“Not to-day; we’re retreating to-day.”
“What? D’you think you can pull my leg so easily?”
“It’s a fact. The force is retiring, and I’ve come on with instructions. Listen! Those are Blunt’s guns.”
“And do you mean to say that we’re leaving Lucknow to the rebels?”
“I do.”
“And Outram and Havelock, and the women and children?”
“No,” laughed his chum; “we’ve brought them away. I’ve just ridden from the Dilkusha, where preparations are being made to receive them. I’ve been ragging you. We have relieved Lucknow, but, not being strong enough to hold the town, Sir Colin is retiring on Cawnpore. He means to send the women to Allahabad and wait for reinforcements. You’ve missed a lot, old man. Your luck deserted you this time.”
“How did our fellows behave?”
“Boldre’s Horse? Hardly engaged. The brunt of the work fell on the 53rd, 93rd, and 4th Sikhs. It was fine to see the two last regiments storm the Sikanderbagh, the Sikhs going off with a rush and the Highlanders after them, racing like mad. A Highlander jumped first through the breach and was killed, then Sikhs and Pathans and Highlanders all mixed. It was fine! The Englishmen and Irishmen of the 53rd did some good work too.”
“Have you seen Havelock and Outram?”