182

moorcroft's disaster.

CHAP. VII"

' given proofs of great skill to these people. He set
out for Koondooz without suspicion, but found, on
his arrival there, that his surgical services were not
wanted, and it was merely a plan to ensnare him.
Ihe chief ordered him to send for all his party and
baggage, which he did; and, after a month's delay,
he only succeeded in liberating himself, by comply-
ing with the most extravagant demands of Moorad
Beg. By one means or another, he possessed him-
self of cash to the value of 23,000 rupees, before
Mr. Moorcroft was permitted to depart; and it
would have been well had the matter here termin-
ated ; but the cupidity of the chief had been excited.
It is also said, that he entertained some dread of
Moorcroft's designs, from the arms and two small
field-pieces, which he carried with him for purposes
of protection. The party prepared to quit Khoo-
loom for Bokhara, but, on the very eve of departure,
were surrounded by 400 horsemen, and again sum-
moned to Koondooz. It was not now concealed,
that the chief was resolved on seizing the whole of
the property, and putting the party to death. Mr.
Moorcroft took the only course which could have
ever extricated his party and himself. In the dis-
guise of a native he fled at night, and after a sur-
prising journey, at length reached Talighan, a town
beyond Koondooz, where a holy man lived, who was
reputed to possess much influence over the con-
science of Moorad Beg. He threw himself at the
feet of this saint, seized the hem of his garment, and
sued for his protection. " Rise up," said he, " it is
granted; fear nothing." This good man imme-