AMANULLAH

treason to doubt it, since if it had been defeat, then
already the hated British troops would be occupying
Kabul.

Afghanistan for the Afghans ! The dream of the
young Amir was coming true.

The populace even conspired to forget the taxes which
were mounting ever higher on every head, the dues which
were required to pay for the education schemes, the im-
provement plans, the rebuilding of Kabul, and the road
programme. That must be a necessary part of the
change from bondage to freedom. So be it. The people
were content with their young and fearless leader.

It has been said with some truth that the absolute
necessity for a leader in Afghanistan is popularity. It
was indeed proved later that money is not essential.
Support can be bought more cheaply with respect and
fear than with money. And certainly at this period
Amanullah took pains to secure himself the friendship
and admiration of his people.

His bravery could not fail to impress every Afghan.
He was even foolhardy, but with a purpose. One inci-
dent shows the real courage of the man, and the wisdom
that dictated his acts of bravado,

The rumour reached his ears that there were men in
Kabul city anxious to assassinate him. The news was
indeed public property. Not a few of the elders won-
dered what would be the reply* of the impulsive young
Amir. They had not long to wait.

As soon as he heard the rumour, he sent to the garage
for his open touring car,

" Drive through the old city I " he commanded.

He himself sat in the back, lounging with a smile of
defiance on his face, inviting the bullet of the coward.

There was good common sense behind the action, for
he knew that the tale of that drive would flash round

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