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)

MEEB. HADJEE SHAH. 413

he wanted no stronger inducement than this
to urge him to release her. Many a poor
wretched slave had been liberated through his
means in a similar way, whilst making his
pilgrimages; and in his own home I have had
opportunities of seeing his almost paternal kind-
ness invariably exercised towards his slaves,
some of whom he has, to my knowledge, set at
liberty both male and female, giving them the
opportunity of settling, or leaving them to
choose for themselves their place of future ser-
vitude.

" But to return to Fatima. On taking her to
his lodgings, he tried to comfort her with the
solicitude of a father, and having assured her
she was free, inquired where her family resided,
that she might be forwarded to them. The
poor girl could scarce believe the words she
heard were reality and not a dream; so much
unlooked-for generosity and benevolence over-
powered her with gratitude, whilst he addressed
her as his daughter, and explained his motives
for becoming her purchaser, adding, ' Our laws
forbid us to make slaves of the offspring of