Storia do Mogor 26.1

26.1

IN this town, which lies among mountains, we remained eight days, after which we started again with the whole caravan, keeping our eyes ever open as we advanced, by reason of the robbers who often on these routes attack caravans. This is the reason why men travel armed, and at night sentinels are set on watch on every side, so that no one can come near the encampment. One day it happened that there was a great alarm, some horsemen having appeared who wanted to rob us. Twenty-two of our mounted men went out against them, and prepared to attack them ; but the robbers took to flight. Still, one of them was caught; his horse, being much out of condition, could not gallop like the others. He was made prisoner. The next day the robbers sent a message praying that their comrade might be released, and 10,000 pataques must be sent. If not, they would attack the caravan, and give quarter to no one. This news caused some apprehension in the caravan ; but the leader of it, who was a brave man and experienced in these journeys, showed no fear, but, on the contrary, he sent word to them in a rage that he would come out in pursuit and leave not one alive. Thus the negotiations on both sides were confined to threats and defiance ; and this went on for three days, during which the robber horseman was always guarded by two of our mounted men. After three days, one night, while the caravan was asleep, the thief escaped, and the quarrel came to an end.