With well-dissembled enmity, the Sepoys at Shahjehanpore went through their duties until the morning of the rising. They waited until their officers and their families had gone to church. This was the opportunity which they preferred. They rose en masse, and, having armed themselves fully—though those whom they were to overcome were entirely unarmed and defenseless worshipers in the house of God—stealthily proceeded in a body to the church. They must have taken their measures very quietly and quickly, for they entered while the congregation knelt in prayer, without causing the least alarm, and in some instances dealt their deadly blows on the prostrate suppliants before their presence was known or their purpose feared. Young Spens was on his knees in prayer when his shoulder was laid open by the savage lunge of a tulwar wielded by one of the murderous mutineers. The attack being simultaneous, the people were instantly on their feet, struggling in mortal combat with their assailants. The heart-rending scene that ensued I cannot describe. Words seem too feeble to convey its horrors. It is believed that not one of the number of men, women, and children in that sanctuary ultimately escaped.
Particulars have been ascertained concerning the sad fate of twenty-six of their number. These succeeded, by some means, in getting out of the furious fray and reaching the doors of the church, and, befriended by their syces, or coachmen, reached their carriages and drove off, scarcely knowing or caring whither. They only drew up at a place called Mohumdy, after a drive of many miles. Here they were well received by the Theeselder, or local officer, who seemed sincerely disposed to shield and serve them. The strongest defense at his disposal was a mud fort, and there he placed the fugitives, who began to breathe in hope. It was only for a brief interval. A part of the Forty-first Sepoy Cavalry suddenly appeared, and, having discovered the refugees, demanded their surrender. The remonstrances and resistance of the friendly Theeselder were in vain.
On being given up they were put into their own carriages and driven off under the escort of their captors. Before starting, how-
