Page:The Indian Mutiny of 1857.djvu/130

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104
Mutiny at Itáwah.

the men of the 9th N. I. were staunch, and, replying vigorously, they killed five of the troopers. The two survivors escaped for the moment.

Three days later the patrols attempted to lay hands upon and to disarm a larger body of troopers of the same regiment well supplied with fighting material. But in the struggle the men of the patrol were worsted. The rebels, then, probably fearing an attack in force, took up a position in a small Hindu temple, strong in itself, and stronger still in the approaches, which rendered assault difficult and dangerous.

Information of this action having been brought to Messrs Hume and Daniell, they resolved, despite the fact that assault was almost impossible, and that the villagers had shown a disposition to aid the troopers, to venture on an attack with the men of their police. But in reply to the summons to follow them but one of that force obeyed. He was promptly killed; Daniell was shot through the face. Hume, who was then left alone, forthwith retired, supporting Daniell to his carriage, and returned with him to Itáwah. That night the troopers evacuated the temple. Four days later, the company of the 9th, which had remained quiet in the interval, suddenly mutinied, looted the treasury, released the prisoners from the gaol, and inaugurated a reign of terror. Fortunately timely warning had enabled the civilians to ensure the safety of the women and children. Two days later there was a change A regiment of the Gwáliár contingent, the 1st Grenadiers, which was to mutiny in its turn, arrived, and for the moment restored order.

But these isolated mutinies, however deplorable in themselves, counted for comparatively little so long as British authority remained supreme in the great station of Agra. Agra was a very important place. Not only was it the