The expedition set out on the following morning, and after passing through a beautiful plain, began to penetrate the mighty chain of mountains, which form the southern border of the kingdom.  Alpine heights rising around them in rugged magnificence, and gigantic grandeur, presented scenery which our traveller had never seen surpassed.  The passes of Hairey and of Horza, amid a superb amphitheatre of hills, closely shut in by overhanging cliffs, more than two thousand feet high, were truly striking.  Here for the first time in Africa, did nature appear to the English to rival in the production of vegetable life.  The trees were covered with luxuriant and bright green foliage, and their trunks were hidden by a crowd of parasitical plants, whose aromatic blossoms perfumed the air.  There was also an abundance of animal life of a less agreeable description.  Three scorpions were killed in the tent, and a fierce but beautiful panther, more than eight feet long, just as he had gorged himself by sucking the blood of a newly-killed negro, was attacked and speared.  The sultan and Barca Gana were attended by a considerable body of Bornou and Mandara cavalry, whose brilliant armour, martial aspect, and skilful horsemanship, gave confidence to the European officer, who had not seen them put to the proof.

It was the third day, when the expedition came in view of the Fellata town of Dirkulla.  The Arabs, supported by Barca Gana, and about one hundred spearmen marched instantly to the attack, and carried first that place, and then a smaller town beyond it, killing all who had not time to escape.  The enemy, however, then entrenched themselves in a third and stronger position, called Musfeia, enclosed by high hills, and fortified in front by numerous swamps and palisades.  This was likewise attacked and all its defences forced.  The guns of the Arabs spread terror, while Barca Gana threw eight spears with his own hand, every one of which took effect.  It was thought, that had the two bodies of cavalry, made even a show of advancing, the victory would have been at once decided, but Major Denham was much surprised to see those puissant warriors, keeping carefully under cover, behind a hill, on the opposite side of the stream, where not an arrow could reach them.  The Fellatas seeing that their antagonists were only a handful, rallied on the top of the hills, were joined by new troops, and turned round.  Their women behind cheered them on, continually supplied fresh arrows, and rolled down fragments of rock on the assailants.  These arrows were tipped with poison, and wherever they pierced the body, in a few hours became black, blood gushed from every orifice, and the victim expired in agony.  The condition of the Arabs soon became alarming, scarcely a man was left unhurt, and their horses were dying under them.  Boo Khaloom and his charger were both wounded with poisoned arrows.  As soon as the Fellatas saw the Arabs waver, they dashed in with their horse,