Produced by Al Haines. [Illustration: Cover art] [Illustration: PERCY THREATENS TO SHOOT THE FERRYMEN] *Through the Sikh War* A Tale of the Conquest of the Punjaub BY G. A. HENTY Author of "Beric the Briton" "The Dash for Khartoum" "Held Fast for England" "With Clive in India" &c. _WITH EIGHT ILLUSTRATIONS BY HAL HURST AND MAP OF THE PUNJAUB_ LONDON: BLACKIE & SON, LIMITED COPP CLARK CO. LTD., TORONTO WILLIAM BRIGGS, TORONTO *PREFACE.* Among the many wars by which, province by province, the Empire of India was won, few, if any, were more brilliant and hard fought than those which terminated in the annexation of the Punjaub. It is satisfactory to know that the conquest of the Sikhs—a brave and independent race—was not brought about by any of the intrigues which marred the brilliancy of some of our early conquests, or by greed for additional territory, but was the result of a wanton invasion of the states under our protection by the turbulent soldiery of the Punjaub, who believed themselves invincible, and embarked upon the conflict with a confident belief that they would make themselves masters of Delhi, if not drive us completely out of India. It was fortunate for Britain that the struggle was not delayed for a few years, and that there was time for the Punjaub to become well contented with our rule before the outbreak of the Mutiny; for had the Punjaub declared against us at that critical period it would assuredly have turned the scale, and the work of conquering India must needs have been undertaken anew. I have endeavoured, while keeping my hero well in the foreground, to relate the whole of the leading incidents in the two Sikh wars. G. A. HENTY. *CONTENTS* CHAP. I. Eastward Ho! II. The Shadow of War III. At the Castle IV. A Raid from the Hills V. Retribution VI. A Siege VII. Startling News VIII. In the Service IX. Moodkee and Ferozeshah X. Aliwal and Sobraon XI. An Ambush XII. A Prisoner XIII. Escape XIV. Treachery XV. The News of the Massacre XVI. Seven Hours of Suspense XVII. With Sher Singh XVIII. Rejoining XIX. Chillianwalla XX. Gujerat XXI. Retired *ILLUSTRATIONS* Percy threatens to shoot the Ferrymen _Frontispiece_ Percy learns the Punjaubi Language Percy shoots the Assassin during the attack on the Fortress The Commander-in-chief thanks Percy for his Report Percy awakes, to find that the Guards are Vigilant "Is he dead?" Percy asked as he reined up his Horse Percy takes part in the Battle of Chillianwalla Percy has an Interview with Sher Singh Map of the Punjaub