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Page 1
The retreating army reached the camp safely about dark, and then it was
discovered that a lieutenant named McIntyre and twelve soldiers were
missing.
It was at first hoped that they had simply dropped behind and would
reach camp any moment. When, however, hours passed and they did not
return, the worst fears were entertained.
At last a soldier arrived, bringing with him the dreadful news, and
telling the story of the gallant deed of the lieutenant and his brave
companions.
It seems that the rough ground over which they had to travel made the
progress of this little party very slow, and the care of the wounded
under their charge hampered their movements so much that they at last
found themselves completely cut off from their comrades.
As soon as the young officer realized what had happened to him, he
despatched one of his men for aid, and with the others formed a ring
around the wounded, preparing to defend them until help arrived.
The wounded men, on their part, behaved as nobly as the lieutenant
himself.
Realizing the situation, they begged the young officer to leave them to
their fate, and do what he could to save his own life and the lives of
his men.
Mr. McIntyre absolutely refused to abandon the wounded, and prepared to
defend them to the last.
When the messenger last saw the gallant little band, they were bravely
facing the enemy, waiting calmly for the death which was sure to follow
unless help reached them soon.
A party was immediately sent out from camp to their relief, but when the
spot was reached the brave fellows were beyond human aid.
Not a man remained alive to tell the tale of their noble struggle. The
bodies of the lieutenant and his men were found grouped about the
wounded comrades they had sacrificed their lives to save, and their
attitude in death showed that each man had died doing his duty, his face
to the foe.
* * * * *
Some of the tribesmen have come to the conclusion that the British
soldier is a hard foe to beat.
The Orakzais have therefore sent a deputation to Gen. Sir William
Lockhart, the British commander-in-chief, asking for peace.
Sir William was willing to talk to them, but the terms he offered were
so much harder than they expected that the Orakzais do not seem
inclined to accept them.
The English general told the tribesmen that the only terms on which
England would treat with them were that they should first give back all
the rifles they had captured since the outbreak, then that they should
forfeit five hundred extra rifles and thirty thousand rupees as a fine,
and lastly, that they must offer submission to the Queen's rule within a
fortnight,--the submission to be given at a full durbar, which is a
native Indian term for a levee or reception held by a native prince or
officer of rank in British India.
As we have said, the Orakzais think these terms too severe, and are
inclined to refuse them.
The Afridis have as yet shown no signs of weakening. On the contrary,
they have sent fresh messengers to the Ameer of Afghanistan, asking his
aid. The English are confident that he will refuse, and advise them to
submit, and hope that there may soon be an end of the Indian troubles.
In the mean while the Afridis are making all the trouble they can. Every
night they cut the telegraph-wires, and every day they lay in wait for
any baggage convoy or foraging party that leaves the camp.
* * * * *
You will be pleased to hear more about the brave piper of the Gordon
Highlanders, who, though shot through both ankles at the battle of
Dargai Ridge, propped himself up, and continued playing on his pipes to
cheer his comrades.
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