public offices, and several enter the army and 
 navy. The girls are kept at the institution until they marry. 
 A great many find partners in life among the young men 
 who have been brought up at the school and are doing well 
 in the world, but by far the greater number are married 
 to non-commissioned officers, soldiers and sailors. As the 
 modus operandi of the courtship is somewhat peculiar, I can- 
 not refrain from attempting a description of it. The practice 
 may have been altered since, but some years ago it was certainly 
 as nearly as possible as follows : The soldier who wishes to 
 become a candidate for matrimony obtains permission from 
 his Colonel, and provided with a letter of representation as to 
 character, &e., waits on the chaplain of the institution, and from 
 him receives a note to the matron who blandly receives him, and 
 forthwith parades some twelve or fifteen girls all in a row 
 in order that he may select his intended. After walking 
 down the line, and taking a good look at each, he desires the 
 matron to call out Nos. 3, 5, 7, 12, or 1, as the case may be, and 
 the others are sent back to their rooms. The matron then 
 
182 
 
 gives the aspirant for matrimonial honors the names of the five 
 young women, and requests him to return on the following 
 evening to take tea with herself and the girls in question, to 
 which of course he assents. The evening having been spent 
 together, and just as he is about to leave, he makes an offer to 
 the one he prefers ; she is at liberty to refuse or accept ; and if 
 her answer is negative, he then proposes to the second on the 
 list, and so on till he is accepted. But the girls rarely refuse, 
 being in most cases anxious to leave school for an establishment 
 of their own. On consent being given, he is informed when the 
 ceremony will take place ; the institution being at all expenses 
 attending the wedding, the bride being furnished with a com- 
 plete outfit for her new position in life. "VVhen the ceremony is 
 over, the happy pair then proceed to join the regiment to which 
 the bridegroom belongs, which at that time might have been 
 stationed several hundred miles up the country. 
 
 Prior to the opening of the overland route, very few ladies 
 came out to India. The long sea voyage which then occupied 
 from five to six months, was the great stumbling block that 
 deterred many who would otherwise have joined husbands or 
 relations in that distant land. It was chiefly owing to the absence 
 of the society of their fair countrywomen, that the European 
 having been removed from all restraint of their relatives, followed 
 the bent of their inclinations, and indulged in those sensual 
 excesses usally practised by Orientals of all classes. It was then 
 the rule and not the exception, for officers of rank and rich 
 civilians, to form illicit connection with beautiful women of the 
 native community, who were usually entertained in handsome 
 apartments in their own bungalows. Fortunately this state of 
 things is rapidly dying out, and I believe at present seldom 
 resorted to, thanks to the overland route and the accession of many 
 European ladies to the country. There is rather a good story 
 current in India, relative to the said overland route. I do not 
 vouch for its accuracy, but I know that it is pretty generally 
 
OB, BOtJGHING IT THBOUGH LIFE. 183 
 
 believed. An officer of the Company's service, who had been a 
 considerable time in Egypt, Arabia and Aden, conceived the idea 
 of the practicability of shortening the passage from India to 
 Europe, via those countries. He communicated his impressions to 
 a rich old nabob, who had retired from the service, and was 
 living luxuriantly in the most delightful part of the presidency. 
 The old gentleman who been been much in the parts mentioned by 
 the lieutenant, agreed to furnish the capital required for carrying 
 out this project, but wished that strict silence should be kept on 
 the subject until they had fully embarked in the undertaking. 
 The young officer then started overland for the purpose of 
 taking sketches, diagrams, &c., of the proposed line of route, 
 and afterward returned to India, but had only arrived a short 
 time, when by the failure of one of the principal banks of the 
 country, his patron's immense wealth was swallowed up in the 
 general wreck. Instead of wasting time in vain regrets, he at 
 once sent for his young friend, and explained to him what had 
 taken place, and said, " Now is the time to test in our persons 
 the possibility of your scheme ; can I but reach England before 
 the news of the great smash arrives there, I may be in time to 
 save my fortune, in which case I will place two-thirds of it at 
 your disposal for the construction of the route." To this pro- 
 posal the lieutenant gladly assented. They started, and within 
 seven weeks these energetic men were in London. The old 
 nabob lost no time in transferring his capital to another banking 
 establishment, and left for India two months before the news of 
 the great failure reached England, taking on their return the 
 route which has since proved such a signal success. For some 
 time after this line had been completed, there were com- 
 paratively few ladies who availed themselves of the great facility 
 which was afforded thereby, and consequently there was still a 
 scarcity of the fair sex throughout the country. 
 
184 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 THE following incident will serve to shew or illustrate the truth 
 of the concluding paragraph of the last chapter. A few years ago, 
 during my sojourn at Sallampoor, in Rajahpootana a very pretty 
 station, but as usual, blessed with very few of the fair sex there 
 were, between military and civilians, some sixty-five gentlemen, 
 and only eight ladies, all married. Not a miss in her teens within 
 several hundred miles ; therefore, you may imagine our balls and 
 parties were not the most brilliant or entertaining in the world, 
 but there was no help for it, for the same thing had gone on for 
 years, and consequently we got used to it. However, one fine 
 morning after parade, our major who had dined at the cavalry 
 mess the night previous, communicated to us the welcome intel- 
 ligence, that a beautiful young, accomplished unmarried lady, 
 was shortly expected from England. She was coming to her 
 uncle, the prince of good-fellows, the staff" surgeon. This was 
 glorious news ; and immediate arrangements were made to hail 
 her arrival at the station, in a manner worthy of the occasion. 
 Amateur theatricals were got up ; a ball was inaugurated, and a 
 ten days' pic-nic resolved upon. All the young men curled their 
 hair, twisted their moustaches, and made themselves as killing 
 as possible, in order to fascinate the young lady, and secure her 
 as speedily as might be, but the odds were in favor of the 
 brigadier, who was very handsome, and quite the ladies' man ; 
 besides he was reported to be very rich, and not at all averse to 
 matrimony. All preparations for the lady's reception had been 
 completed, and every one was on the tip-toe of expectation, when 
 the worthy surgeon received a letter with the astounding 
 announcement that his niece had embarked at Southampton on 
 board the P, and 0. Company's mail steamer Sultan, for the East. 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 185 
 
 That on the passage she had suffered much from sea-sickness, and 
 was attended by the surgeon of the vessel, and it having been a 
 regular case of love at first sight, the affair was ended in their 
 marriage on the arrival of the ship at Alexandria. The happy 
 couple were united at the chapel of the British Embassy, and 
 they returned to England by the same steamer ; therefore we 
 were left lamenting it was a decided sell. 
 
 Quite a number of young gentlemen constantly arrive in India 
 with the most absurd notions regarding the habitats of the 
 animal creation, arising no doubt from the many tough yarns 
 imposed upon them during their long voyage ; consequently on 
 landing they expect to meet boa constrictors, tigers and other 
 wild animals at every street corner. I remember a circumstance 
 that took place during my stay at Bombay, and which afforded 
 considerable amusement to my friends and myself. I was sitting 
 in the office of my friend Craig, editor of one of the daily journals, 
 who had a pet tiger, which he kept chained on the leads outside 
 his office window. The chain was sufficiently long to admit 
 of his putting his paws on the sill and looking in, which 
 occasionally he was in the habit of doing. On the day in 
 question, a young ensign of recent importation called at the 
 office and was standing conversing with my friend with 
 his back towards the said window. Now, Craig was a fellow full 
 of fun, and fond of practical jokes ; in looking up from his desk, 
 he observed the tiger, and, deeming it an opportunity too good to be 
 lost, without moving his position, called out to his native servant, 
 " Luximon, be quick, hand me my rifle ; here is another of those 
 infernal tigers." The ensign turned about and to his horror and 
 consternation, beheld the head of the enormous brute within a 
 few inches of him. Uttering a shriek of dismay, and with terror 
 depicted on every lineament of his fair young face, he sprang 
 through the door, down the staircase, and never stopped till he 
 gained the shelter of his palanquin. During the five years 
 
 in which I held my appointment, I had an opportunity of wit- 
 24 
 
186 NED FOKTESCUE ; 
 
 nessing a great deal of the under current and private doings of 
 society both European and native. However, I am not going to 
 inflict upon my readers the experiences of a police officer, but 
 there was an episode which took place during my term of office, 
 that I fancy possesses a sufficient amount of interest to wan-ant 
 its introduction in these pages. 
 
 It was a glorious morning in October, the monsoons had sub- 
 sided, and left all nature clad in verdant beauty. A gentle breeze 
 played among the picturesque branches and groves of noble palms, 
 and wafted upwards sweet odours from the numerous plants and 
 many-hued parasites that grew in great luxuriance on the sunny 
 slopes that stretched away towards the sea. Over the tops of 
 the fragrant pomegranate trees could be discerned the silver waters 
 of the bay, on whose rippling bosom glided hither and thither the 
 gaily painted bunder boats, and those belonging to the vessels 
 that crowded the harbor, their white sails gleaming in the golden 
 beams of the morning sunlight. In the back ground, rose the 
 wooded heights of Elephanta, that island so famous for the superb 
 sculpture of its extraordinary caves. I was reclining on an 
 ottoman in my private office, facing an open window, inhaling 
 the rich perfume of some magnificent wild honeysuckle that 
 hung in festoons, and interlaced the lattice work of the verandah, 
 throwing a cool shade into the apartment, and while thus gazing 
 on the quiet scene below, I was debating in my mind, whether to 
 jump into my palkee and be carried to the fort, or indulge in 
 that oriental luxury, a bath and siesta during the excessive heat 
 of the noon-day sun, when a door that led to the entry which 
 communicated with my tastefully fitted up bachelor quarters, 
 suddenly opened, and Acbar Ali, my private orderly, one of the 
 smartest detective officers in the force, entered, making his usual 
 profound salaam. " What is it T I inquired, glancing in his direc- 
 tion. "A European Sahib wishes to see you in private," was the 
 reply. " Do you know the gentleman," said I, without moving 
 my position, " I have seen him before, but it is evident he does 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 187 
 
 not wish to be recognized by any but yourself," quietly answered 
 the havildar, in Hindostanee. Although master of several native 
 languages, he could not speak five consecutive words in English. 
 " Show him into the library, and say I will be with him in a few 
 minutes." He saluted and retired. I knew it would be useless 
 to conjecture as to whom the visitor might prove, for my position 
 as chief of police brought me in contact with all classes of socity. 
 I went to my dressing room, and having made a slight addition 
 to my toilet, entered the so-called library, for in fact it was my 
 smoking room and general sanctum sanctorum, by a small door 
 partially concealed by a moveable screen, where I had an oppor- 
 tunity of observing my visitor unseen. He was a tall, handsome 
 figure, and apparently about 28 years of age. His features 
 reflected in an opposite mirror, for he was standing with 
 his back towards me, were ivgular and finely cut; the lower 
 part of the face was concealed by a heavy beard, moustache and 
 whiskers of raven hue, which contrasted strangely with the few 
 curls of rich brown hair that escaped from beneath the folds of 
 the silken puggree that encircled his sola topee. His whole figure 
 was familiar to me, but I could not at the moment remember 
 when or where we had met. My orderly was right ; he was for 
 some purpose or other in disguise. " Is this visit intended for 
 the chief of police, or are you the bearer of any message or com- 
 mission from a friend T was my enquiry, as I stepped further 
 into the room. At the sound of my voice, he turned, advanced 
 two or three steps towards me, and exclaimed, " Fortescue, are we 
 alone T I replied in the affirmative. He then removed his hat, 
 and with it the beard and whiskers alluded to, and disclosed the 
 handsome though pallid features of my friend and comrade Oscar 
 Pemberton ! " What my dear fellow, where on earth did you 
 spring from ? Why this disguise ? But you are unwell, let me 
 give you some wine. Nay I insist," said I, filling out a tumbler 
 of iced sherry, and forcing him to take it. He swallowed it evi- 
 dently with reluctance and more with a view of satisfying me 
 
