xxiii THE TRAGEDY IN THE DESERT 299 



ammunition, and were openly boasting that they 

 were now the masters and would do as they liked. 



This was a very alarming position to be placed 

 in at such a trying and critical moment, and I 

 instantly realised the gravity of the situation. The 

 men were now quite independent of me, and no 

 doubt thought they would be able to dictate such 

 terms as they chose, as I was weaponless and alone 

 among them, and without any resources save what 

 I could exert by moral suasion. 



I saw that the only way out of it was to show 

 that I was not going to be intimidated. Without 

 a moment's hesitation, therefore, I went into the 

 midst of the mutinous crowd who were all assembled 

 together within their boma. On seeing me enter 

 there was a general hush, and many furtive and 

 evil glances fell upon me as I walked up to the 

 rascals who squatted on their heels plotting and 

 planning mischief 



When I had got into the centre of the mutineers 

 I asked what foolishness was this I heard of them. 

 I could have no nonsense, and they must all be 

 ready to march at two o'clock in the afternoon. 

 Upon this all, askaris included, replied with a 

 great shout that they did not intend to go any 

 further iiito the desert, where they would perish of 

 hunger and thirst. They had got all the rifles now 

 and would do as they liked. 



