1879. ] W. Irvine—The Bangash Nawibs of Farrukhabad. 91 
bridge being thrown across by the Wazir. The young Nawab deputed Lala 
Sydm 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, Naw4b Ahmad Khan had written in all directions for aid. Amongst 
others, he wrote to Nawab Sa’dullah Khan and HAfiz Rahmat 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 Kéim 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 Kaéim 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, Mull4 Sardér Khan, 
Fath Khan, and Bahddur Kh4n, 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 Naw4b, 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 bis 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. Thenrising 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 
