114 W. Irvine — The Bangasli > Nawab s of Farrulchdbdd. [No. 2, 



Accordingly, Nawab Ahmad Khan mounted and went to Sa'dullah 

 Khan's camp. Hafiz Eahmat Khan and the others were sent for, and the 

 Nawab laid all the facts before them. Mulla Sardar Khan, the oldest present, 

 took up the word and enquired what force Ali Kuli Khan had with him. 

 Ahmad Khan asked what he meant by that question. Sardar Khan replied 

 that a strong powerful leader was required, who could oppose the Wazir, 

 if need arose — one who could enforce the terms granted. He preferred 

 making overtures through Mulhar Eao and Apa, Sendhia. But, under no 

 circumstances, could he approve of allowing the Nawab's son to go to the 

 Wazir. Hafiz Eahmat Khan might go or not as he pleased, for he was a 

 private friend of the Wazir's. Ahmad Khan, turning to Sardar Khan, 

 said he highly approved of his remarks, and he would act accordingly. 

 He then rose and returned to his own quarters. Next day, he said to 

 Nawab Ali Kuli Khan that, though he fully trusted him personally, the 

 Bohela leaders objected to allowing his son to go to the enemy's camp. On 

 hearing this, Ali Kuli Khan said, " By God, your advisers are sharp-witted 

 " and far-seeing. My wish was as they have counselled, my heart's desire 

 " has been fulfilled, for all I wanted was to turn your thoughts towards 

 " peace." The Nawab replied, " My friendship to you is firm like an engrav- 

 " ing on stone." 



After this interview, Ali Kuli Khan took his departure and returned to 

 his own camp. He then sought an interview with the Wazir and related in 

 detail all that had passed. He pointed out that, although he had brought 

 Ahmad Khan to entertain thoughts of peace, the condition was that the nego- 

 tiations be conducted through Mulhar Rao and Apa Sendhia. Khande 

 Eao must therefore be sent to bring in the Nawab's son and Hafiz Eahmat 

 Khan. The Wazir sent for Mulhar Eao and Apa Sendhia and requested 

 them to arrange for bringing in the Nawab's son. On his arrival they 

 could come to a decision. The two Mahrattas professed their willingness, 

 if nothing was intended which could force them to act afterwards in opposi- 

 tion to the Wazir. The Wazir out of regard to his own honour was obliged 

 to promise that no treachery was intended. Then Mulhar Eao sent his son, 

 Khande Eao, with an escort, to conduct the Nawab's son to the Wazir's 

 camp. Apa Sendhia had already sent word to Ahmad Khan, desiring him. 

 to make no objections to sending off his son. 



Meanwhile Khande Eao and the escort had come near the battery and 

 drew up close to it. Word was brought of his arrival. Forthwith Mah- 

 mud Khan was sent for and, after the Nawab had whispered in his son's 

 ear a few words of advice, two hundred trusty horsemen were ordered out 

 to accompany him, one of them being our author, Hisam-ud-din. On the 



