Page:History and adventures of Jack Mansong.pdf/4

4 a most frivolous pretext to declare war against Daisy, King of Kaarta.

By means of some desertions, Daisy's army was not so numerous as he expected ; and when encamped at Kemmoo, the whole number of effective men did not exceed 4000 ; but being men of spirit and enterprise, could be depended on. Mansong with his small troop from Simbing, had joined them and their appearance gave joy to Daisy. Mansong had trained his heroes in the art of war, and had taught them evolutions which the King was unacquainted with, and he embraced, with all the fervor of his heart, to powerful an ally. Mansong undertook the discipline of the men of Kaarta, and he was unanimously chosen Commander in Chief.

Daisy now defied the malice of the powerful King of Bambarra, placing confidence in the valour of those few troops that were scarcely one-fourth the number of his foes, who now appeared before the town of Kemmoo. Mansong led his men to the field, but the Kaartans grew faint, when they saw the numbers they had to oppose ; Mansong encouraged them by example, and the slaughter commenced ! The Bambarrans were mown down like blades of grass : but their numbers were great, and as often as a chasm was effected, it was filled with fresh troops.—They visibly gained ground : and at length the men of Kaarta fled with great slaughter.

Mansong now, with a corps of reserve rushed upon the foe, and bore down all before his conquering arm. This encouraged the troops of Kaarta, who appeared again in the field, aiding those of Simbing, headed by the victorious Mansong, who fought like a tiger ; his valour inspired his own men, struck terror to the heart of his foes, and he came off victorious.