INTERIOR OF AFRICA. 343 
died by the way. This induced him to direct his march 
towards a watering place in the woods, where his men, having 
quenched their thirst, and being overcome with fatigue, lay 
down carelessly to sleep among the bushes. In this situation 
they were attacked by Damel before daybreak, and com- 
pleatly routed. Many of them were trampled to death as they 
lay asleep, by the JalofF horses ; others were killed in attempt- 
ing to make their escape; and a still greater number were 
taken prisoners. Among the latter, was Abdulkader himself. 
This ambitious, or rather frantic prince, who, but a month 
before, had sent the threatening message to Damel, was now 
himself led into his presence as a miserable captive. The 
behaviour of Damel, on this occasion, is never mentioned by 
the singing men, but in terms of the highest approbation; and 
it was, indeed, so extraordinary, in an African prince, that the 
reader may find it difficult to give credit to the recital. When 
his royal prisoner was brought before him in irons, and thrown 
upon the ground, the magnanimous Darnel, instead of setting his 
foot upon his neck, and stabbing him with his spear, according 
to custom in such cases, addressed him as follows. " Abdulka- 
" der, answer me this question. If the chance of war had placed 
me in your situation, and you in mine, how would you have 
" treated me.?" " I would have thrust my spear into your heart ;" 
returned Abdulkader with great firmness, " and I know that a 
*' similar fate awaits me." " Not so, (said Damel) my spear is 
" indeed red with the blood of your subjects killed in battle, and 
" I could now give it a deeper stain, by dipping it in your own ; 
" but this would not build up my towns, nor bring to life the 
