_24th._--We naturally passed the remainder of the night in the greatest
anxiety of mind, feeling sure that a crisis was now approaching. At
about six in the morning, four men, mounted on maharees, came riding
towards us, and drawing near, boldly summoned our escort to deliver up
the Christians, with all their baggage and camels. The insolence of this
small body assured us that they had some force at hand; but we boldly
told them to go about their business, as we were resolved to defend
ourselves to the last.
Whilst we were parleying with them, a troop of about forty men, mounted
on their fleet maharees, and equipped for war with spears, shields, and
swords, came trotting rapidly over the hills, hallooing with wild cries,
and challenging our caravan to battle. When the first few moments of
surprise had subsided, two-thirds of our caravan, armed with matchlocks,
pistols, and swords, advanced in a body, and shouted out that they
accepted the challenge. This bold movement staggered the assailants, who
forthwith began to waver and retire. They had evidently expected to
overawe us by boasting. Our people, satisfied with the effect of their
manoeuvre, retired slowly towards the encampment. Presently a small body
of the enemy advanced as a deputation, demanding to parley, and
declaring that they did not come to fight against people of their own
faith. The remainder pretended to march and countermarch along the hills
on either hand, as if to hem us in completely, but kept at a respectful
distance.
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