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Shinwaris and other Eastern tribes, accustomed as they were to a milder climate, would not dare to make an advance upon the capital. But the lull broke in a few days. On December 13, at about 4 in the evening, the citizens of Kabul were suddenly alarmed to hear sounds of rapid firing not far from the city. People were seen running about in different directions whispering that Bacha had come. Shops were closed at once and the terror-stricken citizens shut themselves up in their houses. None could say what the invasion meant. Bacha had entered into a solemn agreement; he and his adherents had been granted general amnesty for their past behaviour; they were no longer robbers and cut-throats, but loyal subjects of the King and their leader was a Brigadier-General of the royal army. How could they make an attack on the city after all that? It must be some other robber band who, aware of the impotency of the Central Government, wanted to have a share in the booty and, like Saqao, would be paid handsomely. But all conjectures were set at rest when it became definitely known that Saqao and his men had declared a Jehad against the King, and 28 غنائم وغنم حدس وگمانی