Elliott has a whitlow.
The last convoy left us a large packet of sauces, but as they forgot to
leave anything to eat with them, we have handed them over to the Sowars,
who drink them out of their pannikins as if they were liqueurs. We hear
that another large convoy may be expected from the plains in the course
of a day or two. Took nine to four on Cleopatra for the Calcutta Cup.
October 4.--The Hillmen really mean business this time, I think.
We have had two of our spies come in this morning with the same
account about the gathering in the Terada quarter. That old rascal
Zemaun is at the head of it, and I had recommended the Government to
present him with a telescope in return for his neutrality! There will
be no Zemaun to present it to if I can but lay hands upon him.
We expect the convoy tomorrow morning, and need anticipate no attack
until it comes up, for these fellows fight for plunder, not for glory,
though, to do them justice, they have plenty of pluck when they
get started. I have devised an excellent plan, and it has Elliott's
hearty support. By Jove! if we can only manage it, it will be as pretty
a ruse as ever I heard of.
Our intention is to give out that we are going down the valley to meet
the convoy and to block the mouth of a pass from which we profess to
expect an attack. Very good. We shall make a night-march to-night and
reach their camp. Once there I shall conceal my two hundred men in the
waggons and travel up with the convoy again.
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