However, we had no time for thinking just then. From the moment we
landed in Bombay, and for a week or two afterwards, we were continually
on the move. Long forced marches under a broiling sun, it was enough to
wear out any ordinary troops. But our men, and the column to which they
were now attached, formed no ordinary body of men. They were Englishmen
hastening to the rescue, and nothing on earth could stop them. It was
strange how slowly the news of those stirring times came to our ears.

One day we heard with a horror that I can never describe of that foul
massacre at Cawnpore, where in cold blood gentle English ladies and
innocent children had been brutally massacred, and their bodies flung
into a well. Then the news came of the achievements of that wonderful
army of relief led by Havelock.

Day after day came the news of his march on Lucknow, where our besieged
fellow-countrymen lay. Every one knows of that heroic march. Inch by
inch, almost, that handful of men fought their way, fighting a battle a
day, and never yielding a step.

One day a horseman galloped into our camp in a great state of
excitement. As he flung himself from his horse he shouted something,
but we only caught the two words, "Havelock," "Lucknow." It was enough.
Lucknow was saved! There rose cheer upon cheer at the news, and shout
upon shout. Men and officers alike waved their hats and shook hands,
Paddy, as usual, let his feelings get the better of him, and nearly
broke Larry's spine with the joyful thump he gave it; indeed, it is safe
to say our men were almost as proud as if they had themselves achieved
the relief.

Presently, however, there spread a rumour that though Lucknow was saved,
it was not yet relieved.

Havelock had fought his way in, but until help arrived, he, too, would
be a prisoner within its walls; and almost in the same breath came the
grand news; our column was the one destined for this glorious work! How
our hearts beat! What mattered it now how long the marches were, and
how grilling the sun?

"Lucknow" was the cry; and that magic word sustained us in every
hardship and peril.

We reached Cawnpore at last, and there joined Sir Colin Campbell's
force. The sight of this house of murder was simply maddening to the
men. They left the place next morning with a sort of shudder, and set
their faces towards Lucknow. It was not till we were well on the march
that I had leisure to look about me and notice ho