Half our number did leave, when we came up from the south; and more of us would go, if it were not for this order that everyone shall join the army.

It is much pleasanter to live here, free to do as we like, than to be driven down like a herd of beasts, to fight.
Besides, we have no quarrel with your people.

It was the officials at Aracan who began it; let them fight, if they like." Stanley remained a fortnight with the band.

At the end of that time, they heard that a party of thirty traders were coming down together, and that they had with them ten armed guards.

This, they no doubt supposed, was ample protection for, as the band generally worked in such small parties, it was believed that there were but a few outlaws in the forest.