Page 396 - Arabian Gulf Intellegence

352 JOASMEES.

and in their friendly relations, but requesting that if, among the camels
plundered from the Ghuflah, there should be found any belonging to the
people of Shargah or Ras-ool-Khyma, they might be restored. I hear that
Shaikh Syud returned an answer which satisfied him on every point.”
Let us go on to consider the result of this chiefs single-minded and
upright behaviour.
At the close of the year 1846, when the pearl season was over, and
the land truce at an end, Shaikh Sultan began to revolve in his mind pi ans
of revenge upon the Chief of Amulgavine, for the slaughter of his son,
Shaikh Suggur bin Sultan. He resolved to fall with all his power
upon Shaikh Muktoom bin Butye, and, after the reduction of that
chief, to fulfil his designs against Abdoolla bin Rashid, who, when
unaided by others, would fall an easy prey to the wrath of his more
powerful opponent. Shaikh Syud was once more summoned to assist
in the undertaking. He cheerfully responded to the call, and hastened
to join the Joasmces, with all his available forces. The plan of attacking
Debaye in the outset was precisely the thing : nothing could be more
consonant to the wishes of the Beniyas Chief than to aid in the re­
duction of Debaye, and by no other means would the Joasmee be
able to wreak his vengeance on Abdoolla bin Rashid. Such was
the language held by Shaikh Syud bin Tahnoon. Shaikh Sultan,
however, was not to be duped : rather than see Debaye fall into the
hands of Shaikh Syud bin Tahnoon, he would forego his revenge,—
he would change his plan of attack: he would proceed against
the town of Amulgavine, and not against that of Debaye. To this
Shaikh Syud would not for a moment agree : a difference of opinion
arose, which quickly led to a quarrel, and either chief veering round,
and suddenly shifting his policy, made overtures to Shaikh Muktoom
bin Butye, who humoured the one and rejected the other.
With Shaikh Syud he refused to treat on the terms that were
offered. With Shaikh Sultan he in February
A. d. 1847.
or March 1847 entered into a treaty, in conse­
quence of the latter faithfully promising to destroy the towers he had
erected at Aboo Heyle, within a period of three months, a promise, it
is scarcely necessary to add, he never intended to fulfil.
Nothing worthy of notice occurred from this date until the com­
mencement of the year 1848, when, “ after friendly
a. d. 1848. negotiations had been for some time carried on
between Shaikh Sultan bin Suggur and the Chiefs of Debaye and
Amulgavine, the people of Ejman,” (who were now once again on me
side of the latter,) “ fancying themselves secure, re-opened their m er-
with the people of Shargah.” Abdoolla bin Sultan, son ol the
course