rushed upon one another; I could see
nothing but a multitude of men, and a cloud of dust, and could not
conceive how they could distinguish one another. My camel, which
doubtless had been unaccustomed to such expeditions, marched slowly into
the midst of the enemy's fire. My conductor was soon separated from me,
and I saw him fall dead by a blow, which struck him on the head. My
camel, affrighted, made some dreadful capers, and threw me ten paces
from him, upon a heap of sand. Immediately, a foot soldier made up to
me, aimed a blow at me with a pistol, which missed me, and he instantly
fell down at my feet. Another Arab came up with a poignard in his hand;
he attempted to stab me in the breast, when, by a kind of miracle, in
lifting his hand round his head, he entangled his arm in his turban,
which flowed upon his shoulders. I took that opportunity to strike him a
blow with the butt end of my pistol, and pushed him so roughly, that he
fell down in a state of insensibility. This was the only use I made of
my arms. I had nothing wherewith to recharge the pistol, although, in
general, they never go to battle without at least four or five rounds of
ammunition. It had twice missed fire with me. These accidents frequently
happen with them, as both their arms and powder are very bad. However,
the battles of the Arabs are very quickly decided. The greatest harm
these savages do to one another in their skirmishes, is by tearing the
face with their nails, and striking with the poignard. The camels,
generally accustomed to these battles, throw themselves with loud cries
into the crowd. They bite and disperse their enemies more readily than
armed troopers could do.

When the conflict was ended, many of the Arabs came to me, saying, that
I had fought well, very well indeed. They were convinced I had killed
three men, although I had only wounded one. I however allowed them to
enjoy their opinion, and took care to empty my pistol, that my character
as a warrior might not suffer.

Since Providence still spares me, said I then to myself, I can try every
method to escape. I projected a scheme to get away, and to carry off
from my master all the treasure which I had given him. With these
effects, I proposed to go over to another tribe. Mark my reasonings. If
any Arab should meet me, he will not wish for a more favourable
opportunity to secrete himself, in order to put my booty in safety, and
I would engage him to conduct me quickly to Mo