Rujub, the Juggler
by G. A. Henty.



PUBLISHERS' INTRODUCTION.


"Rujub, the Juggler," is mainly an historical tale for young and
old, dealing with the Sepoy Mutiny, in India, during the years 1857
to 1859.

This famous mutiny occurred while the reins of British rule in
India were in the hands of Lord Canning. Chupattees (cakes of flour
and water) were circulated among the natives, placards protesting
against British rule were posted at Delhi, and when the Enfield
rifle with its greased cartridges was introduced among the Sepoy
soldiers serving the Queen it was rumored that the cartridges were
smeared with the forbidden pig's fat, so that the power of the
Sepoys might forever be destroyed.

Fanatical to the last degree, the Sepoys were not long in bringing
the mutiny to a head. The first outbreak occurred at Meerut, where
were stationed about two thousand English soldiers and three thousand
native troops. The native troops refused to use the cartridges
supplied to them and eighty-two were placed under arrest. On the
day following the native troops rebelled in a body, broke open the
guardhouse and released the prisoners, and a severe battle followed,
and Meerut was given over to the flames. The mutineers then marched
upon Delhi, thirty-two miles away, and took possession. At Bithoor