C^C^t^t^C^t^ t^ C<^ Cs^C^ t^

AMANULLAII

the British forces, smd the proclamation of Independence,
he marked time. Ideas were still simmering in his brain,
but always he found himself curbed by the shortage of
funds. Small improvements and reforms were already
in hand. The Palace had been enlarged. Plans were
ready for roads and the construction of two new cities.

The British soon came back, this time in a magnificent
new Legation under the wise charge of Sir Francis
Humphrys, formerly Intelligence Officer in the Khyber
Pass, and a man and soldier of calm and courageous
efficiency.

Amanullah's sons grew up to emulate their father.
One went to Paris to be educated in military affairs.
Souriya remained his faithful conlidante and devoted and
loyal companion. Eventually he remembered his brother
Inayatullah, and released him from gaol where he had
languished for the crime of being older than Arnanullah.

The trips into the mountains were becoming less
frequent. Affairs of State kept him chained to his
papers. He noticed with some alarm that he was
growing fat. . . .

But he still kept his skill with the rifle, and on horse-
back. He shot sovereigns tossed up in the air. He
excelled at clay-pigeon shooting. He dreamed of the
plans in his head that he did not intend to be still-
born.

Then he declared himself King. Even his title must
be Western. . . . The mullahs noted the change with
significant glances at each other.