The only thing wanting for an explosion was the alienation of the Mahommedan section, which, before long, was produced by chance and by Gyfford's folly.

It happened that some Mahommedan traders came to the fort to transact business with Cowse, who had resumed business as a private merchant; but he was not at leisure, so they went to the interpreter's house, to sit down and wait.

While there, the interpreter's 'strumpet' threw some _hooli_ powder on one of the merchants.

Stung by the insult, the man drew his sword, wounded the woman, and would have killed her, if he and his companions had not been disarmed.
Gyfford, when they were brought before him, allowed himself to be influenced by the interpreter, and ordered them to be turned out of the fort, after their swords had been insultingly broken over their heads.

The people of Attinga flew to arms, and threatened the fort.