The Escape of Allah Nûr.
Another incident also occurred. There was in the Hospital a soldier named Allah Nûr. He was suffering from disease of the elbow, which had advanced to such a degree that the joint was completely disorganized. The Hakims had promised to cure him by the application of ointments. I explained to him, however, that this was impossible, and that the only remedy was to remove the arm. Poor Allah Nûr had been ill a long time: he was much reduced by pain and constant discharge, and he begged me from day to day to postpone the operation. He explained his dread of the knife, of which he seemed ashamed, by calling attention to his pitiable state of weakness. When I was laid up with my throat he seized the opportunity one night to make his escape from the Hospital: he got on a donkey which some kind friend had provided, and managed to reach a place called Takh-ta-Pul, some three or four miles off, before he was captured.
The next morning he was brought back and taken before the Amîr. His Highness said:—
“A child or a fool is he who runs from his Physician.”
He sent for a probe and proceeded to examine the joint.
“Without doubt the limb must come off,” said he.
“Barâie Khuda!” said Allah Nûr.
“Be silent!” said the Amîr.
“For God’s sake, do not. My Lord——”