A RECONNAISSANCE. 223 



and at the time of my narrative had seen some 

 sharp work together, which had cemented our 

 acquaintance into an almost brotherly friendship. 



I was too old a campaigner ever to neglect crea- 

 ture comforts, and although we travelled in light 

 marching order, my provision wallets were well 

 found, and half-a-dozen Cording's waterproof sheets 

 not only protected our horses from the cold night- 

 air but furnished us with a shelter from the incle- 

 mency of the weather. As we lay snug under our 

 tente d'ahri, it was determined that at dawn we 

 would have a reconnaissance on our own account, 

 in case it was found advisable for our troops to re- 

 cross the river ; and having advised the old Bey 

 as to our intentions, when the first streaks of gray 

 in the east announced the approach of day, we 

 prepared to set out. , 



I had half-a-dozen well-tried followers eating my 

 salt, upon whose pluck I could always depend ; and 

 as they were all fairly mounted and armed, I did 

 not anticipate any difficulty in escaping, if we found 

 the enemy too strong for us. 



As soon as it was light enough to see our way, 