188 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 than from any benefit he expected to derive from it, or to remove 
 the depression under which he was laboring. " Fortescue," said 
 he as he placed the half emptied glass on the table, " tell me, but 
 do not tamper with me, have you seen or heard anything of 
 Clara ?" Of Clara !" said I in astonishment. " Why, I under- 
 stood she was in Europe ?" " She is in Bombay," he replied 
 gloomily. " Impossible, I must have seen her name among the 
 list of passengers," I reiterated. " Nevertheless, she is, or was 
 here. Listen while I explain myself more fully. About six 
 months ago I was prevailed upon by my family in Europe, much 
 against my better judgment, to allow Clara to pay a visit to Eng- 
 land, especially as I was unable to accompany her. It was a 
 hard trial to me, parting with one I so dearly loved, and who, 
 I had long believed, loved me with equal tenderness. I finally 
 consented, and she sailed for England. Four months passed. I 
 had letters from her frequently during her stay. At length I 
 received one to say that she was going up to London to spend a 
 few weeks with some distant relatives of her father's whom she 
 had met, and that she would embark for Bombay on the mail 
 steamer, that would arrive here on or about the third of the 
 month. Unable to obtain leave of absence, I wrote to Shirlock, of 
 the Ordnance Department, who with his family were residing on 
 the Esplanade, and requested him to go on board, and fetch Clara 
 ashore, and give her apartments in his bungalow, until I could 
 make arrangements to send for her. Judge of my surprise and 
 consternation, when I received a letter from my friend Shirlock, 
 to this purport, ' That he had boarded the English mail very 
 shortly after her arrival, but that Mrs. Pemberton was not there !' 
 A lady calling herself Mrs. Percival Clifford, and who answered 
 exactly to the description of my wife, had embarked at South- 
 ampton, and had left the vessel with one of the gentlemen pas- 
 sengers in the first bunder boat that had come along side ; but no 
 one knew which of the passengers had accompanied her, nor had 
 he up to the time of writing, obtained any clue to her where- 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 189 
 
 abouts. I had a sad foreboding that some scoundrel had either by 
 force or sophistry, persuaded her to leave one that loved her more 
 than life, in order that she might minister to his licentious pas- 
 sions. And now, my dear fellow, I believe that you are the only 
 one that can assist me in this sad emergency. I know that in asking 
 you, I shall not meet with a refusal or a lukewarm assistance ?" 
 " My dear Oscar, are you not too hasty at jumping at a conclu- 
 sion ? Clara may not have left England, and your friend may 
 have been misled in the description given of the lady, Mrs. Per- 
 cival Clifford, that would warrant the supposition that she was 
 your wife. However, I will leave no stone unturned to ascertain 
 the facts of the case. This I can easily do through the agency 
 of my secret police." He appeared to be satisfied, and thanked 
 me warmly for taking the whole matter in hand. He had 
 left his station without leave of absence, hence his disguise, 
 and the necessity of his immediate return, or his absence 
 might be discovered by his superiors, and lead to further trouble. 
 I obtained from him his wife's portrait, the better to enable me 
 to prosecute my search. It gave him much pain to part with it, 
 but he saw the propriety of my request. I promised to write to 
 him full particulars of what transpired should I succeed in tracing 
 the lady. I was to obtain an interview, and report the result 
 to him, and forward her address, so that he could if he 
 wished communicate with her in writing. He then took 
 his leave, having to call upon his friend Shirlock, prior to his 
 departure on the evening boat for Surat. Determined to lose no 
 time in ascertaining whether my friend's wife had in any way 
 compromised herself, and if so, to what extent and with whom, I 
 returned to my office, and sent my orderly to the head clerk, for 
 a list of the passengers arrived by the last overland mail. He 
 returned in a few minutes, and hsftided it to me, when I found 
 the name of Mrs Percival Clifford. " Acbar Ali, tell the Purvo 
 Ramchumder, to get this copied into Mahratta. Then go to the 
 Town Major's, Adjutant General's office, and anywhere else, that 
 
190 NED FOETESCUE; 
 
 may be necessary, and find out how many of these persons have 
 gone up country, and how many remained in Bombay, and where 
 they are at present residing, and let me have your report early 
 to-morrow morning." The detective took the list, made his 
 salaam, and vanished. Thus having set matters in train, I in- 
 dulged in the siesta before alluded to. The following morning 
 after the usual routine of my duties had been gone through, I 
 summoned my orderly to make his report, which he did, reading 
 it off as follows : " Of the passengers arrived by the steamship 
 China, seventeen had left the Island, and six remained, Major and 
 Mrs. Selby Hope, Hall Hotel, Mazagon ; L. P. Sandhurst, Civil 
 Service, at his bungalow, Race Course Road, By culler ; Ensigns E. 
 Comee, J. Bemick, attached to the companies European Regi- 
 ment stationed at Colaba, and Mrs Percival Clifford, residence 
 unknown." "Am I to find out V said he looking up, as he 
 finished reading his report. " Not at present, but you may tell 
 the Hamalls to bring my palanquin round to the office door, and 
 do not leave here on any account until my return, as I then may 
 require you." 
 
 The first point for me to determine was, whether Mrs. Percival 
 Clifford and Mrs. Oscar Pemberton were one and the same person, 
 I prepared myself for a visit to the Hope Hall Hotel. Writing 
 the lady's name on a card, and placing the portrait with it in my 
 sabretash, I jumped into my palkee. " Is Major Shelby staying 
 here T I inquired of the proprietor of that establishment, half 
 an hour later. " Yes, Sir, you will find him in yonder verandah" 
 pointing across the spacious hall replied that polite indi- 
 vidual. Advancing in the direction indicated, I found the 
 gentleman in question. " Good morning, major, are you disen- 
 gaged for a few minutes ?" I inquired as I approached. " I am 
 at your service, Sir ; but you have the advantage of me," he 
 replied, bowing politely. I handed him my card. " Chief of 
 Police !" said he, looking up enquiringly ? I bowed. " To what 
 am I indebted for this visit, or in what way can I serve you ?" 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 191 
 
 " You arrived from Europe by the steamer China, I believe." He 
 assented. " Among the passengers, there was a lady named Mrs. 
 Percival Clifford, was there not, Sir ?" " There was indeed," he 
 unhesitatingly replied, " and a most beautiful creature she was. In 
 fact usually styled, the fascinating Clifford." " You then would 
 have no difficulty in recognizing her, if you should meet ?" I 
 inquired. " None in the least," he answered. I produced the 
 likeness I had received from Oscar, and handed it to the major, 
 " That is her," he exclaimed the moment he saw it. " But I 
 hardly think tho artist lias done her justice. This looks much 
 younger, but I suppose it may have been taken some five or six 
 years ago ?" I assented. " Has there anything gone wrong V 
 enquired the major. I answered, by a shrug of the shoulders. 
 "I fancied there \vas a screw loose somewhere from the violent 
 flirtation that was continually going on between her and Mr. 
 Sandhurst, of the Civil Service. She is young and beautiful, and 
 he rich and handsome; and if report speaks truly a great admirer 
 of the fair sex generally. But for that matter half the young 
 fellows on board were going crazy about her." .While the major 
 was running on, evidently carried away by the recollections of 
 the fascinating Clifford, I quietly wrote down the name of ''Sand- 
 hurst" in my memorandum book. Then after a few comments 
 on the weather and other matters, I took my leave, and returned 
 to my office, and summoning Acbar Ali, I gave him the following 
 instructions : " You will ascertain if there is any European lady 
 residing at Mr. Sandhurst's bungalow. If any of the bungalows 
 at Tardeo, Walkeshwa, Mharluximee, Byculla or Chingleparra 
 have been occupied recently by any European lady, and find out 
 whether Mrs. Percival Clifford, who arrived by the overland mail, 
 is residing there, or if she has left the island. Look at this and 
 remember the features," said I, showing him the likeness of Clara. 
 "This is Mrs. Percival Clifford, should you meet her any where, place 
 her under strict surveillance. Take any number of men you require, 
 but the utmost secrecy must be observed." During the course of 
 
192 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 the next day, I received from my subordinate this information 
 "That Chittygong Lodge, the property of Sorabjee Pestonjee, and 
 situated at Shingleparra, had been sold to a Mrs. Oscar Pemberton, 
 and been elegantly furnished by Rantoola and Jaffa Sullimon, 
 furniture dealers, and the bills which were all paid, were made out 
 in the name of the same lady ; that Mrs. Percival Clifford, passenger 
 by the last overland mail, after residing for four days in the 
 British hotel in the fort, had moved into the said bungalow, 
 where she was now living with her servants only ; that Raggoo 
 Bappoo, No. 342, of the detective force, had been installed as 
 house hammall and had reported that the lady received no visitors, 
 except Mr. Sandhurst, of the Civil Service, who called usually 
 after sunset, and generally remained there until after supper, 
 which was usually served at eleven p. m. That he, the havildar, 
 had seen the lady walking in her compound or garden, and that 
 she bore a striking resemblance to the portrait shown him by 
 the chief." This was the substance of my orderly's report ; and 
 from the information gained, there was no reasonable doubt but 
 that my friend's secret foreboding had been but too truly verified. 
 That his wife, young, inexperienced, and alone among strangers, 
 had fallen a victim to the lures and wiles of that polished man of 
 the world and heartless libertine, Leonard Sandhurst. This 
 would be a bitter draught for poor Oscar, when he should learn the 
 result of my enquiries, which I was very loath to communicate. 
 But he had wrung from me a promise to conceal nothing from him, 
 and I had no other alternative than to comply ; but I deferred 
 doing so until after I should have had an interview with Clara. 
 She might be persuaded to leave her present protector, and return 
 to her home, and thus I should be spared the pain of a recital of 
 what had transpired since her arrival from Europe. And Oscar 
 was too fond and forgiving to distress her by any question on 
 such a subject. Oscar Pemberton and I entered the service 
 about the same time, and made each other's acquaintance on board 
 the Indiaman, during our passage out. He was of Irish 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 193 
 
 parentage, but born and educated in England, and possessed all 
 those dashing military qualities so characteristic of his race. He 
 was brave and impetuous, confiding and generous, almost to a fault. 
 On our arrival in India, we were posted to the same regiment, 
 and remained fast friends and comrades until he and his beautiful 
 bride left to join his statf appointment in the Northern division, 
 procured for him through the influence of the colonel of her 
 father's late regiment. 
 
 ( 1 aptain Stanley, Clara's father, had been an officer in a light 
 dragoon regiment, and while out tig3r shooting in the Warree 
 jungle, had made his head-quarters at Goa, a Portuguese settle- 
 ment on the coast near Vin^u-la. " Here he met and fell in love 
 with the beautiful Isadore Braganza, who was being educated 
 in one of the convents outside the city. She was of Portuguese 
 descent on her father's side, her mother being an Italian. After 
 a few stolen interviews in the convent garden, he persuaded her 
 to elope with him to the nearest European station, where they 
 were married. She being an orphan with no fortune wherewith 
 to endow the church, the Portuguese ecclesiastics gave them- 
 selves little trouble concerning her marriage with a heretic. 
 Tiara was the fruit of this union, but unfortunately her mother 
 died before she had reached her seventh year, and her father 
 transferred that love, with which he had almost idolised his 
 young wife, to his motherless daughter. He would not hear of 
 her being sent to England for education, and being a man of a 
 refined and cultivated mind, and highly educated, he devoted 
 himself to the superintendence of her studies. Her music lessons 
 were directed by the bandmaster of the regiment, in which she 
 made rapid progress, astonishing and delighting her friends with 
 her brilliant performance of Bellini's and Verdi's Operas, both 
 vocally and instrumentally ; her voice being a superb soprano. 
 When she was about fifteen her father managed to get into some 
 difficulty with a superior officer, which resulted in his having 
 either to stand a court martial or resign his commission. 
 
