Page 136

was appointed commander of these regiments. He succeeded in buying over some of the local tribes, who greatly multiplied the Marshal's difficulties by opposing his advance at every step. Among these tribes the Dari Khel stands out too prominently to be overlooked. Sardar Nadir Khan, while proceeding to Gardez, had to pass through their territory. The narrow valleys, the rugged خشن ناهموار mountains and the desperate opposition of the treacherous people, made his passage through this land next to impossible, and it was only after much difficulty and timely use of his diplomatic skill that he was ultimately able to cross that portion and proceed to Gardez. Another difficulty, and no less harassing, was the false rumours concerning the Marshal's aim. By virulent سخت شدید propaganda the Bacha was trying to keep the tribes away from Marshal Nadir Khan. The only plausi- صورت حق بجانب ble charge that Saqao could find against him was the fact that he had been the ex-King's Commander-in-Chief and could thus be supposed to be working in his interest, to re-establish him on the throne. At every step the Marshal had to make it clear 99