They had taken it into their heads that they were at liberty to plunder the whole country through which we passed, under the impression that I was not sufficiently strong to enforce my orders to the contrary. We arrived at Kasongo on the 14th of November, to find that, the day before, the Arabs had abandoned their bomas and had commenced what appeared to be a retreat towards the east. This is what had taken place: — On the 13th of October 1893, there being now no further doubt that Rumaliza had formed a camp not more than eight hours' march from Kasongo, the State troops, under the command of Baron Dhanis, commenced the advance against this new enemy.

The troops were divided as follows: — A reserve under Commandant Dhanis, and another under Commandant Ponthier; six companies under Lieutenants Lange, Doorme,