This army of brigands had come thither with a definite, practical purpose, for it was not blood-thirst, nor lust, nor revenge, which had impelled them, but it was avarice, greediness for gold.

For gold they had waded through all this blood and fire.

Never had men more simplicity of purpose, more directness in its execution.

They had conquered their India at last; its golden mines lay all before them, and every sword should open a shaft.

Riot and rape might be deferred; even murder, though congenial to their taste, was only subsidiary to their business.