SLAUGHTER OF THE ROBBERS. 113 



then the work of death commenced. The rob- 

 bers, to the number of full two hmidred, were 

 lying about on the ground, for the most part 

 seemingly worn out with fatigue, and rolled up 

 in their Cumblies and Ruzzaies,* for the weather 

 was bitter cold. Their tattoes or ponies were 

 picketed near the owners, and some few had 

 good horses, and many camels had been 

 collected in their foray. The more watchful 

 few had been alarmed by the sentry's shout, 

 and were soon upon their feet, with sword in 

 hand ; but the majority were still asleep, and 

 thus were speared by my Sowars, or had their 

 brains dashed out unresistingly by the clubs of 

 the villagers. The moon arose just as the 

 murderous leader of the band, with a few stout 

 followers, for a few moments attempted resist- 

 ance ere he fled, but a fortunate shot from my 

 pistol closed his career of blood and rapine ; 

 then those of his followers who could do so, 

 dashed into and sought concealment amid the 

 Jowary fields. Therein they found good shel- 

 ter for the moment, but their hills were a dozen 

 miles distant, and few of them reached their 

 homes, as the villagers almost to a man turned 



* Blankets and wadded count crpaues. 

 VOL. II. 8 