 25 
 
194; NED FOKTESCUE ; 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 IN this unpleasant dilemma, Captain Stanley chose the latter 
 alternative, and left the service, retiring into private life. But 
 the monotony of civil life was ill-suited to one who had been so 
 actively employed for years ; having still many friends in the 
 country on whose influence he could rely, he entered the Company's 
 service, and was immediately appointed a warrant officer, with 
 the post of riding-master in a regiment of native cavalry, a 
 position of great respectability, and one that he was well qualified 
 to fill. Shortly after our return from the Southern Mahratta 
 campaign, their regiment came to our station. Oscar Pemberton 
 and I had been invited to a ball at the artillery mess, 
 and here we first met Clara Stanley ; and I remember that 
 my impressions at the time were that she was one of the 
 most beautiful creatures I had ever met scarcely seventeen, 
 above the middle height, and graceful as a young fawn, 
 delicate and regular in feature, with a soft fair complexion, 
 warming into a richer tint upon the cheeks and lips with long 
 jet black hair reaching to her waist, and large long-lashed dark 
 eyes, with an ineffable grace in every glance and motion. She 
 was attired in a pale Axureien satin dress, with an over-skirt of 
 white crape, looped up with small bouquets of white convolvulus ; 
 her pretty little feet, which peeped from beneath her dress as 
 she glided gracefully about, were encased in white satin slippers ; 
 a necklace of pearls encircled her swan-like neck, and she wore no 
 other ornaments, save an exquisitely wrought gold cross set with 
 rubies. A single white camelia was interwoven in the rich 
 tresses of her luxuriant hair. I solicited and obtained her hand 
 for a set of quadrilles, which she danced with exceeding grace, 
 and was much charmed with her wit and gentle manners. 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 195 
 
 During the evening I was introduced to her father, who, being 
 an Englishman, and brought up in London, had many topics 
 of mutual interest on which to base our conversation. He 
 seemed pleased with my manners, and gave me a carte blanche 
 to visit him at his pretty little bungalow near the cavalry lines. 
 Pemberton, who had been waltzing with Miss Stanley, now 
 camo up and led her to a seat near her father ; he also was included 
 in the same courteous invitation, very much to the satisfaction 
 of that gentleman, for it was quite evident that he had fallen 
 head and ears in love with the little divinity, for he had neither 
 eyes nor thoughts for any but her the rest of the evening. I 
 never saw a fellow so desperately in earnest, or so far gone in 
 love on so short an acquaintance. He could think and talk of 
 nothing else but the fascinating Miss Stanley. He declared to 
 me, that come what might, he would never rest until she had 
 consented to become his wife, though he had to fight every fellow 
 in camp that might lay claim to her hand. " Well," said I, 
 laughingly, " as I am in no hurry to become a benedict, and 
 certainly have no inclination to be shot through the head for the 
 love of the lady, charming though she be, you need fear no rivalry 
 in me, but on the contrary, I shall be happy to afford you all the 
 assistance in my power to further your interest in this matter." 
 " Thank you, my dear fellow ; of course I count on your good 
 nature to aid me in case of an emergency. I fancy there will 
 not be any very great objection on the part of my enslaver ; but 
 her father, who is as proud as Lucifer, doubtless expects a much 
 higher position in the social scale for his daughter than I can at 
 present offer her ; but you know the old saying, a faint heart 
 never won a fair lady, and I am resolved to carry the fortress 
 either by strategem or by a coup de main!" We called 
 frequently on our new acquaintances, sometimes together, and 
 occasionally alone, and I was not long in discovering by the 
 heightened color and sunny smile with which she always greeted 
 my friend, that she was not insensible to the gallant attentions 
 
196 NED FOETESCUE; 
 
 and handsome person of young Pemberton. He at length made 
 a formal application to her father for her hand in marriage, and 
 was politely but firmly refused, and it was intimated that his 
 presence at the bungalow hereafter would be considered as an 
 intrusion ! This was a sad damper to Oscar's hopes, but nothing 
 daunted, he determined to proceed, well knowing that he had a 
 powerful ally in the daughter who did not disguise her love, or 
 willingness to receive his attentions. Mr. Stanley was an excellent 
 chess-player, and always ready to meet an antagonist at that 
 noble game, and finding that I had acquired considerable pro- 
 ficiency at the game, he regularly challenged me to test his skill 
 for an hour or so whenever I made my appearance beneath his 
 hospitable roof. This I did not fail to turn to good account on 
 behalf of the lovers. Clara would watch the progress of the 
 game for a short time, making comments on the various moves, 
 until her father was deep in the mysteries of check and check- 
 mate. She would then take up a book and saunter out and on to 
 the verandah for the ostensible purpose of enjoying a quiet hour, 
 reading her favorite author, but in reality to met her lover 
 among the rose bushes that skirted her pretty flower garden. 
 The trysting place was a quiet spot, screened from the bungalow 
 and shaded from the heat of the sun by the over-hanging 
 branches of some mango and custard apple trees. He had given 
 her a code of signals, by which from the back of the summer- 
 house she could let him know when I had succeeded in 
 inveigling her father into some difficult problem at the chess 
 board, a circumstance which Oscar nevei % failed to take advantage 
 of to urge his suit ; and in this way their clandestine courtship 
 was carried on for some weeks, when an accident happened which 
 entirely changed for a time the aspect of things. Mr. Stanley, 
 while at riding drill in the manege, received a kick from one of 
 the troop horses, and died within a few hours after the unfor- 
 tunate occurrence took place. Clara left an orphan by this sad 
 event, and having neither relations nor connections in the country, 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THEOUGH LIFE. 197 
 
 thankfully accepted the proffered hospitality of Captain and Mrs. 
 Barrington, who having no child of their own, extended to Miss 
 Stanley their sympathising friendship, by offering her an asylum 
 in their comfortable home, so long as she should desire to remain 
 with them. Six months after the death of her father, Oscar 
 Pemberton renewed his application for her hand, and with so 
 much ardor did he press his suit, that he overcame all the objec- 
 tions that she could raise, and she finally consented to become 
 his wife. The good natmvd quarter-master and his amiable lady, 
 st -ring that both had set their hearts upon the match, and having 
 no legal right to object to or postpone the wedding, did all in 
 their power to give the greatest possible eclat to the celebration 
 of the marriage ceremony. There was a wedding breakfast at 
 noon, and a ball in tli evening, which proved one of the most 
 brilliant of the st-a^mi. I occupied the position of bridesman on 
 this auspicious occasion. The happy couple left after a few days 
 en route for Ahmedabad. Oscar and I had frequently met since 
 his marriage, as his public duties often brought him to Bombay ; 
 but Mrs. Pemberton I had not seen since the morning I 
 wished her farewell, prior to her departure for the Goozeratt, and 
 I was now called upon to seek an interview which I felt would 
 prove not only distressing to her, but embarrassing to myself. 
 I therefore delayed it as long as possible, hoping that some 
 circumstance might arise that would obviate the necessity for 
 my so doing. 
 
 " I say, Fortescue, why the deuce do your people not put a 
 stop to this abominable nuisance," called out my friend Morton, 
 as he passed me, at a smart canter, as I entered the fine road 
 that led from the native town across the esplanade of the fort 
 and the Apollo bunder. The abomination alluded to was the 
 long lines of byragges, or professional beggars, who regularly 
 every evening took up their position on either side of the road 
 in question, to await the arrival of the rich baronet, Sir Jamsetgee 
 Jeejeebhoy, whose daily custom it was to ride slowly along, dis- 
 
198 NED FOKTESCUE ; 
 
 tributing with a bountiful hand to these miserable impostors 
 pice (copper coin). This certainly was a nuisance, but not more 
 so than many other customs of the rich natives. For instance, 
 if a Banyan wished to entertain his poorer caste men with a 
 dinner, the side of the street near his residence was swept clean, 
 and his friends, in two lines, to the number of several thousand, 
 would seat themselves, or most generally squat on their hunkers 
 in double rows, each having before him a large plate or mat 
 made of leaves sewn together. The cooks then came round and 
 filled each man's plate again and again, until the appetite was 
 appeased. They then rose and departed. No knife, fork or spoon 
 were used. The fingers of the right hand sufficed. For all this, 
 be it remembered took place in the open street in view of every 
 passer-by, and to European ideas this disgusting exhibition was 
 anything but agreeable. The government, no doubt, had their 
 own reasons for allowing these things to be carried on, and I was 
 not authorized to interfere with them. 
 
 It was a beautiful evening, the sun had lost its power, and the 
 esplanade looked fresh and green. Hundreds of natives of all 
 castes and occupations were passing and repassing from the fort 
 to the several bunders or their homes in the native town. The 
 spires of the churches and the tops of the lofty government 
 buildings in the fortress rose above its embattled walls, and 
 stood out in bold relief against the serene and crimson-tinted sky. 
 On one part of the green some regiments of native infantry were 
 going through their evolutions, to the no small amusement of 
 some groups of seamen belonging either to the Indian Navy or 
 Merchant Marine, who were ashore on liberty for a few hours. 
 The splendid band of the garrison was enlivening the scene with 
 some excellent music, for the amusement of the Europeans, who 
 both rode and walked round and round, and chatted freely in 
 little clusters concerning the latest news, or the last on dit 
 Arabs, Moguls, Persians and Hindoos, dashed past in splendid 
 equipages. Their rich and varied oriental costumes tended much 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 199 
 
 to heighten the gay and picturesque appearance of this great 
 moving panorama. As the bright orb of day sank beneath the 
 watery horizon, casting its golden and purple shadows on rock 
 and tree, the devout Parsees knelt, and bent reverently their 
 heads to the sand at the edge of the water on Back Bay beach, 
 and paid their daily homage or worship to the glory of the setting 
 sun, for they were disciples of Zoroaster, the fire worshipper. I 
 had reined in my horse to listen to one of my favorite operas, 
 when my orderly advancing gave me a piece of blank paper, 
 which he took from the folds of his turban, and then said in a low 
 voice, " Brown shigram ; bay horses ; just in front of your 
 horse's head, lady from Shingle Para." I nanded the paper 
 back, saying, " No orders at present." He saluted, and then 
 retired. I presently glanced in the direction indicated, but could 
 only make out the outline of a lady's figure, the Venetian blinds 
 of her vehicle being so arranged as to admit of the occupant 
 seeing as much as she wished of what was passing around without 
 being subject to the scrutiny of those she might wish to avoid. 
 Not wishing to be recognized by her at that time, I cantered on 
 towards the Apollo bunder, to give some orders to the police on 
 duty there. I had put off my interview from time to time with 
 the lady, and was still cogitating as to when it should take place, 
 when my revery was interrupted by some well-known voices 
 exclaiming, " Hallo ! old fellow ! are you going with us ? Don't 
 say, No. We will show you some capital sport, I promise you." 
 " Where are you going T I inquired, as my eye fell upon some 
 hampers, guns and fishing tackle that were being carried down 
 the steps and placed on board of a large bunder boat. " We are 
 going for a three days' excursion up Pen river. Will you not 
 join us T " Who is that lying at full length on the cushions in 
 the cabin ?" said I, without seeming to notice the question. 
 " That is Sandhurst, of the Civil Service ; a first rate shot, I am 
 told. It was he that got up the party. Will you not come ?" I 
 politely declined their invitation, and wishing them success, 
 
200 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 turned my horse's head homeward, for I was determined to take 
 advantage of the absence of Sandhurst to pay the promised visit 
 to Mrs. Pemberton alias Clifford, which I resolved to do on the 
 following day. 
 
