17 Chapter 17

Chapter 17

The thin column of men stretched as far as the eye could see. Alain´s expert eye told him that the line was four men wide. The unit was carrying artillery and supply wagons and by its extension Garnier estimated it was more than a battalion, perhaps a whole regiment.

“But what the hell ...?” Mumbled speaking more to himself than to Djamba that had joined him on top of the hill. The Frenchman drew the binoculars and the first look confirmed what the hunch had suggested. He looked attentively the flags and banners, the color of the uniforms and the white officers on horseback who were riding in front of the natives.

“They're Ascaris.” Alain told Djamba. “Perhaps a regiment.”

“They're coming in this direction.” Replied his interlocutor.