“Well, well,” the other cried, impatiently, as Azimoolah seemed to dwell too long upon his words.
“We will provide them with carriage down to the river. There we will have a fleet of large, thatched-roof boats. On board of these boats the English people, who have given you so much trouble, shall embark.”
“Well, go on—I follow,” said the Nana, as Azimoolah paused again. “Having got them on board, what then?”
“We will slaughter them, your Highness—man, woman, and child. Not one shall live to tell the tale. On each side of the river we will have heavy guns posted, and our troops shall line the banks. A mouse would not be able to escape.”
“Good! I leave all to you,” was the Nana’s only answer. But his tone of voice betrayed the joy he felt.
Azimoolah retired to his tent, and, calling for writing materials and pen, with his own hand he wrote the following missive in English:—
“To the subjects of Her Majesty Queen Victoria: All those who are in no way connected with the acts of Lord Dalhousie, and are willing to lay down their arms, shall receive a safe passage to Allahabad.”
The next morning an armistice was proclaimed, and Azimoolah, accompanied by two Sepoys, presented himself before the entrenchments.
This temporary cessation of hostilities was a great relief to the starving and worn-out garrison. They were prepared to listen to any terms that did not propose dishonourable surrender. General Wheeler called up two captains and the postmaster, and gave them full powers to go out and treat with the emissaries of the Nana.