When the Empress heard that Mohabet was advancing with so numerous an escort, she became alarmed. She feared that such a formidable force might either terrify the Emperor into a reconciliation, or place his crown in jeopardy. Either way there was cause for apprehension. She persuaded him, therefore, not to admit the refractory general into the camp, for at this time the imperial retinue was on its way from Lahore to Cabul. When he arrived near the royal encampment, a messenger was despatched to inform him that he would not be allowed to enter the presence of his sovereign until he had accounted for the revenues of Bengal, and the plunder taken at the battle of Benares. Provoked at such a demand, the general despatched his son-in-law to complain of the indignity; but no sooner had the young man entered the Emperor’s presence, than he was stripped, bastinadoed, covered with a ragged robe, placed upon a lean tattoo[38] with his face towards the tail, and thus sent back to his father-in-law amid the jeers of the whole army. This was an insult not to be forgiven. Mohabet was grieved at the Emperor’s weakness, but attributed the scandal of the late scene to the Sultana, to whose intrigues he imputed her royal husband’s violent hostility. He saw that to put himself in her power was at once to relinquish his liberty, if not his life; and he accordingly formed his resolution. It was no less decisive than bold. He resolved immediately to surprise the sovereign and carry him off.
The imperial army lay encamped on the banks of a river, across which was a bridge. On the morning after the maltreatment of Mohabet’s messenger, they proceeded on their march. Not being in an enemy’s country, no precautions were used against surprise, as no danger was apprehended. The army commenced its march early in the morning; and Jehangire, being in no haste to move, continued in his tent, intending to follow at his convenience. When the imperial troops had crossed the bridge, Mohabet advancing with his Rajpoots, set it on fire, and thus cut off the sovereign’s retreat. He then rushed forward to the royal tent. His face was pale, but his whole aspect severe and resolute: there was no mistaking the purpose which was legibly written in every feature. He was followed by his brave Rajpoots. Resistance was vain. The guards and nobles were instantly disarmed.
Jehangire had retired to the bath, whither Mohabet followed him. The guards attempted to oppose the latter’s entrance; but putting his hand upon his sword, and pointing to his numerous followers, no further opposition was made, and the bold general entered the bathing-tent. The Omrahs present, seeing the folly of resistance, relinquished their arms and became silent spectators of the scene. Mohabet passed them with a stern countenance, which brought to their memories the outrage of the preceding day, but did not utter a word.
Meanwhile information of what had happened was carried to the inner tent, where the Emperor was, by some of the female attendants. He seized his sword, but was soon brought to a sense of his defenceless position. Perceiving that all his guards and nobles were disarmed, and that Mohabet was accompanied by a band of resolute followers prepared to obey his commands to the very letter, he approached the general, whom his conscience now told him he had treated with signal ingratitude, and said, “What does this mean, Mohabet Chan?” Mohabet, touching the ground, and then his forehead, thus replied:
“Forced by the machinations of my enemies, who plot against my life, I throw myself under the protection of my sovereign.”
“You are safe,” answered the Emperor; “but what would these who stand armed behind you?”
“They demand full security,” rejoined Mohabet, “for me and my family; and without it they will not retire.”
“I understand you,” said Jehangire: “name your terms, and they shall be granted. But you do me an injustice, Mohabet: I did not plot against your life; I knew your services, though I was offended at your seeming disobedience of my commands. Be assured of my protection; I shall forget the conduct which necessity has imposed upon you.”
Mohabet did not reply, but, ordering a horse, requested the Emperor to mount. They then rode forward, surrounded by Rajpoots. When they had proceeded beyond the skirts of the camp, the imperial captive was respectfully requested to place himself upon an elephant, in order to avoid accident in any confusion that might ensue from his departure. He readily complied with the general’s request, seeing that opposition would be fruitless, and ascended the elephant, upon which three Rajpoots immediately placed themselves as guards. Some of the nobles, seeing the captivity of their sovereign, advanced to oppose his progress, and were instantly cut down by the followers of Mohabet. There was no further interruption offered, and Jehangire was taken to Mohabet’s tent. Here the latter explained himself to his royal prisoner, assuring him that he had no design either against his life or his power. “But,” he continued, sternly, “I am determined to be secure from treachery.”
Mohabet was greatly disappointed that he had not been able to secure the Sultana. During the confusion caused by the entrance of his numerous followers into the imperial tent, she had contrived to escape, and passing the stream upon her elephant, had joined the army, to whom she communicated the disaster of her husband’s captivity.