ATTACK OF BANDITTI. 
35 
This kind of skirmish continuing along a considerable extent of 
our road, showed they intended to lessen our numbers before 
they determinately brought up their own to attack us hand to 
hand. But the bells of a caravan approaching from the other 
end of the valley, startled them; and evidently aware of our 
advantage, should we be backed by such a reinforcement, they 
gradually drew off, and took refuge behind an old mud-wall on 
our right. During the running fight, there had been no slack¬ 
ness in returning fire on either side; and we could plainly 
discern, now and then, amongst the rank of our enemy, that he 
had here and there received a shot too much. We escaped to 
a marvel, while my own people, with those of Dr. Sharpe, and 
our trusty zuffanchees (musqueteers), did their duty with bold 
and steady fronts, neither quickening nor slackening their pace; 
and when they saw the troop retire, no alteration took place in 
their deportment, every man holding his pistol or musquet 
ready, in case of a ruse de guerre. 
On coming up with the caravan, we found it rich in mer¬ 
chandise, but not very strongly guarded; and having made our 
salute, we apprised the owners of the light-fingered gentry they 
were likely to meet on the road; recommending them to fall 
back with us to the post they had last quitted, and augment their 
protection. But these straight-forward people declared them¬ 
selves perfectly satisfied with the sufficiency of their escort, and 
taking their leave, coolly proceeded into the tyger’s den. We 
went on our way towards Mayar, and reached it without further 
molestation, at ten o’clock. 
August 23d. — We were lodged comfortably at Mayar, though 
in the still neglected caravansary of the Sefi race; but fatigue 
makes rest grateful under any shelter; and here we found room 
f 2 
