There was something weird and uncanny in the deep silence of the nocturnal procession. The Governor, wrapped up in a white _haik_, did not turn his head, or seem to notice the strangers, and his followers copied his demeanour. Not a sound was uttered until the file of prisoners passed by, when one man made a sudden rush towards us, imploring our protection. Of course the attempt was vain, for they were all securely tied together, and each end of the rope was held by a mounted soldier. With many a blow and curse the wretched man was driven along to share the fate of his companions in captivity. A little later came a message from the Governor, excusing himself for not coming in person to see us. He owned to having lost many of his men during the day’s encounter, and said he was too anxious and disturbed to be able to entertain us. An ample _mona_ was at the same time sent, and this helped to restore comparative cheerfulness among our followers. As was natural under the circumstances we were anxious for information, but Abraham was not able to learn any reliable particulars as to the proceedings of the day. He professed, however, to be well acquainted with the method of warfare carried on between these turbulent tribes. The fighting consists in irregular skirmishes by men who keep as far as possible under cover, in which large quantities of powder are consumed with comparatively insignificant results. But, whatever be the result, it is a point of honour with each party to bring back prisoners. It is not often that these are made among the fighting men. Harmless peasants are seized—if of the enemy’s tribe so much the better; but, if these are not to be had, those of their own tribe are made the victims. We were assured that the same thing happens with the Sultan’s troops on the rather frequent occasions when they are despatched against some refractory mountain tribe. The mountaineers commonly make good their retreat to some spot not easily reached by horsemen; but, in order to be able to announce a victory, the detachment seizes any hapless people that come in their way on their return to the capital. When we inquired as to the destiny of the captives it was horrible to be told that some of them would certainly be butchered during the night. It is strange, although similar anomalies are found in all ages and countries, to learn that, along with an utter absence of rudimentary feelings of humanity, these people show indications of the sentiment of chivalry. However strangely understood, the point of honour has a recognised place in their ethical system. The feud between Haha and Mtouga had been smouldering for many weeks, and hostilities were to have commenced soon after our arrival in the country. But the brother of the Kaïd of Haha was about that time seized with small-pox, and it was thought proper to await his recovery before commencing the war.