did in our favor, however, he had to do quietly, so as not to rouse the fanaticism of his own population, or the hostility of Khan Bahadur Khan.
On ascertaining our extremity he sent us rice, sugar, flour, etc., with some medicine and money—what he could spare and safely remit to us. We were certainly very much obliged to “his Highness” for these unlooked-for succors. But even his messengers could not restrain their bigotry: they duly informed our few Ghoorkas (hill soldiers) that “the ‘King of Rohilcund’ had raised an army of twenty thousand, and was casting cannon, etc.; also, that the Emperor of Delhi had taken the Fort of Calcutta, and his victorious armies were spreading all over the country!” So that even this help brought its own danger with it, and increased our anxiety.
The road to the Punjab through Kurnal was most providentially kept open. The Punjab was the only source from which a man, or a barrel of flour, or a case of medicine, could reach the English army before Delhi. Had that road been closed upon them, their condition must soon have become desperate. But the circumstances that retained that key of their position in friendly hands was as providential as the good will of the Rampore Nawab toward us at Nynee Tal. Mr. Le Bas, the Judge of Delhi, owed his life on the day of the slaughter to the speed of his horse. He reached Kurnal, about forty miles to the north-west, and sought an interview with the Nawab. It was the hour of England's deepest humiliation, and Le Bas trembled for the loyalty of the Nawab. But early the following morning he came to Mr. Le Bas and said: “I have spent a sleepless night in meditating on the state of affairs. I have decided to throw in my lot with yours. My sword, my purse, and my followers are at your disposal.”
Faithfully did the brave Nawab redeem his promise, and at the head of his little force he saved many a European life, several ladies among them, and kept the road to the Punjab open till Delhi fell, and the English Empire was restored.
It is also a pleasure to record another instance of wonderful humanity from a very unexpected quarter. In the month of July
