NARRATIVE OF BATTEL* 
137 
age, they found the Giagas departed ; an event 
for which they were inconsolable, as there was no 
other race whom it was possible to defraud to 
such an extent. They determined, therefore, in 
defiance of every danger, to follow them into the 
interior of the country, where they at last found 
them under the command of a new lord, called 
Mofarigosat. Here, however, they were caught 
by their own prey ; Mofarigosat, being about to 
engage in a great war, insisted upon their accom- 
panying and assisting him with their fire-arms. 
They found no alternative but to consent ; on the 
termination of the war, however, they petitioned 
so earnestly for leave to depart, that they obtained 
it, on condition of leaving one of their number in 
pledge for their return. Battel, being an English- 
man, was pitched upon by his companions as the 
most convenient person to fill this situation. He 
was well treated until the period arrived when the 
rest of the party had stipulated to return ; but 
when it was found that they were paying no re- 
gard to their engagement, rigorous measures be- 
gan to be adopted. The majority were for put- 
ting him to death, but the chief protected him ; 
and at last they ended in allowing him to depart. 
Left to himself, however, he was totally unable 
to find his way home ; and, after wandering for 
some time, was fain to return to the camp of the 
Giagas. This voluntary arrival seems to have 
