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Their black and dark-blue clothes had
distinguished them from the other assailants of Malakand and Chakdara.
They had now withdrawn to their valley and thence defied the Government
and refused all terms.
As Sir Bindon Blood and his escort approached the top of the pass, a few
shots were fired by the watchers there, but there was no opposition. All
the Bunerwals had hurried over to defend the southern entrances to their
country, which they conceived were in danger of attack from Brigadier-
General Wodehouse's force at Rustum. The general reached the Kotal, and
saw the whole valley beneath him. Great villages dotted the plains and
the aspect was fertile and prosperous.
The unguarded Karakar Pass was practicable for troops, and if the
Government would give their consent, Buner might be reduced in a
fortnight without difficulty, almost without fighting.
Telegrams were despatched to India on the subject, and after much delay
and hesitation the Viceroy decided against the recommendation of his
victorious general.


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