DEFEAT OF THE INFIDEL FLEET AND THE ARAB TRIBES AT ALGIERS.
When the Arab tribes and the infidels heard that Oruj Reis had obtained possession of Algiers, the latter prepared to attack that place with a fleet of forty galleys and one hundred and forty barges, containing fifteen thousand men. The Arab troops likewise, having marched by land, arrived before the infidels in the neighbourhood of Algiers. Oruj Reis with his followers being prepared for battle, first attacked the Arab troops on the land side, and killed great numbers of them. By the favour of God he was victorious, and the Arabs were routed and obliged to fly, leaving behind them nearly twelve thousand camels. After this the infidel fleet arrived, and having anchored near the castle, they began to land their men and take out their cannon. The castle being in a dilapidated state, Oruj Reis was repairing the breaches when the enemy made a sudden assault, and erected their standard on the fortifications. Oruj Reis now led on his heroes against them, and a hot engagement ensued. By the favour of God they were again crowned with victory, and succeeded in taking the standard of the infidels, whom they pursued and killed whilst flying to their ships. Only one thousand of them escaped, who, entering their ships, set sail and departed. After this Oruj Reis settled in Algiers, and the infidels were constantly harassed and routed. He then sent information of his victory to Khair-ad-din, to whom he offered the charge of the castle, as also that of Jajl. Khair-ad-din accordingly went to Jajl, and securing the sheikh-al-balad, made him engage to pay the annual tribute which he was in the habit of transmitting to the infidels. After this he departed and joined his brother.