AMANULLAH

easier. He had been helped by the circumstance of his
being in Kabul while every other possible claimant was
in the south. There were further inquiries into the
facts of the assassination, and it was ultimately unani-
mously agreed that it was the work of a fanatic. Possibly
foreign agents had inspired the act. Probably there
were many ready to strike. At any rate, the Amir
was dead, and there could be little hope in pressing
curiosity too far. Investigation was a profitless
pastime, and life, even the life of a ruler, was cheap.

And it was at this time, while signing his name for
the first time before the title of Amir, that Amanullah
made up his mind that at last his Army would be
tested in the field.

Longingly, and with a fire leaping in his heart, he
looked down upon India. . . .

46