 The retreat chosen, purchased and presented to Clara by 
 Sandhurst, as her future home, was indeed a beautiful place, and 
 one which under other circumstances she might have been proud 
 to own ; but this desirable residence, pretty as it was, cost her, 
 as the sequel will show, more than fifty such places were worth. 
 It was a large, handsome bungalow, with a deep verandah run- 
 ning completely round it, on which the long French window 
 of the drawing-ro&m opened. The chandeliers, pictures, statues, 
 and other elegancies, were of the most costly description. No 
 expense had been spared. The grounds were beautifully laid 
 out, and were filled with dahlias, roses and other flowers. A 
 grove of stunted date trees ran along the whole of one side, and 
 a tall prickly-pear hedge on the front, which sheltered the house 
 to a considerable degree from the dust, heat and glare of the 
 public road. The other side of the garden was separated from 
 the adjoining grounds by a closely trimmed hedge of milk-bushes, 
 over which from the drawing-room windows there was a fine 
 view of Love Grove, Breach Candy, and the gilded cupolas of 
 the far-famed Hindoo Temples of Mahluximee, all very picturesque 
 and pretty. Leaving my horse in charge of my Sycee, I entered 
 the bungalow, passed into the drawing-room, and directed the 
 Puttawalla, who was dozing on the verandah, to announce to his 
 mistress that a gentleman wished to see her. For a few minutes 
 I walked up and down the spacious apartment, which, like most 
 others in this class of bungalow, was separated from the dining- 
 room by a rich silken screen set in an elaborately carved black 
 wood frame with moveable sides or wings. In one part of the 
 room stood a handsome grand piano ; in another, a harp ; a 
 guitar, and a roll of music were lying on one of the lounges. 
 While engaged in looking over some fine engravings, I heard one 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 201 
 
 of the dining-room doors open, and in another minute Mrs. Pember- 
 ton entered through the folding screen. " Oh ! Fortescrue," she 
 exclaimed, " is it indeed you T as she advanced quickly towards 
 me, extending as she did so Loth her hands ; but she stopped 
 short ere she reached me, and said, " No, no, I had forgotten you 
 were his friend, his brother in arms !" and sank pale and agitated 
 on the nearest ottoman. She was but a girl, scarcely eighteen 
 when we last met; her then budding charms were now fully 
 developed in the superbly handsome woman before me ; her foreign 
 tour, and moving as she had done in the best European society, 
 had imparted to her a deportment at once elegant, graceful and 
 bewitching ; yet it was sad to think that one so young and 
 lovely, had fallen from that position she was so well calculated 
 to adorn ! With an effort she controlled her emotion and said, 
 " Oh ! Fortescue, do not upbraid me with my wretched infatua- 
 tion ! I cannot bear it from you, who in happier years was my 
 most valued friend." " Believe me, Mrs. Pemberton, I came on 
 no such errand," I replied kindly. " At the urgent request of 
 Oscar," (as I mentioned his name, she trembled violently, turned 
 deadly pale, and gasped out hurriedly,) " Is he here ? Does he 
 already know ?" " He is not here," I continued, " but has been, 
 and is aware of your arrival in Bombay. He has commissioned 
 me to say that he is willing to forget the past, and receive you 
 to his heart again, if you will but return home. Believe me, he is 
 too much attached to you to reproach you for anything that has 
 transpired since you left him." She remained silent for a few 
 minutes, and then said with a forced calmness, " It can never be, 
 it is too late ; I can never again return to that home which I am 
 so unworthy to enter. I know his generous and forgiving nature, 
 but do not attempt to dissuade me from my purpose, it will be 
 worse than useless. No ; I would sooner perish by my own 
 hand than meet the husband whose feelings and whose honor I 
 have so grossly outraged. No ; I have taken my fate in my 
 own hands, the die is cast, and I must bear the burden which I 
 
 26 
 
202 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 have brought upon myself. But tell me in what way Oscar 
 became acquainted with the fact of my dishonor. Speak out," 
 she said, seeing that I hesitated. " Do not spare me, I have 
 nerved myself to hear all," and she sank back among the cushions 
 of the ottaman, and hid her face in her hands. I then related to 
 her Oscar's visit to my office ; his application for my service to 
 ascertain her whereabouts ; the exertion of the police to trace her, 
 and the surveillance she had moved under. At the word surveil- 
 lance, she started up ; the crimson flush of anger, or offended pride 
 suffused her brow, and her magnificent eyes flashed with some of 
 their usual fire, as she drew herself proudly up. " Clara," said 
 I, seeing that she was about to speak, " hear me out. Were it 
 not for the steps that had been taken by the police at my 
 instigation, your real position, in spite of your seclusion, would 
 long ere this have become the talk of the whole island. It was 
 for your own and Oscar's sake that I have taken these precau- 
 tions, which will prevent the intrusion of those who would force 
 themselves upon you, and from whose society you would turn 
 with loathing and abhorrence. I have at least saved you from 
 that degradation. Only a very few, those immediately concerned, 
 are aware that the wife of Oscar Pemberton is in Bombay." 
 " Oh, Fortescue, forgive me for my unjust suspicions of your 
 motives ; accept the thanks of one who must have lost the esteem 
 of so valued a friend." I felt much embarrassed, both on her as 
 well as on my own account, especially as I had failed to accom- 
 plish the object of my visit, and shortly after 1 rose to depart ; 
 but before I did so, I obtained from her a brief account of her 
 entanglement with Sandhurst prior to her leaving England. It 
 appears they had met at the house of a mutual acquaintance. He 
 was struck by her exceeding loveliness and charming manners, 
 and as they moved in the same circle, he had every oppor- 
 tunity of making himself agreeable to her. At the ball, the 
 opera and route he paid her those attentions so pleasing 
 to one in her peculiar position; and with such tact did he 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 203 
 
 veil his real intentions, that she soon learned to regard 
 him with anything but indifference, and to look up to him 
 for counsel and advice. And as they were to sail for India 
 in the same vessel, he persuaded her to allow him to make 
 all the arrangements for the passage out. A short time prior to 
 her departure from England, they were engaged in some private 
 theatricals, in which she played the part of a Mrs. Percival Clif- 
 ford, and he that of her former lover. This was the forerunner of 
 her ruin for it was owing to this circumstance that Sandhurst 
 had conceived the idea of engaging her passage under the name 
 of Clifford trusting to his power of persuasion and the general 
 influence he had over her to gain her consent to assume it. He 
 did not overrate his powers ; but it was not until she was on 
 board that she became acquainted with this circumstance. Being 
 thrown constantly together during the passage, he had an oppor- 
 tunity in their long conversations, and during their visit to Gib- 
 raltar, Malta, and other places of interest on the route, to under- 
 mine or destroy the better principles of her nature, and prepare her 
 for the part he intended her to play on their arrival at Bombay. 
 Jn this he succeeded only too well ; one by one her scruples van- 
 ished before his passionate appeals, and she finally consented to 
 take that downward step which resulted so fatally for the hap- 
 piness of those most concerned. On my return home I wrote to 
 Oscar, telling him what had transpired in my unsuccessful attempts 
 to induce Clara to rejoin him, and request him to take no rash 
 step in consequence thereof, which would lead to a public 
 exposure of his domestic affairs, and no real good could be effected 
 by such a proceeding. " What is it, Acbar Ali V I enquired, as I 
 observed that energetic officer coming rapidly towards me, as I 
 was in the act of mounting my horse to attend a ball at Govern- 
 ment House at Parrell. " The gentleman who gave the informa- 
 tion concerning the lady at Chittagong Lodge is here, and is 
 going to visit her at nine this evening." "Are you sure ? I did 
 not know he was in Bombay," I replied. " I saw him enter the 
 
204 NED FORTESOUE ; 
 
 Byculla Club House, and heard him tell the hamalls, that he 
 should require them to carry him to Shingle Para at nine o'clock, 
 and to be sure and not be behind time," said Acbar Ali. I looked 
 at my watch, it was half-past seven. Rash, impetuous, Oscar, 
 should he and Sandhurst meet, there would be blood spilt between 
 them. This, I determined, if possible, to prevent ; and made 
 arrangements to meet such an emergency should it arise. 
 " Request Dr. DeCosta to meet me a quarter before nine, near the 
 bungalow on the Parrell road. Tell him to bring his case of 
 instruments with him, and have a dooly in attendance, and let 
 the bearers go by the back way across the Byculla flats, and 
 enter the date grove at the side of the house, and remain there 
 until called for. Be smart, Acbar, and let no mistake or delay 
 occur/' I then re-entered my office (for I had an hour to spare) 
 to arrange my plans. Dr. DeCosta was surgeon to the force, a 
 gentleman of Portuguese descent, very skilful, quiet and good- 
 natured ; in fact, the very man to send, should any contingency 
 such as I anticipated arise. At half-past eight I mounted my 
 horse and rode towards Shingle Para. " Is that you, Dr. ?" I called 
 out in a quiet tone, as the figure of a man moved beneath the 
 shadow of a date tree. " It is !" was the subdued reply. I 
 dismounted and explained to him the business on hand. I gave 
 him a brief sketch of the whole story, and he promised hearty 
 co-operation in my plans. I suggested that he should not enter 
 the bungalow until he heard my signal, or the clash of weapons. 
 As I left him he bowed approvingly, and I quietly made my 
 way through the shrubbery, and posted myself on the verandah, 
 close to one of the drawing room windows. The night was dark, 
 but the room was brilliantly illuminated, revealing everything 
 distinctly in the apartment. There were six French windows to 
 it, all of which I could command a full view of with the excep- 
 tion of one near the door which was partially concealed by a silk 
 screen. Clara had been playing, for I heard the sound of music 
 as I approached, but it ceased as I stepped on the verandah, 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 205 
 
 and I saw Sandhurst lead her from the piano, and seat her 
 beside himself on a superb conversation-couch in the further end 
 of the room with one hand round her waist in a most loving 
 manner, while with the other he played with the luxuriant tresses 
 of her beautiful black hair that fell on her magnificent shoulders ; 
 her face was partly turned from him as if in thought. He was 
 evidently urging her to accede to some request, but I could not 
 ascertain the purport of his words. A slight noise at one of the 
 front windows caused me to glance in that direction. I saw over 
 the top of the screen that it was being quietly opened, and in a 
 moment after a figure entered the room in rear of the screen. 
 This I was certain must be Oscar. , I passed rapidly round the 
 angle of the verandah in the hope of being in time to prevent a 
 collision, but I was too late, for as I entered, I heard Oscar thun- 
 der out : " Scoundrel, take the reward of your villany," and in 
 another instant the report of a pistol was heard through the bun- 
 galow. At the first sound of Oscar's voice, Sandhurst sprang up, 
 and turned in the direction from which he came, and received the 
 bullet in his shoulder. With a cry of pain and rage he fell back 
 on the couch. Clara, terrified beyond measure at the sight of the 
 bleeding and prostrate form of her protector, started up and recog- 
 nized the pale and livid features of her husband as he stood 
 beneath the glare of the chandelier, vengeance gleaming from 
 his flashing eyes, which were bent upon the fallen man. Utter- 
 ing a wild piercing shriek, she turned and fled through the fold- 
 ing screen to her own apartment, the door closing behind her. 
 Oscar stood for a moment as if paralyzed. He allowed me to 
 take the pistol from his hand. I had scarcely done so, when a 
 dull heavy sound smote the ear, as if something had fallen in 
 the adjoining apartment. With one bound he cleared the inter- 
 vening couch, and dashed into his wife's room. I followed him, 
 but we were too late, for there extended at full length on the 
 Persian carpet in front of her toilet table lay the lifeless form of 
 his wife ; her face was turned upwards, and in one hand was 
 
206 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 firmly clutched in the grasp of death a small vial labeled Prussic 
 acid, the contents of which she had swallowed, and the effect 
 must have been instantaneous. The report of the pistol had 
 been heard by the surgeon who now entered, and, on examin- 
 ation, pronounced life extinct. He assisted to place the body on 
 the bed, and at my request he went to attend to the wounded 
 man, who had fainted from loss of blood. I succeeded in drawing 
 Oscar from" the room before any of the servants entered. I led 
 him through an ante-room to the back verandah, where by entreaty 
 and persuasion I prevailed upon him to quit the place. I pointed 
 out to him the event that must necessarily follow, if he insisted 
 on remaining. A coroner's inquest would elicit the whole facts of 
 the case and supply a theme for gossip to thousands ; if he would 
 trust the matter entirely to me I would manage that his name or 
 hers should not be made public, and the real nature of the occur- 
 rence should never be brought to light. Then, in a voice hoarse 
 with emotion, he answered : " Fortescue, I will trust to you to 
 see that my poor lost Clara be properly attended to, and no ex- 
 pense spared in the arrangements for her interment." He then 
 sprang from the verandah, disappeared among the rose bushes, 
 and before sunrise the next morning he had left the Island 
 of Bombay far behind him. The surgeon having dressed the 
 wound which Sandhurst had received, he then had him placed in 
 the dooly that had been brought to the bungalow. Having given 
 the necessary instructions to the servants and prevailed upon 
 the good natured surgeon to give me the required certificate, and 
 also a promise of assistance in carrying out the arrangements for 
 the funeral, I left two of my men on duty at the bungalow to pre- 
 vent any intrusion, I proceeded to the ball at Parrell, and then 
 returned to my office. On the following morning I wrote two 
 notices, which I caused to be inserted in the morning papers, as 
 follows : " Died, of Asiatic Cholera, at her residence, Chittagong 
 Lodge, Shingle Para, Mrs. Oscar, wife of Capt. 0. Pemberton, Staff 
 Corps, deeply regretted." " Serious accident. Yesterday, while 
 
