1 61
2 We left Cabul in November; it was excessively cold, and
3 we lost, during a heavy fall of snow and a strong wind, on
4 the highest summits of Mount Caucasus, two of our people,
5 but we happily met with them again at Bamian. The ill-repute
6 to which my opening the tombs had given origin, preceded me.
7 The Affghans and Hozaras hunted after us, when they ascer-
8 tained who I was. Arrived at Bamian, we got a room in the
9 fortress, by presenting the letters of recommendation which
10 Dost Mahomed and the Nawaub had given us ; but they
11 frightened us, by saying that there were robbers in the environs,
12 and on our road. Yet they promised to give us an escort,
13 on account of which we were detained until the next day, as
14 the equipment of our escort required some delay. Meanwhile,
15 orders were given in the fortress of Akrabad to surprise and rob
16 us in the mountains. It was fortunate for us that a part of the
17 garrison of the fortress was absent, and those soldiers who were
18 present had not their muskets in order, consequently, they were
19 unable to contend with us. Neither would it have been an easy*
20 matter for them to defeat us, provided as we were with good
21 arms, and determined to oppose any attack. The soldiers them-
22 selves were aware of this circumstance, consequently, they
23 though it more advisable to allure us into the fortress, and
24 plunder us during the night, and I there experienced the truth
25 of the saying, “ Man must not despair in misfortune, neither
26 be proud when in prosperity.” I patiently allowed my hands
27 to be secured, whilst I kept a small double-barrelled pistol
28 loaded, in one of my high boots. At a favorable moment, my
29 guide, Kafileh Bashi Kheiat, tried to liberate me, for which he
30 received a sabre-stroke on his thick fur, happily, however, without
31 being wounded. The robbers thought we had a great quantity
32 of gold and silver concealed, and demanded 1,000 rupees for
33 my ransom ; but a man of the NawauBs, to whose care I was
34 committed, effected my release for four pounds of rice, which
35 was weighed in their presence. The fact was, that this set
36 of robbers were urged on by their hunger as well as by their
37 want of money. After having given them all I had in my
38 possession, their chief was reconciled. Laying one hand on