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CHAPTER IX DIFFICULTIES In order to make a correct estimate of the true worth of the Marshal's achievements and to understand the full value of the part that he and his energetic brothers played in this drama of national deliverance, let us make a brief study of the various difficulties which they had to face at every step. Their courage and heroism were frequently put to severe tests; and they were called upon to make many sacrifices during the period of six long months at the end of which they at last succeeded in bringing about the fall of that cruel autocrat, the Bacha, and restoring peace and order in a country torn to shreds by the incessant civil war of nearly a year's duration. Several times were they repulsed, and strong military posts were lost. More than once were they nearly deserted by their followers. To the outside world—nay even to the Afghans themselves—at times it appeared probable that ere long they would give up the apparently 95