Nothing noticeable occurred till they reached Hermanli, twelve hours from Adrianople, at noon, July 3d.

Here they found a company of half a score or more of men, with four wagons, hesitating to proceed on account of a band of mounted brigands, said to be lying in wait to rob them.
Unfortunately the courageous advice of Mr.Meriam decided them to proceed, accompanied by two armed guards.

After they had started, Mr.Meriam became convinced that it would have been safer for him and his family to have gone alone; and such was the fact, for the robbers did not know of his presence, and designed only to plunder the rayahs.

The brigands came upon them about three o'clock in the afternoon.

The faithless guards fled at once, and some valuable horses were seized.