1 36 HISTORY OF THE SIKHS.
2 increased pay, and the inability on the part of
3 Heera Singh to meet their,clamour, led to a deep-
4 rooted hatred on both sides. It was impossible for
5 him to pacify a set of men who had no employ-
6 ment but warfare, and the consequence was, as
7 already stated, his attempt at flight, and his death.
8 The rapid sue“ Thus, in the short space of five years, Khurruk
9 cession of
10 deaths and Singh, Nonehal Singh, and Shere Singh, had been
11 Court of removed from the scene of action; one of these
12 aiats had been lately murdered, and suspicions existed
13 of foul play towards the two,others. The minister
14 who had gained such credit for his wisdom and
15 foresight during the lifetime of the great Runjeet
16 had been sacrificed to party feelings, and lastly his
17 son, Heera Singh, had fallen a victim to anarchy
18 and discord. ;
19 Juwaheer On the death of Heera Singh, the mother of
20 = Dhuleep Singh turned her eyes towards her brother
21 Juwaheer Singh, a man of some energy and talent.
22 His being the reputed uncle of the young Maha-
23 rajah was in his favour, and the soldiers recognized
24 his claim to the office of Wuzeer or prime minis-
25 ter: for a time, he managed affairs, but his enmity
26 to Peshora Singh exasperated the troops against
27 him, and when that prince was reported to have
28 been killed, their rage knew no bounds, and though
29 His Death accompanied by Dhuleep Singh and his mother, he
30 was killed before their eyes.
31 The death of her brother was a heavy blow to
32 the hopes of the Ranee, who now remained the
33 cL eee solitary individual at the head of affairs. At first,
34 part in the
35 Government. She refused to take any part in the government of