Page 196

Khan was asked to prepare another lashkar and to threaten the Bacha's eastern flank, with the result that the Bacha had to send a large portion of his army to the east. Hamidullah, Bacha's younger brother, was made the commander of this section. After a short resistance, Sardar Mohammad Hashim Khan began to retreat and the enemy thinking themselves victorious made a hot pursuit. But their difficulties increased daily. Every day brought new troubles. If one tribe was subjugated, another in a different quarter would rise and more reinforcements had to be sent from the capital. The Marshal, on the other hand, watched the course of events very carefully. He also made preparations on a larger scale. Invitations were sent to some trans-border Afghan tribes. The Orakzais were the first to respond. But as their way lay through British territory, they could not come to Jaji without the consent of that Government. H. Mohammad Akbar Khan was sent to consult the Political Officer at Parachinar. But the Government of India declaring its strict neutrality refused passage. The 155