Page:The Sikhs (Gordon).djvu/255

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UNDER THE BRITISH CROWN.
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all the Sikh sardars to furnish soldiers of the old Khalsa army, adding, with a note of quiet resolution and self-reliance, "There must be no hesitation or delay on your part." By his vigour in beating down the enemy in the Punjab, in safeguarding it from the revolted sepoys, and in keeping the frontier inviolate, he had clearly demonstrated that the English were yet strong to punish or reward.

The time had now come for bold action in raising a new army to take the place of the old—to employ the fighting elements and banish dangerous temptation. The spirit of the Khalsa was roused by the scent of battle. They responded promptly to the summons and flocked to the British standard, many of them bearing the scars of the recent struggle. Those who were too old to serve sent their sons in their stead. The new army rose phœnix-like amid the ashes of military revolt.[1] Regiments of cavalry

  1. This army was clad in the now familiar "khaki"-coloured uniform which has been adopted by the British army.