In 1897 Pennell bought a printing press from Lahore and began publishing a newspaper. There was fighting between the British and the Wazirs but Pennell refused to have an armed guard. "Our best defence is our loving relationship with the tribes," he said. "Rifles and other weapons cannot protect us." In 1898 Pennell passed his Persian exams and began studying Arabic. He preached regularly in Bannu bazaar, despite opposition. Once an Afghan bit his finger, but in court Pennell pleaded for the Afghan's release. Later three Afghans became Christians.