C^ tsi^ c^ c<^ <^ c^ c^ <^ t^ t^ <^ c^

AMANULLAH

disapproves slightly of the undignified manner in which
Amanullah haunts the bazaars of old Kabul.

Amanullah's appearance on the parade ground is
hailed with cheers. A popular reception awaits him
wherever he goes.

" There,'* say the old men, " there goes your true
Afghan/'

And in truth, there is need in these days for a " true
Afghan."

Rumours of war fill the air. Certain rich and scheming
strangers have come to Kabul. Presents arc loaded on
the old Amir. The British arc back on one of their
frequent representations, and have laid siege to the
affections of the ruling house. A new interest is being
taken in the Army, its numbers, and its efficiency, and
young Amanullah takes especial pride in showing off the
capabilities of his men.

Most of the strangers arc Russians. They have
come preceded by an invasion of goods at cheap
prices. Old Kabul bazaar is changing already. There
are foreign agents to be seen closeted together with
the old Afghan shopkeepers, and as a result of these
confabulations, there are to be seen sparkling and
ridiculously cheap foreign clothes and ornaments in
the shops, while the shopkeeper himself has difficulty
in hiding the fact that he has recently acquired con-
siderable wealth.

New buildings have gone up in Kabul City, near the
ten bridges. They are on Western lines, and one day
there is heard the click of a new machine, that taps all
day and well into the night. It is at first a mystery.
Then, to the surprise of the populace, a young clerky
individual can be seen in the biggest store, writing with
an automatic machine.
Strange times, these, and strange portents abound in

24