OH, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 207 
 
 Leonard Sandhurst, Esq., C. S., was engaged in cleaning his rifle, 
 the weapon accidently exploded, and the ball passed through 
 his shoulder, shattering the bone to a considerable extent, but it 
 is the opinion of his medical men that the wound, although 
 serious, is not likely to prove fatal." A copy of which I sent to 
 Oscar and one to Sandhurst, in order to enable them to govern 
 themselves accordingly in this matter ; but my old friend and 
 comrade, the gay and light-hearted Oscar, never recovered from 
 the shock his feelings had sustained. He shortly after exchanged 
 into one of the regular regiments, and during the Persian cam- 
 paign, at the battle of Kooshab, fell at the head of his troop while 
 making a dash on one of the Persian squares ; nor did the unprin- 
 cipled author of all this misery long survive his victims, for 
 Judge Sandhurst died of jungle fever at Rhutnagerrie, on the 
 coast, four months subsequent to the conclusion of the Persian 
 war, and as none of the servants were aware of the proper name 
 of the mistress, I believe that the Doctor and myself are the 
 only parties who are in possession of the facts concerning the 
 sad fate of the beautiful and unfortunate, though erring, Clara 
 Pemberton. 
 
208 NED FORTESCUE 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 IT was about two years subsequent to the event related in our 
 last chapter, that the tocsin of war again sounded through Scinde 
 and Afghanistan, and on my regiment being ordered for field 
 service, I threw up my civil appointment, and leaving my wife 
 with her relations in Poona, (for I had married some months 
 previously), rejoined, and during the campaign which followed, we 
 took part more or less in the various engagements which ensued, 
 at Mooltan, Chillianwalla, Peshawa, Ferozashah, and others of 
 minor consequence. The brilliant exploits there achieved, 
 hardships, difficulties and privations endured, have won for them 
 a name on the page of history, and have been painted in more 
 glowing colors than I can dare aspire to ; therefore, with this 
 brief notice I pass on to scenes and incidents of a comparatively 
 later date. At the close of this successful campaign, we returned 
 to our own presidency, and an appointment on the staff of a 
 native regiment having been offered me, I accepted ; and on my 
 way to Neemuch, where the corps was stationed, while travelling 
 
 through Khandiesh, we overtook Captain and Mrs. S , 
 
 like ourselves en route to join their regiment at Musserabad, 
 some hundred and fifty miles beyond the head-quarters of the 
 one I had been posted to, we travelled together the remainder 
 of the way I had to accomplish. On arriving at the Nerbudda, 
 one of the largest rivers in that section of the country, the follow- 
 ing circumstance occurred. On a beautiful moonlight evening, 
 
 Captain S - who was a short distance in advance, mounted 
 
 on a powerful thorough-bred charger for I had dismounted some 
 half-hour previous and had taken a seat in the garrie or travelling 
 
 carriage, for the purpose of enjoying a social chat with Mrs. S 
 
 and my wife ; the former had been several years in the country, 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 209 
 
 and was quite accustomed to the difficulties and annoyances usu- 
 ally to be encountered while travelling from one station to an- 
 other, and always, whenever practicable, made it a rule to accom- 
 pany her husband. The approach to the river was rather steep 
 and somewhat rocky, consequently much caution was necessary 
 
 in descending. On arriving at the top of the bank Captain S 
 
 halted, and turning round in his saddle, called out to our driver 
 to get down and " chark bundda," or put on the drag, to prevent 
 a too rapid descent. While speaking his horse suddenly bounded 
 from one side of the road to the other, nearly unseating the 
 gallant Captain by his sudden movement ; and the poor animal 
 trembled violently. The Captain, on recovering his balance, 
 looked about to ascertain what had startled the noble creature, 
 and to his surprise and dismay, discovered a genuine Bengal tiger 
 quietly lapping the water at the brink of the river. He drew his 
 revolver, and called to me for assistance, as he was sure that if 
 the tiger made an attack, it would be either on his horse or the 
 bullocks drawing the garrie. At the sound of our voices, the tiger 
 looked towards us and growled fiercely, at the same time slowly 
 moving his tail backwards and forwards as he re-entered the 
 jungle, thus so far assuring the ladies who were naturally some- 
 what alarmed, that they were in no personal danger, for we consi- 
 dered ourselves more than a match for the four-footed foe. I slipped 
 out as quickly as possible at the back of the vehicle, with my double 
 barrelled rifle, and took up a position under cover of some bushes 
 on the verge of the jungle. I had scarcely gained the spot when 
 I observed the animal break through the brushwood that skirted 
 the road and with glaring eyes, settle himself for a bound at 
 my friend's horse, It was a critical moment, and it would be 
 useless for the Captain to discharge his revolver, which would 
 have had no effect on the tough hide of the tiger ; his only chance 
 was, that should the brute pounce upon the neck or shoulder of 
 the horse, as is their usual custom, to thrust his weapon into the 
 creature's mouth, and blaze away. I cocked my rifle, and as the 
 
 37 
 
210 NED FOETKSCUE; 
 
 lord of the jungle was in the act of springing, discharged both 
 barrels simultaneously, and succeeded in lodging a brace of bullets 
 in his shoulder ; uttering a growl of pain, he fell with great force 
 to the ground, mortally wounded, within a few feet of Captain 
 
 S , who immediately dismounted, and with his revolver finished 
 
 the business by emptying a few of its chambers in the ear of the 
 expiring foe. It must have been half-famished, for this class of 
 animals seldom attack mankind unless pursued, wounded, or 
 ravenous for food. This little matter having been settled, we went 
 on our way rejoicing. In travelling through almost any part 
 of India, it is necessary to carry with you ham, bacon, salt, 
 beef, tongues, tea, sugar, coffee, brandy, beer or wine, and in 
 all cases your bedding, for there are no hotels or other places 
 of refreshment where you could be accommodated. There are 
 villages about every two miles along the public high road, 
 where the traveller may obtain milk, eggs, fowl, rice, oil 
 and native vegetables ; and at some of the largest ones, where 
 Mahomedans are living, you can sometimes obtain a young 
 kid or goat's meat. Dawk bungalows, or halting places for 
 European travellers, have been erected by the government 
 about every fourteen .miles along the principal road ; they 
 are substantially built; and usually contain three rooms, each 
 having a cane-bottom bedstead, two chairs and a table, also a 
 good punka ; there is likewise a cook-house and stable attached, 
 with a putta walla in charge, whose duty it is to fetch from the 
 nearest village such supplies and articles that the traveller may 
 require, provided they can be obtained. Your own servants do 
 the cooking and all other attendance ; but no person is allowed to 
 occupy one of these rooms longer than three days, unless in case 
 of sickness, when permission must be obtained from the nearest 
 engineer officer in charge of the building. One rupee (two shil- 
 lings sterling) is the fee charged to each person per diem. The 
 rank and name of the parties, with amount paid, has to be 
 entered by them in a book kept for that purpose, as a check 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 211 
 
 upon the putta walla in charge. Game, such as deer, pea-fowl, 
 grouse, partridge, quail, duck and pigeon, are very plentiful in all 
 parts of the country. I had been about fifteen months in the 
 native regiment when Mr. Murry, British ambassador at Bushire, 
 hauled down his flag and returned to England, the why and 
 wherefore I never rightly knew, but it was left to the Indian 
 army and navy to hoist again. A rather large number of troops 
 and vessels were sent into the Persian Gulf, and a land transport 
 corps was inaugurated to accompany the Persian expeditionary 
 field force. Having some interest at head-quarters, I obtained 
 an appointment in that corps, and at once proceeded to Bombay, 
 en route for Persia. No ladies being permitted to accompany the 
 rxptM.lition, I sent Mrs. Fortescue to Poona, one of the most 
 healthy and pleasant stations in the presidency, there to remain 
 until my return ; ami having received my instructions from the 
 chief director, I embarked on board the Honorable Company's 
 war steamer Punjab. The naval squadron, comprising many of 
 the largest steam-frigates and fastest sailing vessels, had been 
 despatched by Admiral Sir Henry Leeke, the superintendent of 
 the Indian navy, and placed under the command of Commodore 
 Ethersay, I. N., for service in the Persian Gulf. Upwards of 
 two hundred vessels of the merchant marine were employed as 
 transports for the conveyance of troops, cattle, stores, ammunition 
 and baggage. The field force was under the command of Major 
 General Stalker, C. B., of the Company's service. We had a very 
 pleasant passage up the gulf, touching at Muscat, and going 
 ashore at Bassadore, a coaling depot and sanitary station for the 
 crews of the vessels cruising in the gulf. The crews were dis- 
 embarked at Reshier, without much difficulty, although a large 
 number of the enemy were in the immediate vicinity. The affair 
 commenced by one of Her Majesty's regiments acting as light 
 infantry, and driving before them the Persian skirmishers. A 
 desultory sort of firing was kept up by them as they retreated, 
 but the Enfields of our men thinned the ranks of the followers of 
 
212 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 the Prophet. During the skirmish an unfortunate occurrence 
 took place, resulting in the loss of a valuable life, and at the 
 time disclosing the treachery and ingratitude of the Persian 
 character. One of the men of the regiment engaged had fallen 
 to the rear for some purpose or other, when he noticed among 
 the killed one of the foe, apparently only slightly wounded ; he 
 was just about to thrust his bayonet through him, when his 
 colonel seeing his intentions shouted to him to desist and join 
 his company ; the man obeyed, and the Persian was saved ; but 
 the humane colonel, who was riding in rear, had scarcely passed 
 him, when the wretch raised himself on his elbow, and drawing 
 a long-barreled pistol from his waistband, took deliberate aim, 
 and shot the gallant officer through the head he who but a few 
 seconds before had saved him from immediate death. The capture 
 of the port and city of Bushire, by the combined efforts of the 
 army and navy, soon followed with comparatively little loss on 
 our side ; but decidedly the most brilliant affair of the campaign 
 was the battle of Kooshab, in which we suffered considerably. 
 The gallant conduct of Lieutenant Moore, of the Bombay native 
 cavalry, in breaking one of the Persian squares, followed by an 
 officer of the Scinde horse, won the admiration of the whole force. 
 In this engagement the Persians were so completely routed and 
 scattered that they abandoned that part of the country for many 
 miles around Bushire, which was made the base of our future 
 operations. The island of Karrack was taken possession of, and 
 a large expeditionary force was sent up the river Euphrates, the 
 enemy having concentrated under the Prince of Persia, son of 
 the reigning Shah, at Mahmorah, situated at the junction of the 
 rivers Croone and Euphrates. After a few hours' bombardment 
 of the town, the troops were landed under cover of the fire from 
 the fleet, and with such rapidity did we advance, that the son of 
 the Shah had a very narrow escape from his large octagon tent. 
 The amusing feature of the case was, that at the time of our land- 
 ing, a few moments previous to his flight, he was engaged in 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 213 
 
 writing a letter to the Shah, stating that he had driven the whole 
 of our force into the Euphrates, and utterly destroyed the 
 invaders. This unfinished letter, with the ink not yet dry, was 
 found on a table by some of our men who entered the tent in 
 hopes of catching the prince himself, who commanded the Per- 
 sian army. The last stand made by the Shah's zadda, and the 
 remnant of his army was at the battle of Awaz, at which point 
 they were completely routed, and became so demoralized as to be 
 unable to make any further opposition to our advance against 
 the principal cities of the empire. Sir James Outram had 
 joined us, and assumed the command of the entire land force. 
 A remarkably strange circumstance or train of circumstances 
 transpired about the time Sir James took command of the 
 army. On being relieved from command, General Stalker 
 shot himself; this was followed by the officer command- 
 ing the naval squadron putting an end to his existence by cut- 
 ting his throat ; and the political agent, a civilian, sought to ter- 
 minate his career in life by poison. Many were the reasons 
 assigned as to the cause for these catastrophes; dame rumor 
 with her thousand tongues was rife with conjectures. Some 
 affirmed that the unfortunate General had destroyed himself 
 because he had been superseded by Sir James Outram, but in 
 what way could the advent on the scene of action of his superior 
 officer interfere with the duties of either Commodore Ethersay 
 or Mr. Jones of the Civil Service, we were at a loss to conjecture. 
 There were many other causes assigned, and among them one that 
 gained more credence than the rest, but in all probability just as 
 incorrect as the others. It was stated that a Persian had waited 
 on the three gentlemen in question with a proposal to the fol- 
 lowing effect, that if they would secure him against any legal 
 proceedings hereafter, he would disclose the secret where a large 
 amount of treasure was concealed, which he was willing to divide 
 equally between them, himself of course receiving one-fourth. 
 This proposal, it was affirmed, was acquiesced in by the parties, 
 
