1 102 ESCAPE OF SHAH SHOOJA'S BEGUMS, A. D. 1814-15.
2 to a common house in the city, and was subjected there
3 to strict surveillance. After experiencing every kind of
4 indignity and discomfort, he determined to attempt an
5 escape with his family. Towards the end of November,
6 it was reported to Runjeet Singh, that the Begums of
7 Shah Shooja were missing, whereupon the Shah's per-
8 son was placed under a guard, and alternate threats and
9 promises were employed to induce him to declare where
10 they were gone. He denied all knowledge of their mo-
11 tions or intentions. The city was searched, and egress
12 forbidden to all veiled women, and all merchants having
13 property of the Shah's, or of any members of his family,
14 in deposit, were ordered to surrender it into the Sikh
15 treasury. These precautions were, however, taken too
16 late. It was ascertained that the Begums had left the
17 house of Shah Shooja in the dress of Hindoo females,
18 and thence had been conveyed to the banking house of
19 Baluk Ram, the agent or correspondent of Soogun
20 Chund, a great banker at Dehlee, and treasurer of the
21 British Residency there ; that by him they had been assist-
22 ed in passing out of the city, and provided with the means
23 of making their way to Loodeeana, where they had arrived
24 safely, and making themselves known to Captain BiRCH,
25 the Assistant, in temporary charge of the station, were
26 received with hospitality and attention. Baluk Ram
27 was seized by Runjeet Singh for the part he had taken
28 in this evasion, and was compelled to show his books, and
29 render up all property in his possession belonging to the
30 Shah or his family. He received, however, no further
31 punishment.
32 In April 1815, Shah Shooja himself made his escape
33 in disguise from the close confinement in which he was
34 held. His guard was disgraced, and a reward oflerod