of the pursuit Shaikh Minhaj, one of Abul Hasan's generals, sent a message to Mu'izz-ud-din, Shah Alam's eldest son, imploring him as a fellow-Muslim to stay his hand until the wives and families of the defeated army could be conveyed to a place of safety. The young prince, after consulting his father, consented to a brief truce. The Deccanis, of course, utilized the time thus gained in re-forming for a fresh stand, and a second battle, more determined than the first, followed. The Deccanis were at length again put to flight, but, even while fleeing, had the incredible impudence to send a message to Mu'izz-ud-din deprecating the wholesale slaughter of Muslims on both sides, and proposing that the dispute should be settled by a combat between a few chosen champions selected from each army, an old device in southern India. The proposal was submitted to Shah Alam, who in reply proposed that the Deccanis who, having been put to flight in the open field now sought an opportunity of displaying the admittedly superior dexterity of their champions in sword-play, should engage the champions of the imperial army on elephants. This did not suit the Southerners, and they declined the challenge. Shah Alam received news the next morning that the officers of the Golconda army were in full flight towards Haidarabad, and, having caused the great drums to be beaten to celebrate his victory, he started in pursuit.
Meanwhile the Brahman advisers of Abul Hasan contrived to poison his mind against Muhammad Ibrahim, whom they accused of temporising with Shah Alam, and the conspiracy was so successful that it was resolved to throw its victim into prison and presently to put him to death on his return to Haidarabad. But Muhammad Ibrahim, before reaching the city, received information of the designs of his enemies, and immediately made his submission to Shah Alam, by whom he was received with every mark of favour.
Shah Alam had by this time arrived within striking distance of Haidarabad, and the news of his approach and of the defection of Muhammad Ibrahim struck dismay into the hearts of Abul Hasan and his advisers. It was now that Abul Hasan committed the only unkingly act recorded of him in the dark days which were beginning to fall upon him, the last of a kingly race. Smitten with sudden panic, he fled suddenly by night, with such of his valuables as could be transported by
