Along the path; behind this vegetable wall, the grass had been
either cut down or torn up, so as to afford a clear space for the
natives to take a good run when throwing their lances. They accordingly
waited until we should enter the snare, and they calculated their
opportunity for making a combined attack when they considered that our
line of march was exactly opposite. Of course they could not see us
through the thick screen of brass any more than we could distinguish
them.
We were at an additional disadvantage, as we were always exposed to
attacks from fresh enemies; the route was occupied throughout, thus they
were not cowed by the defeats of every ambuscade in the rear.
Considering the great numbers of spears that had flown like flashes of
light through the line, it was astonishing that we had not had more
numerous casualties. Several men had been struck on their knapsacks,
which had served as shields.
We at length came to an exceedingly awkward place, that I felt sure
would be well occupied. Upon our right lay a row of rocky hills, to
which we were marching parallel. We had to descend through forest to low
ground. To reach this it was necessary to pass between numerous blocks
of granite that completely commanded the path. Each block was about
twenty or twenty-five feet high, and several much exceeded this height.
The base was the usual high grass and forest.
