Mohammedans and Hindus are as one, and the crowd
is with them. This is probably the end of the powder-train, for,
from what I heard shouted by the mutineers, almost the whole of India
is in revolt already!"
"Why?"
"God knows, sahib! The reason given is that the cartridges supplied
are greased with the blended fat of pigs and cows, thus defiling both
Hindu and Mohammedan alike. But, if you ask me, the cause lies deeper.
In the meantime, the rebels have looted Jailpore and burned their
barracks, and within an hour or two they will start along this road
for Bholat, which they have a mind to loot likewise. My advice to
you is retire at once. Get me another horse from somewhere, that
I may carry warning. Then follow me as fast as you and your men
can move."
"Bah!" said Brown. "They'll find General Baines to deal with them
at Bholat."
"Who knows yet how many in Bholat have not risen? Are you positive
that the garrison there has not already been surrounded by rebels?
I am not! I would not be at all surprised to learn that General Baines
is so busy defending himself that he can not move in any direction.
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