28 
LIVES OF THE MOGHUL EMPERORS. 
when about to proceed on their journey, it was found 
that the foot- soldiers had departed with three of the 
troopers’ steeds. This was a severe loss, for they were 
now reduced to seven persons and four horses. The 
wife of Timur bore these reverses and the privations 
of the journey with heroic fortitude ; replying to the 
consolations of her anxious husband, “ Our fortunes 
are now arrived at the lowest point, and must rise.” 
It unfortunately happened that not one of the party 
was acquainted with the road ; this greatly added to 
their distress. As they were proceeding under the 
influence of melancholy apprehensions, they met a 
shepherd who showed them a pathway that led to the 
huts of a party of Turkomans, who had built their 
homely habitations in the wilderness. Elated with 
this information, the wanderers advanced in good spi- 
rits, and soon reached the lonely dwellings of this 
desert tribe. These being apparently abandoned, 
Timur and his companions took possession of one of 
the huts ; but were immediately assaulted by the 
Turkomans, who issued from several other habitations 
and commenced a fierce attack upon the weary tra- 
vellers. The prince having placed his wife and her 
companion within the hut, drew his sword, and issu- 
ing forth to repel the aggressors, was recognised by 
their chief as a former acquaintance. Advancing, he 
embraced the prince, and commanded the Turkomans 
to retreat, crying aloud: “ This is Timur, the governor 
of Maverhalnaher” (Transoxiana). The men came in- 
stantly forward, bent the knee to the son of Teragay, 
and paid him the honours due to his rank and courage. 
It was at that time the practice for freebooters to 
