I had
often seen talismans that were fastened to the trees, and I suggested to
Abdullah that there were many of them along the road. He was so
confident in accepting every responsibility as guide, that I followed
him without hesitation, and the march continued. The wounded Faddul was
supported as before.
In a short time I myself recognized the path as being very near to
Kisoona, which place we suddenly entered after a march of thirty-five
minutes from the potato field. The advance-guard fired a volley at some
natives, who rushed into the grass upon our unexpected arrival.
We were now in open ground, with good native huts for shelter, and a
large extent of cultivation, where an unlimited supply of potatoes could
be obtained.
As the rear-guard closed up, I mustered all officers and men. Having
spoken a few words of encouragement, and complimented them upon their
extreme steadiness since I had lectured them at Chorobeze, I
congratulated them upon having advanced so far, under God's protection,
through such numberless enemies, with comparatively so little loss. We
were now only twenty-one miles from Foweera, and we knew the road. The
news of our arrival would almost immediately reach Rionga, and I should
fortify this spot and remain here for some days to allow my wounded to
recover their strength. During this time all hands would be employed in
preparing potatoes for store, by cutting them in slices and drying them
in the sun.
I now ordered the band to strike up with the greatest vigour, to show
the natives who might be within hearing, that we were in the best of
spirits.
My officers and men were all delighted, and overwhelmed me with
compliments. I only replied by begging them always to trust in God, and
to do their duty.
I immediately started off a party to dig potatoes, while Lieutenant
Baker and myself, with a number of men, slashed down with sabres the
extensive grove of plantain trees, so as to have a perfectly clear space
around the camp.
We made a strong defence at Kisoona, and the rest of several days was
invigorating to the wounded men, and enabled my wife's feet to recover
sufficiently to continue the march on the 23rd June.
I had arranged that the drums and bugles should sound the morning call
at 5 A.M. daily, as though in a permanent camp. This was to assist me in
a plan for avoiding ambuscades on the day of marching from Kisoona.
On the 22nd I gave orders that every man should be ready to march
punctually at 5 A.M., the instant that the morning call should have
sounded.
The natives, hearing the call to which they had been daily accustomed,
would have no suspicion of our intended departure; therefore they would
not have sufficient time to organize and man their ambuscades.
