Major Munro had assembled the loyal Rajputs and thanked them in a straight soldierly speech that touched their faithful hearts and brought a glow of pride to their eyes. The Commissioner, moreover, deemed it well to let congratulations take a more substantial form. He therefore distributed the sum of five thousand rupees amongst the seventy survivors--a welcome reward for their loyalty and courage.
On the following morning Jim's anxiety and hesitation were removed, as a detachment of the 4th Sikhs--a glorious, loyal regiment--marched in and maintained order in the town.
Miss Woodburn's safety being thus assured, Captain Russell at once set out to rejoin his comrades in their seven hundred and fifty miles' march to the Mogul capital, and, to the delight of Ted and Paterson, the colonel allowed the boys to accompany the gallant corps.
We shall hear later on of that memorable march of the Corps of Guides to Delhi--the finest march in Indian history, if not indeed in the records of any army--as well as of their doings during the famous siege.
The door of Tynan's prison opened and the captive's heart beat wildly. Was it life or death? Only Ghulam Beg bringing his chupatties and water.
"Where is Pir Baksh?" he enquired. "I want to see him."
"The Subadar Sahib has gone out," replied the sepoy, leaving the room before any other questions could be asked. Tynan turned to his humble fare and regarded it with disgust. He felt wronged that he should be fed so meanly by the man he was to reward so handsomely. It was all there was, however, and hard bread was better than nothing, so he devoured it to the last crumb.
What was that? The loud booming of cannon roused him to his feet, an Englishman again, and he made desperate attempts to force open the shutters. The sharper crack and rattle of musketry--volley upon volley--followed the booming of the guns; then the cannon spoke again, and loud cries of alarm, exhortation, and triumph filled the air.
Surely it must be a rescue! He stamped up and down the narrow chamber like a caged wild beast, fuming and raging. Still no one came; he shrieked and stormed in vain.
His suspense was not for long. The door was flung open, and Pir Baksh, followed by his brother, Muhammad Baksh, Ghulam Beg, and another sepoy, rushed into the room. Tynan assumed an attitude of defence.