CAPTAIN CONNOE'S SUCCESS. 87 



men and privately imparted further directions, thus pro- 

 viding for the possible contingency of his being killed in 

 the action. 



The plan of attack was as ably executed as conceived, 

 and a scene of the wildest description ensued. The sur- 

 prised enemy, taken at every disadvantage, aroused out 

 of sleep by savage yells, their tents blazing over their 

 heads, shot down in numbers, and bewildered by the 

 firing, were struck with panic and dismay, and made at 

 first but the feeblest attempts at defence. But soon their 

 best warriors armed themselves with such weapons as in 

 the confusion they could lay hands on, and bravely rallied 

 in a body several hundred strong round their chief in the 

 centre of the camp. It was the moment waited for by 

 Captain Connor. At the head of the reserve, charging 

 in column, he tore through them like an avalanche, opened 

 out right and left, and scattered his foes as a tornado 

 would a forest's autumn leaves, and the blazing camp 

 threw a glare of light upon a scene of massacre and 

 carnage. 



The party with the stampeded horses were already well 

 on their way ; the recall was sounded, and the victorious 

 allies drew off and followed at a canter. 



After a run of ten miles, the terrified band of steeds 

 stopped, having then recovered their courage or lost their 

 wind, and their drivers gladly halted and awaited the 

 arrival of the main body. When this came up, lassoes 

 were brought into requisition, some horses captured out 

 of the band, saddles changed, and every man having got a 

 remount, flight was recommenced, and with only the shortest 



