Only His Play, 1885. Artist: Joseph Swain

Only His Play, 1885. The British Lion and the Indian Tiger watch in consternation as the Russian Bear attacks the Afghan wolves. On 30th March 1885, Russia had attacked the Afghans at Penjdeh, leading to an Afghan loss of 500 men. Each side blamed the other for causing the conflict. Recently, Russia and Britain had agreed that Russia would not advance on Penjdeh and that Britain would not support any advance by Afghan troops. However, the next day, Russia qualified its agreement by the addition of a proviso that Afghanistan should not advance, attack or cause any disturbance in Penjdeh. It was feared at the time that this would open the door for Russia to gain the advantage. From Punch, or the London Charivari, April 18, 1885. (Photo by The Cartoon Collector/Print Collector/Getty Images)