serious character.

A body of tribesmen attacked a camp in the Chitral District, killing
some of the British soldiers, and severely wounding others.

Chitral is on the northeast border of India, where it joins Afghanistan.

The tribes in this portion of the Empire have always given the English a
great deal of trouble. They are very bold, and good fighters.

The country they inhabit is very mountainous, and they have one mode of
warfare which makes them a very ugly foe to attack. They throw down
rocks on an invading force, and long practice has made them so expert in
this art that they are most formidable. When once they have taken to
their mountain fastnesses, soldiers do not like the task of pursuing and
punishing them.

The present outbreak was totally unexpected. The Swats, as the people of
this region are called, appeared to be perfectly contented under British
rule. Industry had been encouraged among them, trade developed, and they
seemed a very peaceful and prosperous people.

Suddenly, without any warning, the whole population rose against the
British.

The Swats had intended to attack Camp Malakand unawares, and massacre
the soldiers, but through the kindness of a friendly native a warning
was given. Preparations were quickly made for defence, messengers sent
off to ask for re-enforcements, and the soldiers were able to repulse
the enemy when the attack was made.