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79 noiter the enemy's position. Thus after covering a distance of forty to fifty miles, he would return to his tent. At night he placed a picket of 5,000 horses as near as he could to the enemy's camp, where they remained under arms all the night, while other parties went round the whole canton- ment. Ahmad Shah himself would often take part in these rounds. He used to say to his Indian friends, "You better sleep ; I will take care that no harm befalls you." Personal bravery of a leader is of vital importance in an Afghan army. The soldiers will gladly follow such a commander anywhere and against any odds ; but if he throws them into danger, while he himself remains at a distance, they lose their enthusiasm directly, and are half thrashed before the battle begins. They want a man, who would rush forward sword in hand at their head, call upon them to follow, and then dash into the middle of the foe. Unstinted praise must be accorded to Ahmad Shah not only for his generalship and bravery, but also for his careful training of the troops and his strict enforcement of discipline. His appearance in the midst of his soldiers had an inspiring effect on them, who would gladly follow him through thick