HISTORY OF THE SHEIK OF BUSHIRE. 
25 
but wrote to the townsmen to arm in revenge, and defend themselves 
against such requisitions. 
In a few days the same Maiiomed Jaffer, in obedience to new 
orders was proclaimed by the Khan , Governor pro tempore till the 
arrival of his brother; and was invested in this dignity by the girding of 
a sword on his thigh, an honour which he accepted with a reluctance 
perhaps not wholly feigned. When he was complimented on the occa¬ 
sion, he replied, “ You see to what I am come at last; all would not 
“ do: I was obliged to put on this sword.” But the moment that he 
assumed the government, he followed in his turn all the rigours 
of his predecessor, and bastinadoed his new subjects without com¬ 
miseration. 
His reign, however, was short: on the 7th of November he was 
seized by the Khan , (the Nasakchee B a slice), thrown into prison, and 
fastened to the Avail by a chain, said to have been sent expressly from 
Shiraz for his neck, but in reality intended for that of Hajee $uli- 
man, the late Vizir of Bushire. The cause of his disgrace Avas his sup¬ 
posed instigation of the flight of the Vizir , avIio had contrived to escape 
by sea; and this punishment Avas to be enforced unless he delivered up 
the fugitive, or paid twenty thousand tomauns. As the Vice-Governor 
Avas unable or umvilling to conform to either requisition, he remained 
in prison. At length, hoAvever, he resolved on attempting the recapture 
of the Vizir ; and Avould have undertaken the voyage, if the security, 
Avhich he offered for his OAvn return, had been deemed sufficient by the 
Nasakchee Bashee. 
In the mean time his release Avas prepared on easier and surer tenns. 
Mahomed Nebee Kiian, the appointed Governor of Bushire, though 
little friendly to his brother, Avas yet jealous of the honour of his family, 
and felt in his own person the indignity Avhich the late punishment of 
the chain had inflicted on Jaffer. He swore, therefore, that he Avould 
not rest till the head of his brother’s enemy Avas cut off ; and as the 
first act of his influence procured the immediate restoration of his bro¬ 
ther to his former offices. Jaffer Avas accordingly released from the 
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