These were armed with long pikes, and were to form a sort of reserve, in order that if the wild charge of the main body failed in its object these could cover a retreat, or serve as a nucleus around which they could rally.

The army swelled rapidly; every day fresh chiefs arrived with scores of wild tribesmen.

Presently the news came that an English force was advancing from the Pale against them.

A council was held at which Archie was present.

Very strongly he urged his views upon the chieftains, namely: that they should altogether decline a pitched battle; but that, divided into numerous parties, they should enter the Pale, destroying weak garrisons and ravaging the country, trying to wear out the English by constant skirmishes and night attacks, but refusing always to allow themselves to be tempted into an engagement.
"The English cannot be everywhere at once," he urged.