1845.] An account of the Early Abdalees. 457 



The two first of Sado's sons were the most forward and talented, and 

 the other three were not much noticed either by their father or the 

 tribe, some of whom inclined to Khaja Khidr-khan, and some to 

 Moudood-khan. When Sado grew enfeebled through age, he collected 

 his tribe, and told them to choose among the two. Moudood-khan being 

 the eldest, was elected chief; but Sado remonstrated, saying, " Although 

 Khaja Khidr-khan is the youngest, yet he has more noble qualities than 

 his four brothers. I also saw a dream regarding him, as follows : 



" After midnight, an old white-bearded man with a green stick, and a 

 green wrapper round him, made his appearance. The effulgence of his 

 countenance was such, that I fancied a light had been brought into the 

 room. Steadfastly regarding him, I hardly knew whether I was awake 

 or was seeing a dream. 



" I started — awoke, and arose, as did my wife ; I then enquired from the 

 vision, ' why he had honored my humble house by entering it ?' He replied, 

 ' Be joyful, for God will give you a son, whom you must call Khaja 

 Khidr ; who shall so excel in every good quality, that men shall be 

 unable fully to sing his deserts.' On asking the vision his name, he 

 evaded the question ; I prest him, he at last replied, ' The child is to be 

 called after me.' He then took his departure, and I followed him some 

 paces, when dismissing me he shortly vanished from my sight. On 

 my son's birth, I called him Khaja Khidr. Now although I love all my 

 sons equally, yet, on account of my dream, I incline to think him fittest 

 to be chief." 



The Sarbannees however still persisted in their choice of Moudood 

 Khan. 



Khaja Khidr-khan then proposed, that the tribe should range them- 

 selves on his or his brother's side as they chose. The Sarbannees 

 would not agree to this, saying with great truth, that a division would 

 be prejudicial to the general interests of the tribe. It was finally 

 settled, that Moudood-khan should be chief, and Khaja Khidr-khan his 

 deputy. 



During the lifetime of Sado their father, the former delegated all his 

 powers to the latter, and merely retained the name of chief ; but on the 

 death of Sado the tribe with one consent transferred the chiefship to 

 Khaja Khidr-khan, who became very popular, being approved of by the 

 saints, and being talented, conciliatory, and liberal. 



3r 



