The Disputed V.C.: A Tale of the Indian MutinyGibbon, Frederick P.
History
The Disputed V.C.: A Tale of the Indian Mutiny
Gibbon, Frederick P.
India -- History -- Sepoy Rebellion, 1857-1858 -- Juvenile fiction
Ambar Singh had returned to his home in Merwar. The 193rd had been
disbanded, and the few who remained loyal had been drafted into the
newly-raised corps. But the havildar was not in a fit condition to
endure the strain of a campaign, so he had gone home to recruit his
health. However, they thought they knew where to find him.
"We can hold no enquiry," said the major, "until Delhi has fallen and
Ted is free again, and the case ought certainly to be tried before
officers other than those of the 193rd. We are hardly impartial, our
sympathies being with Ted. Luckily Dwarika Rai is still here, and he may
throw some light on the subject."
For Dwarika Rai, the fourth survivor of Lowthian's handful, had been
promoted to the rank of havildar, and was now employed in drilling the
raw material and teaching them the beauties of the goose-step.
"I'll drive Ethel home," said the colonel, "and come back presently with
Sir Arthur, and we'll examine Dwarika Rai."
When the Woodburns had gone, Tynan returned to dine with Munro and
Leigh. The colonel and the deputy-commissioner entered as the officers
were smoking after their meal, and Dwarika Rai was sent for.
The Rajput entered the room, and in the act of saluting started back on
beholding Tynan, who also gave a start and rose to his feet.
"Why!" he gasped, for no warning had been given him, "what is he doing
here? I thought only Russell and I and Ambar Singh were saved."
Dwarika Rai still stood open-mouthed as though he had seen a ghost.
"He also was saved," explained the major. "Dwarika Rai, it is indeed
Tynan Sahib."
"I am rejoiced to see him, for I thought he was dead," said the soldier
simply.
"We wish to recall to your memory some of the events that took place in
the fortress when you were attacked," Munro began. "Didst thou notice
the part taken by Pir Baksh during the fighting? Was he a ringleader?"
"Indeed, sahib, I'm not sure. Russell Sahib and Ambar Singh considered
him so, but I could not help thinking that he wished us well. He seemed
to fire without aiming, and never hit anyone, and I verily believe that
he wished to save our lives. But the others would not trust him, and
perhaps they were right."
Munro and the colonel looked at one another.
"Your opinion, then, was that he had been forced to rebel?"
"I thought it might be so, Colonel Sahib; in fact, once after the firing
had been hot, Bisesar Singh whispered to me that the heart of Pir Baksh
was not in the affair. When I asked him why, he replied that the subadar
had covered him with his musket, and then winked at him and fired high.
Yet sometimes he appeared to lead the dogs; but perhaps that was to
divert suspicion, perhaps he had to feign to be as faithless as
themselves whenever they were watching him."
"That is probable enough," Sir Arthur whispered to his colleagues.
"Under the circumstances I can quite understand a man doing that."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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