The Star of India

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

Before venturing upon the streets, the fugitives, as they may now be called, had recourse to such disguises as were at their command. It so happened that at that time, the only servant with the family of the missionary was Luchman. A second servant, Ali Khan, had been called away two days before by the illness of his wife, and a third was absent for the evening. Living in a distant part of the city, the second had been given permission to remain away until ready to return, and he had not yet shown up. Since he was a Mohammedan, who, while impressed by the teachings of Christianity, had not yet made profession of the new faith, the family were rather relieved by his absence. Indeed they were not without strong doubts of his loyalty, and they would not have been surprised had he appeared among the fanatics that were certain to make a move before long against the missionary and his family.

The first preparation of the ladies consisted in an adoption of chuddars, or white shawls of muslin, which are common among the native women. These are worn over the head and drawn around the face so that only the eyes are visible when the wearer appears on the street. Enveloped by these cool coverings, there was good reason to hope that they could pass along the roads without attracting notice.

Luchman arranged turbans about the heads of Mr. Hildreth and Dr. Avery, tied with a skill peculiar to himself. The servants' quarters are never without several clean white muslin coats in order that the menials may make a seemly appearance at all times. The gentlemen each donned one of these, and thus the party at night were quite sure to pass muster, unless suspicion should lead to a close scrutiny as they sought to make their way toward the Cashmere Gate.

Luchman announced the painful necessity that the friends must separate, in order to draw less attention. No woman ever appears alone at night in any of the bazars, unless directly behind her husband. It was arranged, therefore, that Marian should walk behind Luchman, and Mrs. Hildreth immediately behind the missionary. They would part company as soon as the street was reached, and since all, with one exception, were familiar with the city, they were hopeful of reaching the Cashmere Gate without molestation.

Dr. Avery, being but slightly acquainted with the capital, was given the most direct route, which was explained with so much clearness to him, that he was as hopeful as the others. Indeed, with the spirits that were natural to him, he offered to wager Marian and Luchman that he would reach the rendezvous ahead of all.

The streets were unlighted by lamps, the paunchyats or groups of natives being gathered around the small fires kindled in many places on the ground. It was believed that these could be avoided without difficulty, though the bright moon in the unclouded sky required great caution in the movements of the fugitives.

Everything being ready, they stole out upon the nearest street as silently as so many shadows. Dr. Avery pressed the hand of Marian as he whispered a farewell, and begged her to maintain a brave heart, and to keep close behind her protector, Luchman. The brave girl uttered some reply which her lover did not catch, and, almost before he suspected it, he was threading his way alone through the narrow streets.

He was amazed by the throngs of people whom he met at every turn. It was yet early in the evening, and they seemed to be everywhere. Everybody was talking, and the chatter of tongues was like Babel itself. Now and then he heard an English word, or was able to catch the meaning of some expression in Hindustani. He was sure that every one related to the momentous subject of the mutiny.

All at once a greater uproar than usual broke out directly in front, and the swarm surged in that direction, led by the same headlong curiosity which controls a mob in a civilized city.

Avery pushed along with the others, and soon found that the cause of the tumult was a brawl among several men. Feeling no interest in such an affray, he was about to pass on, when one of the combatants leaped into the middle of the street, closely pressed by the others. It was then that the bright moonlight showed that the individual who was striving to disentangle himself was an Englishman, who was hard pressed by fully a dozen natives.