Why this should have been the case I cannot say, but I often wished during the remainder of the campaign that the atmospheric influences, which, I presume, had produced this effect, could assert themselves more frequently.

We stopped for a short time to look at the position occupied by the enemy at Badli-ki-Serai; but none of us were in the mood to enjoy sight-seeing.  We had never been to Delhi before, and had but the vaguest notion where the Ridge (the position our force was holding) was, or how the city was situated with regard to our camp.  The sound of heavy firing became louder and louder, and we knew that fighting must be going on.  The driver had solemnly warned us of the risk we were running in continuing our journey, and when we came to the point where the Grand Trunk Road bifurcates, one branch going direct to the city and the other through the cantonment, we halted for a few minutes to discuss which we should take.  Fortunately for us, we settled to follow that which led to the cantonment, and, as it was then getting dark, we pushed on as fast as our tired ponies could go.  The relief to us when we found ourselves safe inside our own piquets may be imagined.  My father’s old staff-officer, Henry Norman, who was then Assistant-Adjutant-General at Head-Quarters, kindly asked me to share his tent until I could make other arrangements.  He had no bed to offer me, but I required none, as I was thoroughly tired out, and all I wanted was a spot on which to throw myself down.  A good night’s rest quite set me up.  I awoke early, scarcely able to believe in my good fortune.  I was actually at Delhi, and the city was still in the possession of the mutineers.

[Footnote 1:  George Ricketts, Esq., C.B., afterwards a member of the Board of Revenue of the North-West Provinces.]

[Footnote 2:  Thomas Thornton, Esq., C.S.I., afterwards Secretary to the Government of India in the Foreign Department.]

* * * * *

CHAPTER XIII. 1857

The first victory—­Enthusiasm amongst the troops —­Barnard’s success at Badli-ki-Serai—­The Flagstaff Tower —­Position on the Ridge—­Quintin Battye—­The gallant little Gurkhas —­Proposed assault—­The besiegers besieged—­Hard fighting —­The centenary of Plassy

Before entering on the narrative of what came under my own observation during the three months I was at Delhi, I will relate what took place after Sir Henry Barnard succeeded General Anson in command on the 26th May, and how the little British force maintained itself against almost overwhelming odds during the first three weeks of that memorable siege.