Siyar al-mutaʾakhkhirin 14.11.7

14.11.7

but as the pay of the troops was in arrear by a vast balance, it was proper that he should provide for their immediate relief by a sum of thirty or forty lacks; after which he might return to his camp, to find the remainder." Mir-habib's situation now became critical; but he was extricated by his friend, Mirza-saleh, to whom he had given proper instructions, and who having examined the scheme by himself, executed the following stratagem: He engaged a number of Marhatta troopers to absent themselves from the Afghan camp; and then to return full speed, crying out that Aaly-verdy-qhan was at hand, and that his vanguard was in pursuit of them. The troopers did as they were bid, and filled the Afghan army with tumult; and Mir-habib getting ready with his retinue, intended to return to his camp, when he was met by the two Afghan Generals who renewed their request, but were answered by Mir-habib "that they took very ill their time for stopping him and setting up a conference and a negotiation; that such a stoppage could not but produce some great evil, and would occasion precisely what the enemy wished for; that Aaly-verdy-qhan thirsting for revenge was at hand; and that such a sum would be duly considered, and as much as he could afford it, provided for after his return to his camp; but that such an affair required leisure and recollection;