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32
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
(JANUARY, 1885.
famous pír. He sat down in the presence of determined to bring the matter before the the holy man with an air of much dignity. Viceroy, at that time 'At Muhammad Khân. 10 The pir asked him whence he came and what and get the thief punished. The Viceroy he wanted. Sharaf, after a little hesitation, in- listened with great interest to the pür's story, formed him that he was the son of a most re- and at once issued a warrant for Sharaf's arrest. spectable man, and knowing the pir to be a holy | A day or two after this Sharaf was brought man and well-instructed in the faith, desired to before the Viceroy, and charged with having be taught by him. The pir was exceedingly stolen the saucepans, spoons, &c., of the pir, pleased, and then and there began to teach him. and in other ways deceived him. The pir eyed For three days Sharaf stayed in the pir's quar- Sharaf with such a look, that the thief at ters, and then apparently overflowing with length pleaded guilty and begged for pardon, gratitude for the good professedly received, he promising to supply the Viceroy with enormous told the good man how happy he was, and wealth if he would let him go free. Ata how much he desired to make a feast for his Muhammad Khân, however, was immoveable. benefactor. “Send for a skilful cook," said he, He would not listen to his pleadings for a "and please order him to prepare various dishes. moment, but gave strict orders that his right I will spend thirty rupees on a really good hand should be cut off, so that he might be dinner, and make the cook a present besides." hindered from carrying on his wicked profession
The cook promised to do his very best and in the future. asked for the loan of some of the pir's dance- This was done; but it is said that Sharaf pans and rice-pots, which were at once handed got an iron hand made with sharp-pointed over to him.
fingers, and that he would strike anyone on the After some time had elapsed and Sharaf neck with this hand, who would not consent to knew that the feast must be ready, he asked give up his money or valuables. He killed permission from the pir to go and see to the ar- three or four people in this way. rangements. The cook's house was a little distance off. On arriving at the place Sharaf There are many other stories extant in Sriupbraided him because of the delay, and order nagar and in the villages concerning the cruelty ed that, on account of this, he should send the and cunning of this man, too numerous to note feast with him to the Zaina Kadal, where he here. called a boatman and had the things placed in Some readers may wish to know something the boat. He himself then entered the boat and of Sharaf's latter days. A great pir, named sent the coolies, who had brought the dinner, Buzurg Shåh, sent for him one day, and advisaway.
ed him to desist from such works, and give his On the promise of a good dinner the boat- mind a little to heavenly things. He promismen paddled right lustily, and were soon ed that, if he would do this, he would allow him beyond all hope of discovery. After a short to reside in his house as a companion and help. time the pir, whose appetite had been some- Sharaf's heart was touched by the kind offer and what increased by expectation and delay, went manner of the pir, and being thoroughly weary to the cook's shop, and was terribly astonished of doing wrong, he accepted the proposal. to find that his friend and pupil had taken the Ho remained in Bazarg Shah's house until dinner and utensils, and left him to pay the his death, and proved himself in every way expenses.
worthy of the confidence and esteem bestowed This pir, however, was an obstinate character. upon him by his benefactor. He made quite sure in his own mind, that the It is not known when Sharaf Tsûr died, deceiver was Sharaf Tsûr, and in revenge he or where he was buried.
30 Ata Muhammad Khai was one of the fourteen Governors or Viceroys, during the sixty-six years (1759-
1819) the countzy remained empire.
portion of the Darrint
