EX-KING OF AFGHANISTAN

to proceed. The accompanying note was signed by us
under compulsion."

Nadir Khan never hesitated, even when the attempt
at placation made by Bacha Sachao was followed by
a threat.

A further message reached him in his camp at Bala
Hissar. " When you shell our fortifications," said Bacha,
" the first of your shells will fall on your women and
children."

That very night Nadir Khan gave the command. The
captain of the artillery, which he had already captured
and placed into position, was his own brother. There
were but few guns, but from their commanding height
they hoped to be able to force a surrender within a few
hours, for the old fortress could not withstand for long
a concentrated fire.

The next day was fixed for the beginning of the
bombardment. At dawn, Nadir Khan's field-glasses
swept the fortifications. There was fear in his heart,
but once more his conscience urged him that whatever
the cost, he must free his country of a tyrant.

In the front of the fortifications he saw movement.
Sending a scout forward to investigate, his worst fears
were confirmed. The figures, seen from the heights to be
chained to the walls of Kabul, were his own relatives.
The captain of the artillery knew that in front of him
were three of his sisters, his wife, and his mother.

The first shell went screaming on Kabul, and the
cannonade began, crumpling up the defences in a short
time.

There was little fighting. The victorious, invading
army swept in with few casualties after seven months'
fighting. Bacha Sachao was of the type which attracts
support while in the height of his power, but which can
find few to stand faithful in the hour of need*

255