214 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 and a division of the spoil made accordingly. Scarcely had this 
 been done when Sir James arrived to take charge. The story 
 went on to show that no sooner did the Persian become acquainted 
 with this fact than he waited on the new Commander and related 
 the whole affair, suggesting that he should take a share which 
 would be one-fifth. To this General Outram would not listen, and 
 threatened to bring to a court martial all the parties concerned. 
 Whether there was any truth in this I cannot say, but it was gen- 
 erally believed to be the true version, although I am not aware 
 that the Government took any action in the matter. A treaty 
 of peace having been signed between England and Persia, the 
 troops prepared to return to their several presidencies, and it was 
 fortunate for the supremacy of British rule in India that the 
 war came to so speedy a close, for very shortly after this the 
 bloody and much to be lamented Sepoy mutiny broke out, to 
 check which required the whole energies of the Government and 
 every available man. The Persian war having terminated, the 
 troops' were hurried back to India with all possible despatch, to 
 take part in the fearful struggle that was raging throughout the 
 country. After getting the stores, baggage, &c., of the army on 
 board the vessels appointed to receive them, the transport corps 
 returned to Bombay ; but I and a few others were directed 
 to proceed to Margell and Bagdad to take charge of a number of 
 mules that had been purchased by the Government for service in 
 India. This was pleasant enough, and enabled me to see much 
 more of the country than I otherwise should have seen. I visited 
 the Turkish port of Bassora and the city of Bagdad, both of 
 which places were associated in my memory from the numerous 
 stories I had read in my boyhood concerning them in the " Arabian 
 Nights Entertainments." On my return I obtained a toler- 
 able view of the spot where once stood the ancient city of Baby- 
 lon. A few days subsequently, the captain of the vessel informed 
 us that we were opposite Koorna, where the Tigris falls into 
 the Euphrates and Shatal Arab, at the same time pointing out a 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 215 
 
 spot declared by the Arabs and others to be the identical locality 
 of the once garden of Eden, and offered to drop anchor for a few 
 hours if we felt inclined to go on shore. To this we gladly 
 assented, and in a short time we were strolling beneath the wel- 
 come shade of the date, pomegranate, apple trees and grape vines, 
 or lounging on the short soft grass enjoying our biscuits, sardines, 
 pale ale and cigars with a gusto that would have astonished either 
 the original proprietor of the grounds or his amiable lady of 
 fig-leaf notoriety, could they but have dropped in upon us. For 
 five or six hours we did thus enjoy ourselves, not that there was 
 anything more to be seen than in many other parts I had visited^ 
 but in the first place it was a relief from the close atmosphere of 
 our small cabin on shipboard ; then it was something in after life 
 to state that we had ruralized in the pleasure grounds of our first 
 parents, and ate of that fruit which proved such a stumbling 
 block both to them and their descendants. On the return of the 
 transport corps to the capital of the Presidency, it was broken 
 up ; but the cattle, carriage and all that appertained thereto were 
 transferred to the Commissariat Department. Such of the 
 officers as so desired were allowed to retain their appointments 
 in the new organization, which was designated the cattle branch 
 of the department. It suited my views to remain in it, and I 
 was directed to repair to Falkland Bunder to superintend the 
 landing of the mules and stores ; then to move on to Poona, 
 which was to be the head-quarters. Subsequently we were told 
 off into divisions, and despatched to the different large military 
 stations. Any force, brigade, regiment or detachment requiring 
 carriage sent their requisitions to the nearest of these stations, 
 which were immediately complied with. If a large force was on 
 the move, a European officer from our department accompanied it 
 in charge of the government cattle ; if a smaller one, a native 
 inspector or muccadum was sent in charge. For upwards of two 
 years, during the most stirring time of the mutiny, I was continu- 
 ally on the move with the troops, marching from one part of the 
 
216 NED FOBTESCUE J 
 
 country to another, wherever their presence was most required ; 
 and while so doing I became acquainted with the details of acts 
 of so horrible and revolting a nature perpetrated on our helpless 
 country women and children by the bloodthirsty native soldiery, 
 the mere relating of which would curdle the blood of any 
 European ; but there occurred others of a less terrible character 
 which came under my own immediate notice, or were witnessed by 
 those on whose veracity I could rely, which I believe I may relate 
 without harrowing to any great extent the feelings of my readers ; 
 for it must be borne in mind that this was not a general uprising 
 of the native population against British rule, but a regular con- 
 certed mutiny by those who for years had received the pay and 
 support of the government whose service they had voluntary 
 entered and had sworn to uphold. Nor were they misled or 
 ignorant of the penalty attached to the offence, as the Articles of 
 "War and provisions of the Mutiny Act had been regularly read 
 and explained to each regiment once every month ; and they 
 were well aware that the punishment for the crime of mutiny 
 was death ; but apparently this was not enough to restrain 
 them, as the following incidents may tend to shew. 
 The native regiment to which, previous to the outbreak of the 
 Persian war, I had for some time belonged, had been transferred 
 from the north-west provinces to Kurrachee, in Scinde ; it was 
 chiefly composed of high caste men, but still there were quite a 
 number of inferior castes in its ranks. Things were progressing 
 very quietly when the news of the mutiny at Neemuch and 
 other places reached them ; they appeared to be little affected by 
 the intelligence, yet the seed of rebellion was germinating 
 within them, which only required a little fanning to burst forth 
 into open mutiny. On the day previous to the sailing of the 
 mail steamer for Bombay, a native officer of the regiment 
 requested a private interview with the Brigadier, and there and 
 then made disclosures to the effect that on the night of the day 
 following it had been agreed that the regiment should quietly 
 
OR, ROTTGHINO IT THROUGH LIFE. 217 
 
 leave their lines murder all the Europeans they fell in with, and 
 after looting the treasury and bazaars, make off for the nearest 
 town or eity in possession of the mutineers,, and cast in their lot 
 with them. All he asked in return for bis valuable information 
 was a furlough to Bombay by the packet that was to leave the 
 harbor tip- next morning, and the leavo of absence to be dated 
 some d;\y< hack, s.> that he, might not be suspected of Having 
 betrayed the secret. Hi* tv(|ii:s(, w:is immediately complied 
 with, ami he sailed for )\\< native place, somewhere on the coast 
 near Malwan. Tin- Hrig.-idi- r -nt for the, officers commanding 
 corps without <l.-la\ . and. held a consultation, at which it was 
 arranged thai- no intimation of the approaching event should be 
 made known to any of the ,,t heroln'ceix or men tor fear it should 
 leak out and reach the cars of (lie natives, and so put them on 
 their guard. On the night in i|iiestion, the instructions 
 w.-re that alout eleven o'clock the Kurope;in troups were to be- 
 made acquainted wdth the ciivuiiisi.-nices. They were to load in 
 liarraeks, and move as quietly a^ possible; the words of command 
 to be passed in whispers, and the wheels of the artillery muffled. 
 As the clock or gurry at the quarter guard of the native regiment 
 struck twelve, a slight bustle was heard on the private parade 
 ground of the native regiment who turned out rapidly and formed 
 up without noise ; having loaded, they were then told off into differ- 
 ent divisions : one to proceed to the European General Hospital 
 and murder all the patients, others to fire the officers' bungalows, 
 slay the inmates, men, women and children, while a large party 
 were suddenly to attack the treasury, overpower the guard, and 
 carry off whatever money they might find. All these directions, 
 although given in a low tone, were distinctly heard by those sta- 
 tioned close by for that purpose. The signal for the moving of 
 the different parties to perform their work of slaughter was to be 
 a rocket sent up from the guard house before mentioned. Exactly 
 at half-past twelve this light went up ; but imagine the horror 
 and dismay of the miscreants, when at the same instant, fifty 
 
 28 
 
218 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 blue lights shot high in the air, illuminating all around for a con- 
 siderable distance, disclosing to the terrified natives, our artillery 
 drawn up immediately in their rear, and the European infantry 
 in line on both flanks, ready to pour in volley after volley. They 
 were ordered to throw down their arms and surrender ; some did 
 so, but the greater portion broke and fled across the open plain 
 in their front. Two or three rounds of canister was sent among 
 them, and our infantry started in pursuit. Many fell from the fire 
 of our guns, and of those who were captured, after trial by court 
 martial, some suffered death ; and a very large number were 
 transported to one of the Andaman Islands, situated in the Bay 
 of Bengal, where it was thought' there was no probability of 
 their escaping on account of their isolated position. A compara- 
 tively small guard was deemed sufficient; but they had not 
 been there long before they managed to overpower this little 
 force, and in large parties proceeded further into the island. 
 This was only jumping out of the frying-pan into the fire, for the 
 islanders were not only savages but cannibals of the most ferocious 
 kind, and Jack Sepoy soon fell into their clutches, serving as a 
 gorgeous banquet to the captors, who ate them as soon as caught. 
 Thus, a terrible retribution overtook them for their fiendish 
 designs. 
 
