The natives were yelling in all directions, and I never
before saw them make such a good fight upon the open ground. They not
only outflanked, but entirely surrounded Abdullah's detachment of ninety
men. The troops were keeping up a heavy fire, which did not appear to
produce any decided result, as the natives thronged to the fight and
advanced close up to the fire of the soldiers, whom they attacked with
bows and arrows.
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.
