[Gwatch] region it may seem absurd th

[Gobel <pro...@ke...>]

 instantaneously after he saw the front rank of a grand and imposing
army approaching, guided by the two scouts in advance. I had not much
time to notice them in detail, but I could see that these warriors were
painted, feathered, and armed to the teeth with spears, clubs, and other
weapons, and that they were ready for instant action. Mr. Young gave the
alarm, and we had only just time to seize our firearms when the whole
army was upon us. At a first glance this force was most imposing; the
coup d'oeil was really magnificent; they looked like what I should
imagine a body of Comanche Indians would appear when ranged in battle
line. The men were closely packed in serried ranks, and it was evident
they formed a drilled and perfectly organised force. Immediate action
became imminent, and as most fortunately they had thought to find us
seated at supper, and to spear us as we sat in a body together, we had
just time, before fifty, sixty, or a hundred spears could be thrown at
us, as I immediately gave the command to fire, to have the first
discharge at them. Had it been otherwise not one of us could possibly
have escaped their spears--all would certainly have been killed, for
there were over a hundred of the enemy, and the