After the Victory. 281 service to the Government. When Suleiman declared himself in open rebellion, the Government saw the rebel ranks again filled by the men who had recently increased its own army. This is another proof that a deserter, whatever be the cause of his forsaking his own flag, can never be trusted. Then they generally make bad soldiers, always following the strongest, and going where there is least danger to themselves.

My troops, though much fatigued, had only time to eat a portion of the millet left from the rations they had received on leaving camp, but the brave fellows never complained. Still I could read anxiety in their faces, and I was much preoccupied as to what I should do, for I knew not where to procure food, and foresaw worse things for the morrow.

Full of sad thoughts, I gave the order to march, and we set forth, following step by step the footprints of the rebels. From this seriba they had taken two paths, which, however, joined again at some miles to the north. Their flight must have been most precipitous, for we found great quantities of baggage scattered in the road, and now and then a little grain, which naturally was gathered and devoured with the avidity of famished men.

By-and-by we found the body of a negro boy of about eight years, with the throat cut. Further on another ; then a third and a fourth, and then a little girl, all murdered in this barbarous fashion. The Besingers, who knew the customs of the slave traders, told me that these unfortunate children must have refused to go on, being overcome by fatigue and famine, and that then, in order to frighten the other slaAes, their masters had cut their throats.

Some way farther on we met with a poor little girl with a beautiful face ; her little head was resting on her left arm as if she had fallen asleep, but it was the sleep of death.