After two or three months, news came from the army which had been sent under Ráy-ráyán to chastise Nar Singh. A number of the most distinguished officers had accompanied him, and Zíáu-l Mulk Kásí was second in command. All at once despatches came from them to this effect: “We had completely routed Nar Singh, and driven him into the walled fort of Íraj, with a body of 400 Rájpúts; we had invested the fort and made our approaches, and it seemed inevitable that he must fall into our hands the next day. The fort is situated on the banks of a broad deep river, the other three sides being exposed to the land. The general, Ráy-ráyán, undertook himself to guard the river bank, placing the other officers on the three remaining sides. At midnight, when sleep was heavy upon all, the Rájpúts got out. Cutting through the wall on the river-side, they led their horses down the glacis, and mounting upon the river bank, crossed over at a place where there was some kind of a ford, passing through the Ráy-ráyán's elephant stable, and by the time your slaves and the other chiefs had discovered what had happened, he had advanced far on his way. By this stratagem he has escaped.”

When the despatches had been read, the Emperor, who thirsted for the blood of that wretch, fell into the greatest conceivable passion, and turning to Shaikh Faríd, said he must go and in­vestigate by whose fault this had happened; for the Ráy-ráyán reports that Nar Singh escaped through the lines of the Rájá of Gwálior, and the Rájá, in his turn, writes that he passed through the camp of the general, while the second in command declares that treachery has been at work, as he was completely entrapped. In short, each lays the blame on the other. The Shaikh repre­sented that Shaikh Abú-l Khair, 'Allámí's brother, was very clever in investigations. As soon as he heard that name, His Majesty exclaimed, “I have it: send for Asad.” It chanced that I was on guard that night, and sitting in the guard-room with Áká Mullá.

About eight o'clock messengers arrived with orders for me to come immediately to the fort. As soon as I was announced, His Majesty called for me. I made my obeisance, and seeing marks of anger and rage in the royal countenance, I feared he was about to put me to death. When His Majesty and the courtiers saw my alarm, they smiled, and throwing me the despatches, bade me read them. I first perused that of the Ráy-ráyán, and was pro­ceeding with the rest, when he asked me whether I had under­stood the contents. I replied that I had partly done so. He said, “Now this has happened, do you go to the camp and inquire whose fault it is, and investigate the whole affair, for I am very much annoyed at this accident, and therefore have determined to send you.” I made my obeisance, and replied that I would use my utmost endeavours to fail in nothing. ^{* * *}

As soon as the Rájá and all the officers were assembled, I pro­duced a sheet made of pieces of cloth sown together, upon which was drawn a plan of the fort of Íraj, with the river on one side, and the gates and towers on the other three. The encampment of each chief was marked thereon, with the number of his forces. I then called Zíáu-l Mulk, and made him write the name of each chief in the place which his forces had occupied, and made them all attach their seals to it. I also marked the place where Nar Singh had made his exit, and the spot at which he passed the river. When the chiefs had all affixed their seals to this sheet, I asked them whether they had thus represented it. After we had eaten betel and received perfumes, I took leave of all. The son of Muhammad Khán Tátár, a near connexion and relative of mine, was appointed to escort me with 1000 horse to Gwálior. ^{* * *} I went myself with Musáhib to the Court, and reported myself to Rám Dás, who conducted me to the foremost railing, where I made my obeisance. His Majesty called me with the greatest impatience; and after presenting a gold mohur and nine rupees, I prostrated myself. His Majesty immediately said, “Whose fault was it?” I bowed, and replied that I would relate all particulars; but he again insisted that I should tell him what fault I thought there had been. Seeing his impatience, I replied, “I cannot say that any one has erred intentionally. There has only been great neglect, and all are alike guilty; that is my humble opinion.” Shaikh Faríd said, “Neglect is also a fault.” I answered, “That is a fault which is committed inten­tionally, and that is carelessness which happens without any ill intention.” I was going to say more to the Shaikh, when His Majesty rose, and said, “Asad is right.” From the way he spoke, it was evident that he was very much pleased, and I saw that my words had been agreeable to him. ^{* *}

When the Emperor was at Burhánpúr, he had sent Saiyid Mír Jamálu-d dín Husain Inju on a mission to 'Ádil Khán Sawáí, in order to form an alliance with him; for since that Prince had professed himself a follower of the Emperor, it was thought right to exalt him to the highest rank, by uniting his daughter in marriage with the high and fortunate Prince Dániyál. The Saiyid had gone about that business long before, and made such unnecessary delay, that the Emperor was displeased with him. Just at the time I am speaking of, a joint report from the Khán-i khánán and the Saiyid reached the Emperor, written in such an improper spirit, to make excuses for further delay, that His Majesty became exceedingly angry, and exclaimed, “He has seduced that noble too from his allegiance. By God's will, I will send some one to bring him back with dishonour.” He then cast a glance along the ranks of his servants, and when the lightning eyes of that shadow of God fell upon me, the least of his slaves, he called me, and, caring as he did for the least, said to his great officers, “I will send Asad to bring him back without giving him time to eat or drink.” Then turning to me, he said, “I have appointed you to the Dakhin, on a service that will secure you abundant wealth.”

^{* * *} In a few days I had made all ready, and the royal farmáns were all prepared. A very gracious farmán was written with all possible courtesy to 'Ádil Khán of Bíjápúr. Its con­tents were as follows: “We find by the despatches of the Saiyid that you desire the town of Gwálior.* Very good. If you are really anxious about the matter, open your mind to the faithful servant Asad, and we will issue orders according to your wish, and bestow it upon you for ever, so that you may appoint your own governor there.” To Mír Jamálu-d dín I bore orders to this effect: “If thou dost not return to Court with Asad, thou shalt see what will happen to thee and to thy children.”