a momentary silence reigned.

"These men in the carriage," said he in loud tones, "have not only
rebelled against the government, but have ordered and witnessed the
massacre and shameful treatment of women and children. Thus, therefore,
the government punishes such traitors and murderers!"

Then drawing his revolver, before the crowd could move or lift a hand he
shot the three prisoners through the head. The crowd, awed and astonished,
fell back, and the carriage with the dead bodies passed into the city.




CHAPTER XIX.

A RIOT AT CAWNPORE.


While the guns of Delhi were saluting the raising of the British flag over
the royal palace, General Havelock and his force were fighting their way
up to Lucknow. On the 19th of September he crossed the Ganges, brushed
aside the enemy's opposition, and, after three days' march in a tremendous
rain, found them in force at the Alumbagh. After a short, sharp fight they
were defeated, and the Alumbagh fell into our hands. All the stores and
baggage were left here, with a force strong enough to hold it against all
attacks; and after a day to rest his troops, General Havelock advanced on
the 22d, defeated the enemy outside Lucknow, and then, as the direct route
was known to be impassable, he followed the canal as far as the
Kaiserbagh, and there turning off, fought his way through the streets to