Numerous expeditions
have been sent against them, but the Dacoits know every foot of the
hills. They have numerous, impregnable strongholds on the rocks; which
you can see rising sheer up hundreds of feet, from among the woods on
the slopes; and can, if pressed, shift their quarters, and move fifty
miles away among the trees, while the troops are, in vain, searching
for them."
"I suppose there is no chance of their attacking us," Charlie said.
"The Dacoit never fights if he can help it, and then only when driven
into a corner, or when there appears a chance of very large plunder.
He will always leave a strong party of armed men, from whom nothing
but hard blows is to be got, in peace."
The journey occupied five days, and was most enjoyable. The officer of
the escort, as the peishwar's agent, would have requisitioned
provisions at each of the villages; but Charlie insisted, under one
pretence or another, on buying a couple of sheep or kids at each
halting place, for the use of his own party and the escort. For a few
copper coins an abundant supply of fruit and vegetables was
obtainable; and as, each night, they spread their rugs under the shade
of some overhanging tree, and smoked their pipes lazily after the very
excellent meal which Hossein always prepared, Charlie and Tim agreed
that they had spent no pleasanter time in India than that occupied by
their journey.
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