FROM FATHIGARH TO CAWNPORE. 321 



The wounded man, however, " gladly forgave them 

 all, for they were really gallant fellows, and had 

 shown their good qualities on many a former 

 occasion." 1 



Hodson himself had received a sword-cut in the 

 leg, to which at the time he gave no heed, but 

 which seems to have troubled him not a little 

 during the next few days. 



On the following day he had "a most pleasant 

 interview" with Sir James Outram. "The brave 

 old warrior greeted me most cordially, professing 

 his satisfaction at having at last met one of whom 

 he had heard so much, &c., &c. The pleasure was 

 certainly mutual, for I have long wished to meet 

 him. He made many inquiries about you also, and 

 asked whether you had not been in the hills dur- 

 ing the panic and helped the refugees, &c. How 

 proudly I could answer all his praise in the affirma- 

 tive ! Altogether this good old soldier's compli- 

 ments were pleasing to me, particularly as he was 

 not one of those who in my time of trouble passed 

 me by on the other side." 



Some days later, after the old chief's arrival at 

 the front, Hodson refers to the great fuss which 

 had arisen over the affair of the 25th. Sir Colin 

 had taken just offence at a report that the cavalry 



had been led by Colonel , an officer on his staff. 



"Sir Colin denounced Colonel 's 'leading' as 



'an insufferable impertinence,' called me up, and 

 asked me before them all, ' Were you present with 

 your regiment on the 25th?' and on my saying 

 'Yes,' he cried out, 'Now, look here, look at my 



^ Old Memories. 

 X 



