Chapter 13 Summary

The Great Mutiny ends at Gwalior. Flashy recovers from a broken arm and frazzled nervous system. He prepares detailed reports and in autumn gets Campbell's permission to go home. He pays his respects at Lakshmibai's shrine and in Cawnpore collects some mail. Elspeth gushes about pride about his gallantry and her longing, turning Flashy sentimental, and passes along a gift book from the attentive Lord Cardigan. Angry at that, Flashy boards a train to Allahabad to meet Russell. As they chat about the medals and titles being distributed to veterans, Flashy grows jealous. Russell leads him to a room where Campbell and other high officers have gathered. Canning reads the citation bestowing on Flashy the Victoria Cross. Flashy is speechless as all sing and hurrah, knowing they would howl for his blood if they knew the truth of how little he has done...