OR, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 219 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 THE Asiatics, even among themselves, are both relentless and 
 cruel, whenever chance or circumstances throws one into the 
 power of the other, as what I am about to relate will, I think, 
 amply testify. On one occasion, while making a forced march 
 through Khnndiesh with the Lancers, Royal Artillery and other 
 troops, and having ascertained from a reliable source that there was 
 no signs of the enemy within at least thirty miles of us, I men- 
 tioned to the officer commanding the force that it was the inten- 
 tion of the officer in charge of the provision branch and myself to 
 ride on to the next large native town, distant about twenty miles, 
 for the purpose of procuring rations and forage, that there might 
 be no delay on the following morning, as he wished to make a 
 rapid advance. " You will run considerable personal risk in so 
 doing; I will send a score of Lancers with you as a guard," 
 replied Colonel Benson. To this we objected for reasons of 
 our own, and started early in the evening, but in consequence of 
 the bad state of the roads we did not reach the place until after 
 night-fall, when we found the gate closed for all towns and vil- 
 lages in that part of the country are walled in as a protection 
 against the bands of roving plunderers and numerous wild beasts 
 that infest the north-west provinces. Knowing that it would be 
 useless to attempt to gain admittance after the gates had been 
 once closed, we picketed our horses under a large tree, near the 
 principal gate, and using our saddles for pillows, refreshed 
 ourselves with a draught from our flasks, then filling our pipes we 
 smoked, and soon afterwards fell fast asleep. " Rouse up, For- 
 tescue," said my companion, yawning as he spoke. " The day is 
 breaking ; let us get out of this ; there is a fearful smell, strong 
 enough to choke a dead black," I was up in an instant, and a 
 
220 NED FORTESOUE ; 
 
 most villainous odour affected my olfactories. " I suppose the 
 enemy have left some of their dead cattle in our neighborhood," I 
 said, taking a good draught from my flask and then handed it to 
 my friend. Standing erect, and giving myself a stretch accom- 
 panied with a yawn, but casting my eyes upwards, I beheld the 
 cause of the vile stench, for high above us, dangling from the 
 branches like jack fruit, hung the bodies of seven natives in a 
 state of semi-decomposition. On entering the town we learnt 
 that Tantia Topee had visited this place five days previous, and 
 on their demurring to furnish him with supplies, he looted the 
 town, and hanged seven of the principal men, leaving instruc- 
 tions that they were to be left there until the fowls of the air 
 picked out their eyes, arid the heat of the sun shrivelled their 
 bodies into mummies ; in short, if his orders were not obeyed he 
 would return, and serve the remainder in a similar manner. The 
 cause of their refusal to comply with the rebel chief's demand 
 was, that they had private intelligence of our approach and were 
 hourly expecting us. During the few hours we remained here 
 the tree at the main gate was relieved of its unnatural fruit; the 
 effluvia arising fi-om which being decidedly more powerful than 
 pleasant. The force moved forward with all possible dispatch, 
 in hopes of coming up with the rascally perpetrators of this vil- 
 lainous outrage. As we were' looking out for our camping ground 
 a few mornings afterwards, we came quite unexpectedly on a 
 large number of Tantia Topee's men Goolundauz, Sowars and 
 Sepoys. In such cases as the present, being a non-combatant, 
 my place was in rear with the cattle and baggage, but like the 
 Irishman at Donnybrook Fair, there never was a fight that I did 
 not manage, either by hook or by crook, to be present at, if it 
 was only to see what was going on. On this occasion I rode on 
 the flank of the supernumaries of the cavalry, and was handling 
 my sabre with the best of them, when by a rapid wheel of the 
 Lancers, I found myself alone, but only for a moment, for I was 
 instantly attacked ; one fellow fired, missed me but killed my 
 
OK, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 221 
 
 horse. I had scarely gained my feet when a Sowar in passing 
 made a cut at my head, but lie was a little too far oft', so that his 
 sword's point only reached me, inflicting a slight cut about two 
 inches long on the upper part of my forehead above the left eye, 
 causing the blood to now freely. I took my revolver and in an 
 instant shot the rascal in the small of the back and I had the satis- 
 faction of .seeing him fall frcm his horse. The fellow who had 
 killed my nag clubbed Jiis matchlock and made a rush at me, beat- 
 ing down my guard and In caking my sabre at the feeble, also 
 smashing my mllar-bono mi the leftside. Flinging away the useless 
 sword, and before he could recover himself, I changed the pistol 
 into iny right hand and. shot him througl^ the head. Another 
 Sowar made a point at me with his spear, but his horse stumbled 
 over the body of the man I had just sent to glory ; he missed his 
 mark and only su-ivd'-d in making a slight wound in my right 
 side just above the hip-joint. He would doubtless have finished 
 jiiv career, a>ai ihis time from pain and loss of blood I was in a 
 weak and almost, tainting condition, when one of our Lancers 
 noticing the predicament 1 was in, rode up and with his lance 
 tr;nistivti jny oppmiom by tin-listing his weapon through tho 
 man's Uuiy. I was rarnrd to my tent and a little sticking 
 plaster Niiflired for my head and side, but I had to be earned in a 
 dooly tor n. i arly six weeks. Fortunately the fracture being on 
 my left .side, and only requiring rest, I was enabled to carry on 
 (he duties of my office with my right hand, without much 
 difficulty; however, it was upward* of two months before I could 
 mount my horse or use my left arm to any extent. As usual, 
 after a short but obstinate .struggle, the mutineers ned. It was 
 their tactics to fight in three lines ; on the first being beaten, 
 they retreated through the second, who generally managed to 
 hold their ground until the third and first with their chief and 
 his principal officers were in full retreat ; they then broke and 
 scattered through the jungle, their perfect knowledge of which 
 enabled them to join their main body with little difficulty, A 
 
222 NED FORTESOUE ; 
 
 few weeks later, Tantia Topee, the fighting general of the 
 cowardly Nana Sahib, Rajah of Bittoor, was captured at a place 
 called Sepree, where he was tried and sentenced to be hanged, which 
 was earned into effect without any unnecessary delay. After his 
 death the rebel soldiery left that part of the country altogether. 
 Shortly after this event the brigade to which I was attached was 
 transferred to the Bengal Presidency, and I was directed to return 
 to Poona, the head-quarters of our department. Although there 
 was a large number of Sepoys stationed here, and the greater part 
 of the European force were absent, actively employed in crush- 
 ing out the mutiny, no sign of disaffection or disloyalty had as 
 yet manifested itself among them. There were many reports 
 circulating daily through the bazaars of a general rising of the 
 native population, but this was regarded as emanating from native 
 dealers in order in some way or other to affect the markets. Yet 
 there was no knowing at what hour, during the day or night, the 
 native force in conjunction with the Budmashes, and doubtless a 
 large portion of the evil-disposed inhabitants of the city of Poona, 
 might rise in rebellion and murder such of the Europeans as lived 
 at some distance from the barracks of our troops, and as there were 
 many ladies living alone in the station, whose husbands were on 
 service up country, it was arranged that immediately on the 
 appearance of a red flag displayed at a given point during the 
 day, or the report of three guns fired in succession after sunset and 
 before sunrise, that the sick and those not doing duty, and especi- 
 ally ladies, should fly at once to the spot where a large supply of 
 provisions were stored, strongly guarded, and every arrangement 
 made for the security of those seeking shelter. Although in hourly 
 peril, things went on in the usual routine. A ball was given at 
 the Artillery mess, at which among others, my wife and myself 
 were present. Dancing and hilarity appeared to have to- 
 tally banished from the minds of all present the thoughts of 
 an outbreak among the natives, when just at twelve o'clock the 
 report of a gun was heard, then another quickly followed by 
 
OB, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 223 
 
 a third. For an instant all stood aghast. " It is the fatal signal," 
 gasped out some anxious mothers, terrified at the thought of the 
 danger of their children who had been left in charge of native 
 servants at their bungalows. Immediately there was a general 
 rush to the doors ; ladies half fainting with fear and anguish 
 were hurriedly helped into their garries by their partners, who 
 did their best to tranquilize them. Seizing my wife round the 
 waist, and snatching my pistol and sabre which I had left in the 
 ante-room, we were about to start for the place of rendezvous, 
 when it occurred to one of the party that it was the first night 
 of the new moon, and it was well known to all present that it 
 was customary with the Hindoo priests of the Temple of Parbat- 
 tee, at no great distance, to fire three guns on the first appearance 
 of the new moon. This partially re-assured us, and we listened 
 intently for some moments, but heard no further sound or tumult 
 breaking the stillness of the night. Confidence being restored, 
 the waltz, polka and quadrille were resumed with increased ani- 
 mation, together with the agreeable chit-chat usually indulged 
 in on such occasions. Of the twenty-nine regiments of native 
 infantry belonging to the Bombay Presidency, there were but 
 two that threw off their allegiance and joined the standard of 
 revolt The outbreak, capture and ultimate fate of one of these 
 corps I have already brought to the reader's notice, the other 
 instance I am about to relate came more immediately, though 
 only partially, under my own observation. I was with the Dra- 
 goon Guards and Royal Artillery, who were marching through the 
 Mahratta country to Belgaum. We halted at Koolapoore, near to 
 the scene of my early military exploits, to witness the carrying 
 into effect the sentence of several courts martial. The native 
 regiment which had been stationed at this place had mutinied, 
 and after murdering several of their European officers, and com- 
 mitting other atrocious acts, endeavoured to join another body 
 of mutineers. However in this they were disappointed, and 
 quite a number of them were captured and brought back to the 
 
224 NED FORTESCUE 
 
 station. They In most cases were to suffer death. Those of the 
 lower caste were hanged or shot by musketry ; the officers who 
 were of higher caste were to be blown from the cannon's month. 
 The execution of the lower castes excited but little attention, 
 but the peculiar mode of enforcing the death penalty on. tho 
 native officers, who, although of different creeds, were all of the 
 highest caste, drew an immense concourse, of spectators to tho 
 spot, and I believe that it was anticipated that a. rescue would be 
 attempted, we were therefore delayed in order to swell the parade 
 and overawe the populace. The artillery and infantry receive 1 
 orders to load on their private parade ground and proceed to tho 
 place of execution, prepared for immediate action. The dragoons 
 kept a sharp eye on the native cavalry and irregular horse. 
 Three sides of a square was formed by the troops, and in. the 
 open front were drawn up the guns to be used on this terrible 
 occasion. The prisoners were then brought into he square, 
 marched up to the guns, which were loaded with blank cartridge, 
 and a slight degree of elevation given to them. The unhappy 
 wretches were then bound singly with the lower region of the 
 back against the muzzle of each gun ; they were placed alter- 
 nately, Hindoo and Mussulman. As soon as this was effected, 
 the proceedings of the general court martial and the sentence 
 were read aloud to them. The artillery officer then slowly 
 advanced and gave the word of command, " Number one, ready, 
 fire ;" and instantly the whole chest and loins of the first of these 
 wretched criminals was blown into fragments, the head going 
 straight up into the air twenty or thirty feet. Again the fatal 
 word was given, and particles of human flesh were scattered far 
 and near, the head ascending as before, and so on until the last 
 man had paid the penalty of his crimes. When he smoke 
 cleared away, nothing was to be seen of those who but a few 
 moments before were living and breathing creatures, but 'their 
 lower extremities which still remained lashed to the guns. The 
 bungays or camp sweepers then swept up the pieces of flesh and 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 225 
 
 bones of both castes that were lying about and consigned them 
 to one common grave. It was a sickening scene, and I never wish 
 to witness such another. The reason why this particular mode 
 of punishment was resorted to was I believe at the time but 
 little understood out of India, and has been caviled at and 
 censured by many as being an act unbecoming the dignity of an 
 enlightened and civilized nation like England. But it should be 
 remembered that the mutiny arose from a fanatical spirit which 
 had been aroused within the native soldiery, fostered and fanned 
 into a name by the Mahomedan priests and Hindoo Brahmins, 
 who impressed upon the minds of their followers that it was the 
 intention of the British government to crush out and eradicate 
 by a coup-de-main the religion of their forefathers, and pointed 
 to the great influx of Christian missionaries who were permitted 
 to disseminate tenets of their creed throughout the native 
 army by means of tracts and personal expoundings. The 
 greased cartridge for the Enfield rifle just introduced was 
 denounced by the priesthood of both creeds ; those of the 
 Mahomedan declaring that the fat of the pig, their utter abomina- 
 tion, was used in its construction, while the Brahmins insisted 
 that the fat of the sacred cow was the principal lubricating 
 ingredient used, the biting or tasting of which would defile and 
 break the caste of either. The result was that thousands flocked 
 to defend their faith against the common foe, and were assured 
 by their religious advisers that to lose their life in such a cause 
 was a sure passport to the celestial regions. While this idea 
 lasted the natives waged this struggle for supremacy with all the 
 ardour that hatred and religious fanaticism is capable of. And 
 brutal enormities and acts of unparalleled atrocities, unfit to be 
 related in these pages, were almost daily committed by the now 
 frenzied and remorseless natives. To such an extent did their 
 cause gain ground that, owing to the paucity of European troops, 
 we were scarcely able to cope with them. At this juncture it 
 
 was determined to enforce a punishment which would at once 
 20 
 
226 NED FORTESCUE; 
 
 strike teiTor t<^ the hearts of the native community of all castes. 
 According to their religious creed, they lose all hope of heaven 
 and are eternally damned should their remains mix after death 
 with those of any other caste ; hence the fact that Mussulmen bury 
 while Hindoos burn their dead, to prevent the possibility of any 
 such contamination. The mode of punishment above described, 
 was then carried into effect in such parts of the country as was 
 deemed necessary. As soon as this became generally known, it 
 had such an effect upon the mutineers, that they considered them- 
 selves God forgotten, and that the whole thing must be displeas- 
 ing to the Deities, and so disconcerted and dismayed did they 
 become that they eventually deserted the cause. British supre- 
 macy being again in the ascendancy, quiet, law and order was 
 once more restored, and rebellion had to hide its dark and super- 
 stitious barbarism from the face of stern retributive justice. I 
 had been appointed to take charge of a branch of our department 
 in the southern division, but after a few months my health began 
 to give way ; the great strain that my nervous system had sus- 
 tained during the past three or four years proved too much for 
 me, and I began to sink under it, I was therefore advised to 
 present myself before the Medical Board at the capital, at whose 
 recommendation I was granted leave of absence to Europe for 
 two years on medical certificate. My early chum, rollicking, 
 roystering, devil-may-care O'Toole I occasionally met, though our 
 spheres of action were very different in character. Shortly after 
 I left the regiment, thinking to make some noise in the world, 
 he joined the buglers, and rose to the rank of Bugle Major. For 
 three or four years he strutted about in the gorgeous plumage of 
 that important leading character, but finally his predilection for 
 spirituous liquors swamped him, and he sank to the foot of the 
 ladder to rise no more ; yet the good humored, witty, though 
 incorrigible Bob was still a great favorite with the men of his 
 regiment I met him a few days previous to my embarkation ; 
 he seemed somewhat crestfallen, and after some hesitation 
 
