"مختارات من سجلات حكومة بومباي" [‎٣‎٤‎٠] (٧٣٣/٣٨٢)

340 JOASMEES.
This plot seems to have been attended with complete success;
Shaikh Suggur, surprised while asleep, found himself deserted by all his
followers, and a prisoner in the hands of his justly offended father, who
forthwith commanded him to make immediate preparation for his removal
1o Ras-ool-Khyma. Prior, however, to his departure, some of his adher
ents found means to communicate with him secretly, and intimating their
intention of seeking refuge with Shaikh Muktoom of Debaye, advised
him to take an opportunity, while on the road to Ras-ool-Khyma, to slip
away and join them. This scheme was carried into execution; and the
only reply made by the Debaye Chief to Shaikh Sultan's indignant
remonstrances and demands for the fugitives was that he could not, as
an Arab, violate the rights of hospitality, by giving up, against their own
wish, those who had sought his protection. The Joasmee Shaikh being
now convinced that his son had been counselled and encouraged in his
undutiful conduct by Shaikh Muktoom, determined to keep terms with
the latter no longer ; and accordingly, summoning all his own adherents,
he effected a reconciliation with his former enemies the Chiefs of
Amulgavine and Aboothabee, and forming an offensive and defensive
alliance with them, required their aid in the siege of Debaye. Rejoiced
at the prospect of indulging his long cherished hatred against Shaikh
Muktoom, the Beniyas Chief willingly engaged to meet Shaikh
Sultan's wishes, upon condition that, when captured, Debaye should
be entirely demolished, and the inhabitants permitted to locate them
selves either at Shargah or Aboothabee, agreeably to their own incli
nations.
These vigorous measures, and the extensive arrangements in progress
for the attack of Debaye, greatly alarmed Shaikh Muktoom and his
people, and they lost no time in endeavouring to avert the storm which
threatened, by making professions of unlimited obedience and submis
sion, and employing the cogent argument of a bribe of 1,000 crowns.
Unable to resist this offer, Shaikh Sultan added another to the many
proofs already afforded of his faithless and insincere character, by
coolly breaking all his engagements with the Beniyas and Amulgavme
Chiefs, reconciling himself with Shaikh Muktoom, and, what is more
extraordinary than all, replacing his son Suggur in the government oi
Shargah; thus leaving his brother Saleh, and the faithful adherents who
had supported him so well, to all the bitter effects of the hatred and
revenge of the now reinstated and triumphant governor, without the
slighest attempt to shield them from him.
Shaikh Khaleefa was of course highly indignant at this unexpected
breach of formal and written engagements, which he would naturally
take the first opportunity that might offer to resent. Neither Shaikh
Muktoom nor Suggur bin Sultan were likely soon to forget or overlook