but the disbanded Sepoys had escaped to swell the rebel ranks at Delhi. In June the Sepoys at Jálandhar rose, effected their escape, plundering the city of Ludhiána en route. Múltán, an important position commanding the south-west portion of the Province and the Indus line of communication with the coast, was saved by a timely disarming of the mutinous regiments there stationed. The Sikh Chiefs, whom Nicholson invited to give assistance, declined, till it should be more apparent which would be the winning side. Soon, however, it became apparent that the general population had no sympathy with the Hindustání mutineers, and in a few weeks some 34,000 recruits were raised, delighted at the prospect of sacking Delhi,
In the first week of June, on the Jumna frontier, the Rání of Jhánsí had shown her savage mood, massacred an European force, and proclaimed herself Sovereign of her State.
The Gwalior force, sent by Sindhia to aid the British, had turned against them, and was threatening Agra. The Sepoys at Nímach and Nasírábád, garrisons in the heart of Rájputána, had broken out, pillaged the surrounding villages, and marched away to Delhi. Ajmere, the arsenal and treasury of the Province, had been saved by the timely disarming of a Bráhman regiment.
Bundelkhand, flanking the Jumna line to the south, might at any moment burst into a blaze. Still further southward the tide of disaffection rolled. At
