Once a young Sipahi succeeded in evading the trap, and recovering himself he was attacked on all sides by thugs. Drawing his “Sirôhhee” he made a cut or two at them, but it suddenly snapped in his hand. He was, however, fleet of foot, and managed to escape.
Telling his friends of his adventures, he said, by way of caution,
Bandh Sirôhhee Bandho do
Bandh Sikaylâh to phir akela.
TRANSLATION.
If you carry a Sirôhhee, carry two;
If you carry a Sikaylâh, you may venture fearlessly alone.
The scabbards are made from thin wood, and covered with black or green leather. The woods used are sometimes the “Baid,” or willow, and the “Bakāyun,” one of the Meliaceæ of botanists. The hilts are frequently inlaid with gold and silver.
“Bahadūr in a rage.”—He was ordinarily a quiet man, and when enraged his anger was relentless, according to their saying:
Murdhâ boleh nahin