Page:Duty and Inclination. Volume 3.pdf/231

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
229

had it not been for the timely assistance of the surgeon, must inevitably have occasioned his immediate death, in the arms of the grateful but unhappy and nearly distracted Harcourt.

He was still, however, not free from danger; the bandage with which his temples had been bound was already steeped in the crimson tide; fresh ligatures were applied, and, excessively enfeebled by the loss of blood, he was assisted between the surgeon and Harcourt to rise, and given in charge to the soldiers in attendance, by whom he was committed to his tent. Even this, for his exhausted strength, proved an exertion too great, and ere he could be placed in a recumbent posture, he sunk into a long and deep swoon. Pale, lifeless, and extended, for some weeks he underwent those sufferings which his timely and humane precaution had averted from his friend.

He was instantly rewarded with the rank of Colonel.

No inflammation succeeding from the severe sabre stroke, and the ball from his side having been duly extracted, he was after a time, though with a frame, as may be conceived, enervated, pronounced in a state capable of undertaking a voyage to England, which was insisted upon by the surgeon as absolutely essential to the renovation and perfect re-establishment of his health; he accordingly made arrangements for quitting India.

It would be difficult to paint the sorrow of Har-