I ordered our solitary field-piece to be dismounted, and placed in the
large rowing-boat, together with a rocket-trough, and the requisite
ammunition, in readiness to support Abdullah with a flank attack upon
the natives, by crossing the river, should it be necessary. As our
vessels were in close view, I waited for the signal by bugle should
Abdullah require assistance.
I had only twenty-two men of the "Forty Thieves" with me, together with
the eight artillerymen belonging to the gun. The remainder of "The
Forty" were holding the second island, about four miles in our rear.
Just before dark, I noticed that the Baris were giving way: they had
evidently suffered some loss, which caused a sudden retreat. I heard the
bugle sound "the advance," and we could see the troops advancing and
firing in pursuit. The Baris ceased blowing their horns, and collected
in dense bodies at a great distance from the troops, who had halted and
now held the position.
Only occasional shots were now fired, and the sun having set, darkness
gradually dissolved the view.
I fully expected that the Baris would renew the attack during the night,
but I knew that Abdullah was safe in his strong position within a
village, surrounded by the high and dense hedge of euphorbia; the thick,
fleshy branches of this tree are the best protection against arrows. I
ordered the boat with the gun to remain in readiness, so as to start at
a moment's notice should we hear firing renewed during the night. I
should then be able to land the gun, and take them unexpectedly on the
flank with case shot.
Morning broke without any night alarm. I had filled the vessels with the
last of the corn upon the island, therefore I determined to cross over
with my force, and to meet the detachment under Major Abdullah. This was
not easy to accomplish, as there were some awkward sand-banks in the
middle of the river. It was therefore necessary to pass up stream
between two islands, and then, by rounding the head of a point, to
descend through a channel about a hundred yards wide between the western
island and the mainland. This occupied about an hour, and we dropped
down the channel and took up an excellent position against a high shore
that formed a convenient landing-place. From this point the land rose
rapidly, and the entire landscape was covered with villages abounding in
corn. The natives appeared to have deserted the country.
Having given the necessary orders, I took my shot gun, and, accompanied
by Lieutenant Baker, Monsoor, and two soldiers of "The Forty," I walked
along the river's bank towards the village occupied by Major Abdullah's
detachment, who I imagined might have found a large quantity of corn,
which accounted for their delay in commencing the morning march.
