DECISION OF MY WIFE. 
CHAP. II.] 
97 
out, and in a few moments slie was in the middle of 
the crowd, who at that time were endeavouring to 
rescue my prisoner. Her .sudden appearance had a 
curious effect, and calling upon several of the least 
mutinous to assist, she very pluckily made her way up 
to me. Seizing the opportunity of an indecision that 
was for the moment evinced by the crowd, I shouted 
to the drummer-boy to beat the drum. In an instant 
the drum beat, and at the top of my voice I ordered 
the men to “ fall in.” It is curious how mechanically 
an order is obeyed if given at the right moment, even 
in the midst of mutiny. Two-thirds of the men fell 
in, and formed in line, while the remainder retreated 
with the ringleader, Eesur, whom they led away, 
declaring that he was badly hurt. The affair ended in 
my insisting upon all forming in line, and upon the 
ringleader being brought forward. In this critical 
moment Mrs. Baker, with great tact, came forward and 
implored me to forgive him if he kissed my hand and 
begged for pardon. This compromise completely won 
the men, who, although a few minutes before in open 
mutiny, now called upon their ringleader Eesur to 
apologise, and that all would be right. I made them 
rather a bitter speech, and dismissed them. 
From that moment I knew that my expedition was 
fated. This outbreak was an example of what was to 
VOL. i. 
H 
