Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/353

Rh all the Nephite cities along the coast, until toward the close of the year, he reached the borders of the land Bountiful, driving the forces of the Republic before him. At this point he was met by Teancum and a corps of veterans renowned for their courage, skill and discipline. The Lamanite leader endeavored to force his way to the Isthmus with the intention of occupying the northern continent. In this he was foiled, for the trained valor of Teancum's warriors was too much for that of Amalickiah's half-savage hordes. All day the fight lasted, and at night the worn-out soldiery camped in close proximity, the Lamanites on the sea beach, and the Nephites on the borders of the land Bountiful.

When night had closed and all was still, Teancum, accompanied by one soldier, stole out of his own camp into that of the enemy. He sought the tent of Amalickiah, and when he found it he slew the Lamanite king with his javelin, then quickly returning, he aroused his troops and kept them on the alert all night, fearing that when the foe found they had lost their chief they would make a sudden attack on the Nephites; but it did not so happen. Amalickiah's death was not discovered until the morning, and then his followers hastily retreated to Mulek, where they shut themselves up. Each commander now felt only sufficiently strong to act on the defensive, and Teancum employed his soldiery in vigorously strengthening the fortifications of the land Bountiful and the Isthmus which formed the natural northern boundary of that land. Moroni likewise desired him to harrass and scourge the enemy whenever opportunity offered, but they kept too closely within their fortifications for much to be done in that way. This state of mutual watching, without any aggressive movements, continued for some time. Once Teancum, by Moroni's direction, made reconnoissance in force towards Mulek, but he found it too