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outpost towards the east. Most of the men in the vanguard were from the north and when they found themselves face to face with the Saqaoists neither side would fire, and ultimately Ali Ahmad Jan's men went over to Bacha's side taking with them their arms and ammunition (February 1, 1929). This proved a death-blow to Ali Ahmad's prestige. With the best portion of his army gone, he naturally desired to have a larger number of tribesmen on his side. The Khogianis and Shinwaris were approach- ed and by promises of handsome rewards and high posts they were won over. But their leaders, Maliks Mohammad Jan, Mohammad Shah, and Qais had long- standing jealousies among themselves. When the second detachment which consisted mostly of Khogianis reached Omar Caves, Mohammad Shah went secretly to Kabul and had an interview with Bacha who treated him very kindly and gave him a large sum of money together with pro- mises of greater bounty if he succeeded in dispersing Ali Ahmad Jan's forces. On his return at Barikow, he met Malik Mohammad Jan, who having gained knowledge of his 56