Some people think that this defeat of the Mullah will have the effect of
bringing the insurrection to a close, but it is as well not to put too
much faith in this idea. We had a report a few days ago that the
rebellion was over, and the very next week the British met with a severe
repulse.
It is certain that the capture of the Mullah's camp has had a good
effect on the natives.
The British were so confident that good results would follow it, that
they ordered a two-days' armistice; that is to say, they stopped
fighting the rebels for two days, to give them an opportunity to submit.
The Mohmands did take advantage of the chance offered them, and the
British think they are entirely subdued. The Afridis and Orakzais are,
however, as rebellious as ever.
These tribes refused to submit to the British, and instead sent
messengers to the Ameer of Afghanistan, asking him to help them.
They have spread a report among the hill tribes that the Ameer has asked
hostages from them, and will help them if the hostages are given.
A hostage is a person given and held under the laws of war, as a pledge.
For instance, if this report is true about the Ameer, it means that he
has asked that they shall give into his hands certain important leaders
of tribes, whose lives and liberty are very precious to the Afridis.
These people to be held by him until the war is over, as a guarantee
that he will receive his compensation for helping them to fight the
British.
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