This decision, however, he kept to himself.

The Dervishes were burning to be led to the assault, and became almost mutinous, on account of the delay.

Mahmud was obliged to take the strongest measures, and several of those who were loudest in their dissatisfaction were summarily executed.

The rest were pacified with the assurance that he was only waiting for a fortunate day.
In the meantime, the men were employed in fortifying the position.

Deep holes were dug along the edge of the wood, and behind these were trenches and pitfalls.