ADVENTURES IN CAMP AND JUNGLE. 229 



in the rebellion, and subsequently the Eajah himself was 

 besieged in his palace by a strong insurgent force, which 

 had taken possession of the town, which is strongly fortified, 

 and stands on the right bank of the Chumbul river. But 

 a column from Bombay, commanded by General Eoberts, was 

 sent against them. Having crossed the Chumbul in boats, 

 that officer took possession of the inner fortress in which the 

 palace stands. The town was then carried by assault. Our 

 force was encamped near the ruins of Major Burton's bunga- 

 low. Its blackened walls bore many vengeful inscriptions, 

 written by the British soldiers after the siege. 



The Chumbul flowed in a deep smooth stream, 200 yards 

 in width, at the foot of a high bank close to our tents. In 

 the centre of the river were a few green islands of small extent, 

 formed by alluvial deposit. These were favourite basking- 

 places for numbers of alligators and large turtle, which afforded 

 good targets for our rifles, and several were shot. There is 

 usually a prejudice in India against using the fresh-water 

 turtle as an article of food ; but on this occasion we turned 

 them into both soup and pies very excellent. 



The Eajah, having sent us invitations to join a great 

 shooting party, we embarked one morning on the river in a 

 number of large boats sent down for our accommodation. In 

 all knowledge of woodcraft the Indian chiefs are, with few 

 exceptions, lamentably deficient. Their great idea of " Shikar " 

 is to go forth into the plain or woodland, accompanied by 

 many men and horses. They are followed by servants of all 

 descriptions, bearing emblems of office ; and the noise of this 

 small army, as may be supposed, is not conducive to sport. 

 But the arrangements for this day were quite unique. 



As we were rowed up the river we had an excellent view 



