1879.] W. Irvine — The Bangash Naiodbs of FarruJchdhdcl. 91 



bridge being thrown across by the Wazir. The young Nawab deputed Lala 

 Syam Singh, brother of the deceased Shamsher Jang, chela. This chief 

 at the head of his own regiment repaired to the threatened point, and on 

 reaching it found the bridge half made. He began such a heavy musketry 

 and rocket fire, that the enemy left their bridge and ran away. The at- 

 tempt to cross was thus defeated, to be renewed afterwards with more 

 success. 



On the receipt of the first news of the Wazir's return with the Mah- 

 rattas, Nawab Ahmad Khan had written in all directions for aid. Amongst 

 others, he wrote to Nawab Sa'dullah Khan and Hafiz Rah mat Khan, the 

 heads of the Rohela confederacy, saying that though they had differences, 

 they could settle those among themselves, but need not allow injury to 

 come from the hand of strangers. He hoped they would send troops to 

 help him, so that they might jointly attack their common foe. Hafiz Rah- 

 mat Khan first excused himself on the ground of the blood-feud between 

 them, caused by the death of Kaim Khan ; till the blood of Kaim Khan was 

 forgiven, he would be afraid to trust his men in Ahmad Khan's power. 

 The Nawab replied, that he made them a gift of Kaim Khan's blood-feud, 

 and thenceforth till the day of judgment he would take no revenge on 

 them. 



On the receipt of this letter, Sa'dullah Khan, son of Ali Muhammad 

 Khan, sent for Hafiz Rahmat Khan, Donde Khan, Mulla Sardar Khan, 

 Path Khan, and Bahadur Khan, chela, informed them of its contents, and 

 asked their advice. Hafiz Rahmat Khan, by reason of his affection for the 

 Wazir, sat silent, and owing to his- silence the other leaders would say no- 

 thing. Sa'dullah Khan asked Hafiz Rahmat Khan, why he said nothing ? 

 Rahmat Khan asked the Nawab, what his own intentions were ? The Nawab 

 replied, that his intentions depended upon those of others. Hafiz Rahmat 

 Khan's answer was, that in that case the Nawab would have to give up 

 taking any part in the war. Bahadur Khan, who owing to his bravery took 

 the lead among all the Rohela commanders, exclaimed, " Have our leaders 

 " exchanged their turbans for women's veils, for such coward words should 

 " be unknown to any Pathan lip." Then turning to the Nawab, he said, 

 that if orders for the march were not given, he should the next day start 

 himself without orders, taking his regiment with him, and any Afghan, 

 who cherished his name and reputation, might follow. Then rising he took 

 his leave, and began his preparations. Nawab Sa'dullah Khan repaired to 

 the female apartments, where he repeated to his mother word for word the 

 altercation which had occurred between Hafiz Rahmat Khan and Bahadur 

 Khan. He then asked her what he ought to do, to follow Hafiz Rahmat 

 Khan or Bahadur Khan. His mother said " Light of my eyes ! to ask 



