The Book of Akbar 157.1

157.1

and had departed. M. Kamran arrived and laid siege to Qandahar, and Badagh Khan capitulated and retreated. The Mirza got possession of Qandahar, and after putting it into a condition of defence returned to Lahor. Whither have my words strayed? It is certainly better that I withdraw my hand from these affairs and attach myself to the thread of my design. When his Majesty Jahanbani was encamped at Cambay with a small force Malik Ahmad Lad and Rukn Daud who were officers of Sultan Bahadur, and leading men in Koliwara, arranged with the Kolis and Gawars of that country that as there were few men with his Majesty Jahanbani there was a suitable opportunity for making a night attack. They accordingly made preparations. By good fortune an old woman who had heard of this came to the royal enclosure and told one of the attendants that she had urgent business and wished to have a personal interview. As she was very importunate and appeared to be honest she was admitted to the presence, and communicated the plot of the night attack. His Majesty said "Whence comes this well-wishing of yours." She replied "My son has been confined by one of your servants and I want him released as a reward for this well-wishing. If I have spoken falsely, punish both me and my son." In accordance with orders, her son was produced, and a guard placed over them both. As a measure of precaution the troops were got into readiness and drawn off.