"It must be something important, or Doolan would never have routed you off like that." "It is very serious, Major," Bathurst said, in a low voice.

"May I suggest you had better go into the tent to read it?
Some of the servants understand English." "Come in with me," the Major said, and led the way into the tent, where the lamps were still burning on the breakfast table, although the light had broadened out over the sky outside.

It was with grave anticipation of evil that the Major took the paper from its envelope, but his worst fears were more than verified by the contents.
"My Dear Major: The General has just received a telegram with terrible news from Meerut.

'Native troops mutinied, murdered officers, women, and children, opened jails and burned cantonments, and marched to Delhi.' It is reported that there has been a general rising there and the massacre of all Europeans.

Although this is not confirmed, the news is considered probable.