196 B. Bandyopadhyaya — Hainir Rasa, [No. 3, 



corners of the world. Dost thou know any prince or emperor who can 

 promise safe-keeping to a culprit banished my territories ? Canst thou tell 

 me his name who is mightier than I, and to whose door thou dost intend 

 to go seeking protection ? There is no place on this wide earth, but Mecca, 

 where thou canst be safe from utter ruin and destruction." 



The Sheik having joined his hands, replied, " Mighty is the father of all 

 creatures. The fertile earth is never barren of heroes. I shall go to the 

 court of one who will, I am sure, receive me hospitably and challenge you 

 to fight with him." Then bowing he continued, " I will never return 

 to Dehli and bow down to you again with prayers for shelter, but meet you 

 on the battle-field and show you my skill there." 



Muhammad Shah returned to his house, sad at the thought of parting 

 from his dear friends and relatives. He went to his brother Mir Gabru to 

 bid him farewell. " Why are you sorry, brother ?" asked the latter. " Has 

 any one done you wrong ? Tell me. My heart burns with anger." " My doings 

 are my enemy, dear Gabru" replied Muhammad Shah. " I am no longer 

 destined to eat and drink here in Dehli. How can I then live here, and 

 who on earth can keep me within the city wall. Think on these things 

 and be silent." 



These words struck Mir Gabru as thunder. Immediately he fell hi 

 a swoon. Muhammad Shah consoled him in various ways, saying, " Do not be 

 sorry, brother ; serve his Majesty, the emperor, and live in peace and plenty." 

 " Then go to Mecca, dear Muhammad Shah," replied Mir Gabru, " or live 

 with Hamir, if that generous Rao will give you house and shelter." 



The Sheik went, leaving the confines of Ala-uddin's dominions. He 

 took with him twelve companies of soldiers, five elephants, carriages, ser- 

 vants and young male and female slaves. Numerous camels followed his 

 train, laden with fine looking tents and furniture. His wife went with 

 him. On his way, he used to hunt deer wherever he made a halt. His 

 men were all of one mind with him. 



A confidential herald named Sultan Khan was sent with the exile to 

 report on his whereabouts, and to inform the potentate, who might chance 

 to give him shelter, of the cause of his banishment. 



Muhammad wandered far and wide, but nowhere could he find refuge. 

 He went to the courts of almost all the princes, both Hindu and Musalman ; 

 but none dared to protect him, and thereby incur the displeasure of Ala- 

 uddin. At last he intended to go to the durbar of Hamir and arrived out- 

 side the walls of Ranthambor. He saw the strength of the fort, the height 

 and inaccessibility of the hill upon which it was situated, and various indi- 

 cations of the might of its royal master, and became full of delightful 

 assurance of his warm reception there. When his horses and elephants 



