Page:A dictionary of the Book of Mormon.pdf/143

their movable substance, and with a supply of seven years' provisions. In the latter part of the following year (A. C. 18), the robbers sallied out of their hiding places in the deserts and mountains and occupied the cities and lands temporarily deserted by the citizens. But they found no means of subsistence there, and game soon grew scarce in the wilderness. Active warfare was their only resort, so Giddianhi, their leader, determined, if possible, to force his way into the country held by the Nephites. A desperate battle followed, Gidgiddoni acting on the defensive; the slaughter was more terrible than in any previous battle between the descendants of Lehi. Ultimately Giddianhi was slain, the robbers repulsed and pursued to the borders of the wilderness. (A. C. 19.) The robbers made no further attack the next year, but having chosen one Zemnarihah as their chief, in A. C. 21, he so disposed of his bands as to surround the Nephites. His attempt was ineffectual. The region occupied by the Nephites was far too extended to admit of a siege being successful. The robbers also were short of food. Gidgiddoni perceived that this was his opportunity, time and again he made successful sorties, slaying tens of thousands of the enemy and harassing by continual movements those who remained. At last, the robbers determined to flee to the north and there concentrate in one region. Gidgiddoni, learning of their intentions, and knowing their feeble bodily condition through lack of food, determined to intercept them. This he successfully accomplished, thousands of the marauders were slain. Among the prisoners was Zemnarihah, who was afterwards hanged. The people continued in their gathered condition in Zarahemla and Bountiful until A. C. 26. Then, taking with them the provisions they had not consumed, and their-gold, silver and precious things, they returned to their old homes. A short period of prosperity followed, the