In portions of the country the
British were isolated, as in the camp before Delhi, and in the works at
Agra, Allahabad, and Lucknow. The mutiny extended over an area of 100,000
square miles, with a population of 40,000,000. It came at the worst season
of the year; and if it had not been speedily suppressed, it would have
spread over the whole country. Many believed that the knell of the empire
had sounded.
"At that time there were 40,000 European troops"--
"Land, ho!" shouted the lookout man; and the cry was repeated by the
sailors and the officers.
"We will attend to the land now, and I will resume latter," said Lord
Tremlyn, as he descended from the rostrum.
CHAPTER XIV
SIR HENRY HAVELOCK AND THE MUTINY
The announcement that land was in sight produced some excitement, and the
speaker good-naturedly paused to enable the company to see whatever was to
be seen. They looked to the eastward, but they could see nothing. They
stood upon the promenade, and strained their eyes to the utmost; but it
required a nautical eye to make land out of the dim haze in the distance,
for that was all there was of it.
"I can readily understand your desire to obtain the first view of India,"
said Lord Tremlyn.
"But they will not obtain it yet a while," added the commander.
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