text:  Meanwhile disorder and confusion reigns throughout the Punjab which is traversed in all directions by plundering bands of Akalees (a sort of Sikh fanatics ) and deserters or disbanded soldiers from the army; while General Ventura and the other European officers have consulted their own safety by quitting the country; and the remainder of the vast treasures amassed by Runjeet are lavished by Heera Singh in securing the support of the soldiery to sustain him in his perilous elevation