Meer Hassan Ali, B.: Observations on the Mussulmauns of India: descriptive of their manners, customs, habits, and religious opinions ; made during a twelve years residence in their immediate Society (Band 2) (London, 1832)

MEER HADJEE SHAH. 403

mies. In the event in question, he undertook to
speak for all his party to the Arab chief, before
whom they were taken prisoners, and having
a thorough knowledge of the Arabic language,
he pleaded their joint cause so effectually, that
the chief not only liberated the whole party,
but forced presents upon them in compensation
for their inconvenient detention.

The most interesting, if not the most remark-
able incident which occurred to Meer Hadjee
Shah in his journey through life, remains to be
told. The story has beeii so often related by
his own lips, that I think there will be little
difficulty in repeating it here from memory.
It may be deemed prolix, yet I should not do
justice by a farther abridgment.

fatima's history.

" Fatima was the daughter of Sheikh Ma-
humud, an Arab, chief of a tribe, dwelling
in the neighbourhood of Yumen, who was a
wealthy man, and much esteemed amongst his
people. His wife died when Fatima, their only
child, was but six years old, and two years

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