196 B. Bandyopadhyaya—Hamir Rasa, [No. 8, 
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 in 
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 Ald-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 Hindt and Musalman ; 
but none dared to protect him, and thereby incur the displeasure of Ala- 
uddin. At last he intended to go to the durbdr 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 
