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CHAPTER XI PREPARATIONS—I To Gardez.—The Marshal at the head of his lashkar left Khost for Gardez on the 27th March, but this distance of only fifty miles took him more than a fortnight—17 days, to be exact—because he had to pass through the lands of some hostile tribes, who would not let him cross their territory, offering as a plea for their hostility the fear that the Marshal was working on behalf of the ex-King. It, therefore, became necessary for the Marshal at every step to enter into explanations in order to allay fears and doubts. The first day's march lay through the lands of the Dari Khels, who were not slow in showing their animosity and offered stubborn resistance. It was proved beyond all doubt that this tribe was instigated by Mohammad Siddiq and that a passage through their land could not be effected without danger. The Marshal was thus obliged to call a halt and encamp in the strong fort of Babrak Khan. A few elders were sent to the tribal chiefs to explain to them the aims and objects of the Marshal 113 H