Twilight of the Sultanate c12.s2.29

c12.s2.29

Meanwhile the shrewd Bahlūl continued to treat Hamīd Khan with all possible courtesy,⁷⁷ although he had made up his mind to do away with the Vazīr. He used to call on Hamīd every day, always keeping near his person his own Afghan followers from Roh.⁷⁸ One day when Hamīd Khan had invited Bahlūl to dinner, the latter went with a large following and so seated them that two or three Afghans sat close to every man of Hamīd Khan. When the dinner was over, Bahlūl's cousin Qutb Khan Lodī, drew out a chain from under his arm and throwing it before Hamīd said, "The best thing for you will be to retire from public life. As I have eaten your salt, I do not intend to put you to death".⁷⁹ Hamīd was taken by surprise, but he was helpless. He and his men were overpowered. Hamīd was probably put to death soon after for he is not heard of any more.