It would be merely necessary for the traders to request the chief of Ellyria to attack my party to insure its destruction, as the plunder of the baggage would be an ample reward.
There was no time for deliberation.

Both the present and the future looked as gloomy as could be imagined; but I had always expected extraordinary difficulties, and they were, if possible, to be surmounted.

It was useless to speculate upon chances.

There was no hope of success in inaction, and the only resource was to drive through all obstacles without calculating the risk.
The day arrived for the departure of Koorshid's people.

They commenced firing their usual signals, the drums beat, the Turkish ensign led the way, and they marched at 2 o'clock P.M., sending a polite message "DARING" me to follow them.
I immediately ordered the tent to be struck, the luggage to be arranged, the animals to be collected, and everything to be ready for the march.
Richarn and Saat were in high spirits; even my unwilling men were obliged to work, and by 7 P.M.we were all ready.
We had neither guide nor interpreter.