Page:History of India Vol 5.djvu/254

212 TIMUR'S ACCOUNT OF HIS INVASION They saw that if they remained in the fort, they would be captured and made prisoners, so in the middle of that night, the seventh of Rabi'-al-akhir (Dec. 17), Sultan Mahmud and Mallu Khan left the fort of Jahan- panah and fled toward the mountains and jungles. As soon as I heard of this, I immediately sent Amir Sa'id and other officers in pursuit. They followed with all speed, and coming up with the fugitives, they killed many of them and obtained great booty. Malik Sharf- ad-din and Malik Khudai-dad, sons of Rashid Mallu Khan, were taken prisoners, with many others, and brought back to my camp. On the same night that I heard of the flight of the Sultan and his generals from Delhi, I sent Amir Allah-dad and other officers to watch the gate of Hauz-rani, through which Mahmud had escaped, and that of Baraka, by which Mallu Khan had gone out. I also sent men to all the other gates, with orders to prevent the inhabitants from escaping. I then mounted my horse and rode toward the gate of the public square, alighting at the l id-gah, or court of celebrations and festivities, a lofty and extensive building, where I directed my throne to be set up. I took my seat upon the throne and held a court, which was attended by Sayyids, the judges, the learned Mus- sulmans, the shaikhs, and the great men and chiefs. I had them introduced one by one, whereupon they made their obeisances and were admitted to the honour of kissing my throne. I received every one of them with respect and kindness, and directed them to be seated. Fazl-allah Balkhi was viceroy and deputy of