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Now it happens that an ambassador from the Hsiung-no arrived in

this kingdom only a few days ago, and the result is that the

respectful courtesy extended towards us by our royal host has

disappeared. Should this envoy prevail upon him to seize our

party and hand us over to the Hsiung-no, our bones will become

food for the wolves of the desert. What are we to do?' With one

accord, the officers replied: 'Standing as we do in peril of our

lives, we will follow our commander through life and death.' For

the sequel of this adventure, see chap. XII. § 1, note.]

52. We cannot enter into alliance with neighbouring princes until

we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an

army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the

country-its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices,

its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural

advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.