They were to be under arms an hour before daybreak on the
following morning, to set fire to the adjacent villages of their
generous hosts, and to capture their large herds of cattle, together
with their women and children.
At the time appointed, while every Umiro slept unconscious of
approaching danger, several villages were surrounded, and volleys of
musketry were poured upon the sleeping inmates. The straw huts were
ignited, and the flames rapidly spread, while a massacre commenced
similar to the butcheries to which the slave-hunters were so well
accustomed.
The Umiro, thus taken by surprise, and appalled by so dastardly a
treachery, were easily defeated. Their children and wives were captured,
together with large herds of cattle, which are celebrated for their
size. All these were driven in triumph to Fatiko.
The success of this infernal scheme, raised the reputation of Ali
Hussein to the highest pitch. The reports of the vast pastoral wealth of
the Umiro excited the cupidity of the various companies in the stations
of Abou Saood.
It was determined to make a grand attack upon a people, who, in spite of
their warlike character, had exhibited a total want of power to resist.
