Amongst other papers found in Khan Singh’s box were some which clearly inculpated the Maharani, and it was at once decided to deport her beyond the region of effective intrigue.  The lady was, under arrangements made for her by the Government, at this time residing in one of the late Maharaja’s palaces at Sheikapura about twenty-three miles from Lahore.  To Lumsden and his men was entrusted the duty of arresting and deporting the firebrand princess.  As taking part in this mission, first appears in the annals of the Guides the name of Lieutenant W.S.R.  Hodson, afterwards famous for his many deeds of daring, and whose name still lives as the intrepid and dashing leader of Hodson’s Horse.  Appointed as adjutant and second-in-command to a born exponent of sound, yet daring, methods of warfare, his early training in the Guides stood him in good stead in his brief, stirring, and glorious career.

In the execution of their orders Lumsden and Hodson with the Guides’ cavalry set off quietly after dark for their twenty-three miles ride.  The service was of some difficulty and of no little danger, for not only might the Maharani’s numerous partisans make an armed resistance, but failing this they might organise a formidable rescue party to cut off the enterprise between Sheikapura and the Ravi.  Against any such attempt, made with resources well within hail, the slender troop of the Guides would naturally come in for some rough buffeting.  Much, however, to the surprise, and possibly the relief, of the British officers, they were received not only without any signs of hostility, but with smiles of well-assumed welcome.  The explanation of this was that somehow news of the fate of General Khan Singh had already reached the Maharani, and with Eastern diplomacy she was preparing to trim her bark on the other tack.  Even to the suggestion that she should prepare to make a journey she raised no objection; and it was only when she found herself on the road to Ferozepore, and learnt that her destination was Benares, that the courtesy and dignity of a queen gave place to torrents of scurrilous abuse and invective such as the dialects of India are pre-eminently capable of supplying.

CHAPTER II

THE FIGHTING ROUND MOOLTAN AND AFTER

These prompt measures, however, served only a local and temporary purpose, effective but little beyond striking distance of the troops stationed at Lahore.  The flame of unrest damped down here had burst forth under a different banner at Mooltan, where the Diwan Mulraj farmed the province under treaty with the Sikhs.  The Diwan himself was a miserable personality, but carried away by the tide of popular feeling, he became inextricably involved in antagonism to the British cause by the cold-blooded murder of Agnew and Anderson.  These two British officers, with the full consent and support of the Sikh Durbar, had been sent to Mooltan on special duty in connection with the voluntary abdication of Mulraj, which had been accepted by his suzeraine.  The escort sent with the British officers was a strong one, and, if loyal, perfectly competent to deal with any disorders.  It consisted of fourteen hundred Sikhs, a regiment of Gurkhas, seven hundred cavalry, and six guns.