Anastasius, Or, Memoirs of a Greek Volume 3 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1820 edition. Excerpt: ...and long I dwelt on the first of my sorrows inflicted by Providence alone, and free from all mixture of self-reproach. CHAPTER IX. The first anguish of my feelings had scarcely begun to subside, when the Schaichs of the different Wahhab tribes received a summons to lead out their followers, and to meet Ibn-Sehood near a particular well in the desert, whence they were to start on a distant expedition. The name of the enemy, or the point of attack, we were, according to the custom of the Wahhab commanders, only to learn on proceeding from the place of rendezvous. Ample room was left, mean while, for conjecture, and every instant fresh surmises were again abandoned for others of still later birth. Some expected a coupde-main on Mekka, others an attempt upon JmamAly. From all quarters the Schaichs of every rank hastened with their vassals to the spot appointed, some on dromedaries swifter than the wind, others on steeds not less fleet; one half armed with pistols and match-locks, the other accoutred only with sabres and, lances; and none encumbered with more provision than two skins could hold--the one filled with flour, and the other with water. When collected, we might muster about fifteen thousand men; though our enemies, deceived by the rapidity of our motions, and the distant points on which we often appeared almost at the same instant, gave us credit for far superior numbers. No army could be better appointed both for offensive and defensive warfare, or could combine more active courage with more passive hardihood. Every where the wariest caution accompanied the most undaunted fanaticism, and whatever the supreme Schaich of the nation might command for the advancement of the faith, his followers expressed themselves determined to achieve, or to...