These valleys and
ravines which branch out of the main pass are alive with Afridis and
Pathans, who are keen robbers as well as religious fanatics. I wonder
they don't swoop down on some of our caravans. They could plunder them
and get back to their mountain fastnesses before we could interfere or
overtake them. Nothing but fear will restrain them.
If I had my way I would hang one at the mouth of every ravine as a
warning to the gang. They are personifications of the devil to look at,
hawk-nosed, full-lipped, with a mane of tangled hair, and most Satanic
sneer. No news today from the Front.
October 2.--I must really ask Herbert for another company at the very
least. I am convinced that the communications would be cut off if any
serious attack were made upon us.
Now, this morning two urgent messages were sent me from two different
points more than sixteen miles apart, to say that there were signs of a
descent of the tribes.
Elliott, with one gun and the Sowars, went to the farther ravine, while
I, with the infantry, hurried to the other, but we found it was a false
alarm. I saw no signs of the Hillmen, and though we were greeted by a
splutter of jezail bullets we were unable to capture any of the rascals.
Woe betide them if they fall into my hands. I would give them as short
a shrift as ever a Highland cateran got from a Glasgow judge. These
continued alarms may mean nothing or they may be an indication that the
Hillmen are assembling and have some plan in view.
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