Elliott has three guns, but several of his men are down with cholera, and I doubt if he has enough to serve more than two.
(Note: capsicum for cholera--tried it) On the other hand, each convoy is usually provided with some guard of its own, though it is often absurdly inefficient.

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.