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volunteering in india
79

througliout this narrative only what I saw) to say that after repeated efforts to check the Brigade in its crashing advance, the rebels in despair commenced leisurely to retreat.

Presently, however, a gun opening in front of our right flank announced the proximity of another rebel force, and this incident seemed to reassure the retreating multitude, for they faced about, and made further efforts to stand; but in vain. Grapeshot swept them off once more as before; the front ranks broke, those behind recoiled, wild panic and disorderly rout ensued. With increased impetuosity the advance continued, until our line debouching from a tope we saw in the distance a body of Sepoys vainly attempting to rally the vanquished fugitives; but terror-stricken the beaten and scattered host heeded them not, and away over the road and fields with active strides, they soon disappeared behind the surrounding woodlands.

In front of the position on which the Sepoys, under notice, had apparently decided to make a final stand, stretched an extensive plain, in the rear was the main road leading into Oudh, on the right the land declined to broad ravines of difficult access, and close by on the left, enfolded in the graceful arms of gigantic trees, reclined a pleasant-looking little village, bearing the soft and gentle name of Tilga — a spot in appearance so picturesque and peaceful, that it seemed unnaturally savage to associate its charming rural precincts with a ghastly and deadly struggle, such as the one that was just on the point of being witnessed.