of the besiegers, loud shouting followed by the discharge of
muskets, the sounds gradually dying away in the distance as if a fight
and a pursuit had taken place. When day broke such indeed proved to be
the case; we could descry in the camp a row of tents thrown down and
dismantled, also dead or wounded men being brought in from the country
beyond, while away on a distant ridge was a considerable body of
tribesmen retreating toward their homes.

"At this sight joyful huzzas resounded through the fortress, and we did
indeed all feel that Allah, by disrupting the forces of the enemy, was
fighting on our side. And as I spread my prayer carpet, and prostrated
myself toward Mecca, the pious thought in my heart was one that had many
times been inculcated by my noble grandsire himself: 'Let the wise man
reflect that he can in no way succeed without the help of God Most
High.'

"During the day we took counsel as to the advisability of an attack on
the somewhat attenuated host without the walls. But from our posts of
observation we could see that every one in the camp was under arms and
on the alert, no doubt foreseeing that such an attempt was likely on our
part. So we concluded to let events develop, and contented ourselves
with watching the progress of the sabat. Here there was no relaxation of
endeavour, for the protected trench made a considerable advance ere the
sun once again sank over the western hills.

"Darkness had not long fallen when another bleating voice of a suppliant
for admittance was heard by the sentry at the gateway. Introduced to our
presence, the newcomer, a goatherd by his appearance, and with the signs
of travel on his garments, removed his head dress, untwisted the long
locks of hair bound according to custom around his head, and, producing
a small packet from the midst of his tresses, flung it on the floor. I
picked up the missive, and handed it to our chieftain.

"Shir Jumla Khan untied the packet, and produced therefrom a heavy gold
signet ring. While he was examining this, the seeming goatherd raised
his voice:

"'O prince of princes, protector of the poor and oppressed, by the token
in your hands know that I who wear this humble disguise am the son of
Mustafa Khan, thy brother chieftain, who craves a refuge within the
walls of this God-guarded citadel. I am empowered to propose terms which
will bring substantial reward for you and sure deliverance from the pack
of wolves yelping at your gates