BOOTAN. 
1 16 
they exhibited a resolution, which, doubtless, received strength from 
the slackness of the enemy’s fire, and the subsequent discovery of their 
want of ammunition: for at last the rebels were obliged to resort, as 
their only means of annoyance, to pelting their adversaries with stones; 
but these, not being hurled from an eminence, had little effect. It was 
* 
curious to observe the mixture of defiance and of fear, displayed in the 
conduct of these combatants. A Booteea, in the moment of his highest 
exultation, forgets not his personal safety, but is most careful to guard 
against the danger of missile weapons: he is one instant jumping and 
twirling himself about, brandishing his sword and shield with an air 
of defiance, and with a wild and savage shout apparently challeng¬ 
ing attack : the next moment, if a gun be pointed, or a bow raised 
to be discharged, he shrinks into concealment. Nor is the intrepidity 
of their assaults more exemplary: a party sallying, pursues no longer 
than the party that advanced, retreats; when it halts, they stand, and 
then retire again. With frequent fluctuations, sometimes oiie, some¬ 
times the other side, gaining a momentary advantage, the contest was 
carried on till about five o’clock, when the loyalists forced the rebels 
from the centre village, and those on the east and west were pushed 
very close by the two divisions, that had moved to the attack of each. 
Soon afterwards a parley took place, in which the rebels seemed to be 
making terms. The conference lasted more than twenty minutes ; 
\ 
when the victorious party came down from the centre village, and 
hastened the decision. The Eastern village was instantly evacuated ; 
and the insurgents being permitted to withdraw, went off in a con¬ 
fused crowd towards the south. Nearly at the same time the western 