OK, HOUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 227 
 
 admitted he was in difficulties and debt. I told him to meet me 
 in the evening and take a parting glass to the memory of old 
 times, and not to trouble himself about his liabilities, as I would 
 see to that matter. He was evidently much relieved and went on 
 his way whistling with great glee the air, " Widow Machree." 
 I proceeded at once to his barrack, sought out the pay 
 sergeant, paid his debt, bought him an entire new kit, and 
 left a handful of rupees in the color sergeant's hands, with 
 instructions that it be paid to him by small instalments daily. 
 This would keep him flush for a considerable time. I knew that 
 giving the whole to him at once, would be about the worst 
 favor I could do for my old comrade, for in all probability the 
 use he would make of it would be to purchase a court martial 
 with its attending consequences. In a comfortable easy chair on 
 my back verandah, which commanded a view of the moonlit sea, 
 sat mine ancient comrade, the witty and good natured O'Toole, 
 a decanter of his favorite weakness at his elbow, and near by an 
 allowance of the weed he usually indulged in. At a convenient 
 distance, I lay at full length on a Persian carpet, with my 
 head supported by several cushions, the amber mouth-piece of 
 my hookah between my teeth, and a large goblet containing a 
 concoction of sherry, sugar candy, lemon and ice, the beverage 
 I most delighted in, at hand. I had made myself thus comfort- 
 able in order to listen to the out-pourings of poor Bob, for this 
 was in all probability the last time we should meet. For a time 
 he seemed less communicative than usual, but after two or three 
 smacks from the decanter, the contents of which became smaller 
 by degrees and beautifully less, he soon brightened up, and old 
 recollections of dangers and difficulties were freely discussed, and 
 thus we passed our time commenting on the relative positions 
 occupied by each. " And its going back to the ould country 
 that ye's are, Ned avic ; on sick lave overland too, free gratis and 
 for nothing, at the expence of government ; be the powers, it's a 
 mighty pretty thing to be on the staff, so it is ; it's yourself that 
 
228 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 has the luck ; but bad cess to me for a gommerill, sure you 
 desarve it all, and its a full colonel ye's ought to be this blessed 
 night, and a divil a less." And with this somewhat confused 
 oration he drained his tumbler of its contents with great satis- 
 faction, which I judged from the hearty smack he gave his lips. 
 During the evening I endeavored to explain to the O'Toole that 
 although promotion from the ranks to the higher grades of the 
 service was a thing of very rare occurrence, yet numbers of the 
 rank and file had it in their power by general good conduct and 
 sobriety to obtain the non-commissioned or warrant rank, and 
 leave the service in the prime of life, with a pension varying 
 from two to four shillings per day ; however, by this time 
 Bob was beyond all care for the present or future. Liquor 
 might have spoiled his promotion, he said, but not his 
 health ; he was only thirty-eight, had but eighteen months to 
 serve, and was strong and hearty enough to do a good day's 
 work on his return to old Ireland, and his pension would procure 
 all the whisky and tobacco he should require, and what more 
 than that did he want. I admired my friend's philosophy, and 
 was meditating whether in his robust health he was not in a bet- 
 ter position to fight out the battle of life than the shattered state 
 of my constitution led me to anticipate for myself, when a pro- 
 longed note from O'Toole's nasal organ aroused me to the fact 
 that brandy and tobacco had done its work, for Bob had glided 
 gradually from his chair to the carpet and was soundly sleeping. 
 I had taken the precaution to procure him a pass until morning, 
 and so left him to enjoy his slumbers for the remainder of the 
 night. An hour after sunrise I drove him to his bar- 
 rack. I allowed him to take a long pull at my spirit flask ; 
 shook him heartly by the hand, wished him good luck and then 
 drove off. Such was the last interview between myself and 
 O'Toole. 
 
 Although I had obtained a two years' furlough, it was not my 
 intention to remain in Europe more than one-third of that time, 
 
OB, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 229 
 
 if my health was sufficiently recruited to enable me to return to 
 duty ; therefore I paid but a flying visit to such of my friends 
 as resided at the capital. I disposed only of such of my property 
 as might otherwise become damaged or destroyed during our 
 absence, and contented myself with taking home a few of the 
 Indian curiosities as souvenirs of my sojourn, intending to 
 amass a considerable collection previous to retiring from the ser- 
 vice. A few days after my name had appeared in General Orders 
 for leave of absence, I engaged a passage on board the mail 
 steamer China, and embarked on the afternoon of the twenty- 
 third of July, and sailed within an hour after. As the 
 island, its surroundings and the well remembered features of the 
 Malabar coast faded from our view, the bell rang announcing din- 
 ner ; we descended to the saloon to take our places at the table. 
 This is a matter of some moment, and should not be done without 
 due consideration, for the seat you occupy at your first meal you 
 retain during the voyage this rule, like the laws of the Medes 
 and Persians altereth not. During the first four or five days we 
 had heavy rains and boisterous weather ; on the sixth, however, 
 we had passed beyond the influence of the south-west monsoons, 
 and found ourselves in a beautiful mild latitude, which continued 
 to become warmer as we approached Arabia Felix. On the ninth 
 we dropped anchor off Steamer Point, Aden, that Gibraltar of the 
 East, at the entrance of the Red Sea. As the vessel was to 
 remain some twelve hours to take in coal, many of the passengers 
 went on shore. Having some friends in Aden, which is about 
 five or six miles from the landing, we mounted two strong 
 donkeys and ascended the road leading to the main pass, the only 
 access to the town, which is built in the crater of an extinct 
 volcano. You may imagine the delights of this place not a 
 blade of grass grew on the dry and arid soil not a bird fluttered 
 its glossy wings or carroled its sweet note in this heated atmos- 
 phere. There were no fresh springs or running waters to cool the 
 tongue of the thirsty traveller or refresh the wearied inhabitants ; 
 
230 NED FORTESCUE ; 
 
 sea-water condensed by steam-power was the only resource 
 for the thirsty. No wonder there is so great a demand for pale 
 ale and French brandy among the Europeans. Aden is fright- 
 fully hot. There is an opinion prevalent among old inhabitants 
 to the effect that there is but a sheet of paper between this place 
 and the regions of his Satanic majesty. By eight p.m. we were 
 again on board, and for five days steamed up the Red Sea, the 
 weather being exceedingly hot. On reaching Suez we found the 
 train waiting for us ; very little delay ensued, and we were soon 
 whirling across the desert, stopping occasionally at the different 
 places along the line to obtain refreshments and wash the sand 
 out of our eyes and parched throats. The railway employees 
 are chiefly Frenchmen, though dressed in the oriental costume. 
 This is done by order of the Pasha of Egypt, at least so I was 
 informed by an official. At Grand Cairo we halted for a few 
 hours and dined, after which we visited the far-famed Pyramids 
 of Egypt, and several ruins of ancient date. Some distance after 
 crossing the Nile, we stopped again and had supper, and arrived 
 at Alexandria at two a.m. the next day. As the steamer did 
 not sail until mid-day, we embraced the opportunity of examining 
 the catacombs or receptacles for the embalmed dead. On the 
 fourth day we reached Malta, where we obtained a guide, and we 
 rambled about the place for several hours, seeing much that was 
 new and interesting. Having purchased some Maltese lace and 
 other fancy articles as mementoes of our visit, we returned to the 
 vessel. We had a delightful voyage down the Mediterranean, and 
 the atmosphere clear, soft and balmy, until we reached the far- 
 famed rock of Gibraltar, which being a coaling station, most of 
 the passengers went on shore. It happened to be Sunday, and 
 the inhabitants were in their gayest attire. Bright eyed senoras 
 and swarthy Spanish cavaliers were on their way to or from mass. 
 The variety of costumes to be met with in Gibraltar is truly 
 astonishing. Hiring an open carriage and pair we drove to the 
 Spanish lines, and on our return passed the 100th Koyal Cana- 
 
OR, ROUGHING IT THROUGH LIFE. 231 
 
 dian Regiment, who had an encampment on what is called the 
 neutral ground outside the fortifications. We were fortunate 
 regarding the weather while crossing the Bay of Biscay, and 
 experienced nothing unpleasant in that usually turbulent water. 
 On nearing the English coast it rained very heavily, and the 
 night being intensity dark, the speed of the vessel was greatly 
 reduced. Previous to retiring for the night, it was understood 
 that we should land at eight o'clock the following morning, thus 
 doing the entire distance from Bombay to England in thirty-one 
 days, stoppages included. At day-light in the morning we found 
 ourselves running along the pleasant coast of the Isle of Wight, 
 and could clearly distinguish Osborne House, the residence of 
 Her Most Gracious Majesty. Before breakfast bell rang, we had 
 entered the P. and O. Company's dock at Southampton. All was 
 now hurry and bustle ; passengers hunting for their luggage ; 
 custom house officers examining the same ; cabin stewards rushing 
 here and there in anticipation of their usual fee ; hasty adieus 
 between friends and fellow travellers ; and finally a rush for the 
 express train, and, presto, we are all off in various directions. It 
 was four o'clock in the afternoon when we entered the modern 
 Babylon. Yes, it was London, the same London, which as a 
 boy I had left to seek the " bubble reputation at the cannon's 
 mouth." I now returned in ill health and shatter^ constitution ; 
 yet hoping that my native air and a quiet retirement for a season 
 or two, would suffice to restore my nervous system to a healthy 
 condition. We remained long enough in the gay metropolis to 
 enable my wife, who had left England when a mere child, to see 
 the wonders and gorgeous spectacles she had often heard me rave 
 about. Alter acquainting the authorities at the India Office of 
 my whereabouts, I established myself at a snug little cottage at 
 Pinnar, near to the old fashioned manor house where twenty-five 
 years previous I had received the first rudiments of my education. 
 Should I sufficiently recover, I shall doubtless on the expiration 
 of my furlough return to India, to complete the remainder of my 
 
232 NED FOBTESCUE ; OE, BOTTGHINO IT THBOUOH LIFE. 
 
 service ; .but if otherwise, I must retire on half-pay, and endeavor, 
 metaphorically of course, to smoke the calumet of peace beneath 
 the shade of my own fig tree. 
 
 And now having brought back the hero of our story after an 
 absence of a quarter of a century to the pretty little village where 
 we first met, we will leave him to enjoy his otium cum dignitate ; 
 and the author will feel satisfied if he has succeeded in enabling 
 the reader to wile away a few hours pleasantly by the perusal of 
 the many incidents in the eventful career of Ned Fortescue 
 while roughing it through life. 
 

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