ADVENTUKES IN CAMP AND JUNGLE. 213 



and would probably make a descent on the treasure, which 

 was stated to be worth 75,000. He suggested that they 

 should pass up into Malwa by the more easterly route via 

 Asseerghur. This advice was not taken, and when the 

 treasure-party had reached a spot six miles north of Sindwah 

 Tort the Bheels came down on them in force. Little or no 

 show of resistance was made by the guard, who, once they 

 had satisfied their consciences by a mild remonstrance, joined 

 heartily in the plunder. The treasure consisted of lumps of 

 silver, many pounds in weight, coins of Chili, and five-franc 

 pieces. Every man filled his waistband, and a large quantity 

 was buried in the jungle by the Bheels. Many of the escort 

 joined the insurgents, others continued their way to the Ner- 

 budda, and were arrested by the police, who collected from 

 their persons treasure valued at about 6000. No sooner had 

 the news of the robbery got abroad than numbers of vagabonds 

 of all castes from the large towns and viDages, attracted by 

 promises of high pay, joined the Bheels. 



A strong native force was then sent out in April 1858 by 

 the Bombay Government, and an organised advance was made 

 into the heart of the jungles. The column was commanded 

 by Colonel Evans of the 9th Bombay Native Infantry. They 

 were encamped at Burwanee, and having received reliable 

 intelligence that the Bheels and their men were in a strong 

 position in the jungle a few miles to the southward, an attack 

 was planned. A small column was sent to make a feint at a 

 pass to the eastward of the insurgents, who turned out in 

 strength to oppose its progress. Meanwhile the main body 

 made a detour, and advanced on the rebel camp from the west- 

 ward. The Bheel force were exulting on their supposed victory 

 over the smaller column, when the alarm was given that the 

 Government troops were in their camp. They returned with 



