CHAPTER III

.MANULLAH LOOKS SOUTH—A SOLDIER TRIES AN AFGHAN
TRICK—THE SECOND AFGHAN WAR—BATTLE IN THE
PLAINS—THE FIRST AFGHAN KING

Cwas then, when power had come suddenly and
inexpectedly under his strong hand, that the true
Character of Amanullah showed itself.

Only his secret self knew the test before him, Only
be would be the judge of his actions. Those fine words
and sentiments which had inspired him as a critical
onlooker could be translated into facts. He was now
in the position to set in motion the ideals which had
been born in his heart.

Yet he could conveniently forget them if he so wished,
and revel in power that seemed unassailable. They
need not trouble him any more than high ideals had
troubled his predecessors* He could readily dismiss
them as the outpourings of a jealous mind, and the
criticisms of a zealot who never thought to put them
into practice.

His sole confidante had been Souriya, a woman who
might forget those ideals fairly easily in the pleasures
of the Royal Palace. But very soon it was to be seen
that the enthusiasms of the young Amir were to be
translated into action which was to put Afghanistan
once more through the fires of warfare, bitter and costly.

Before that happened, many of the highest-placed
officers and officials of the old Court were to regret the
change from an old and comfortable regime* They
were summarily taken to task for their past practices

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