1 278 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS..
2 dread of Russian invasion had given rise to suspi-
3 cions regarding the ruler of Affghanistan; he was
4 supposed to be friendly to Russia. He was also
5 hostile to our old and steady ally Runjeet Singh.
6 He must be dethroned, in order to secure the aid
7 of a man who could not of himself maintain 4
8 government, and who, restored to his lost throne,
9 would be the first to prove his ingratitude, by de-
10 stroying the very people who had placed him there.
11 Shah Soojah ool Moolk was once more king of
12 Cabul, his claims were tacitly allowed, his capital
13 was held possession of by those who had restored
14 him to his kingdom. The army which had accom-
15 plished this, was then reduced in strength, and the
16 safety of Affghanistan entrusted to a force com-
17 posed chiefly of natives of Hindostan, whose only
18 wish was to return to their own country. With
19 the fierce spirit of the Affghans unbroken, and
20 thirsting for the blood of the invaders of their
21 country, what was then to be expected? Could
22 it ever have been contemplated that such a people
23 would allow any opportunity to pass of expelling
24 the invaders? Was it not rather to be looked for,
25 that by the sword, and the sword alone, our
26 dominion ang power were to be preserved? Could
27 any arrangement of a peaceful nature, with the
28 hostile tribes whose country had been invaded, and
29 a ruler forced on the throne whom they despised,
30 ever have been calculated on? Could the bare
31 retreat or withdrawal of the British force satisfy
32 the Affohansc for the Insult and tiury heaned an