That fact of itself proves nothing, as the chiefs of
clans didnot expect Abdurrahman's death, and the family have had no time to corrupt the soldiery ; but Habibullah, though the son of a slave mother, is a brave man, is accustomed to affairs, has some hold over the soldiers, whom only he can pay, and is known to be favoured by the British Viceroy. He was entirely trusted by his father, though Abdurrahman would never pro- claim him heir, knowing well that if he did he would increase his own chance of assassination. He has chosen his wives from among the daughters of the great clan chiefs, and he has a large family; but his future, in spite of all precautions, depends upon his own character and capacity, and these are as yet unknown quantities. The general report is that he is his father on a smaller scale; but all depends upon the degree in which the scale is altered. There is no doubt that he will rely upon the English, and as Russia is not likely to interfere, and frontiers have been clearly delimited, order may reign in Afghanistan for some years yet. His most dangerous opponent is Ishak Khan, grandson of Dost Mahommed, who, though almost a Moollah, is an ambitious man, and may leave Russian territory, as Abdurrah- man did, to make a spring for the throne. He has some following in Turkestan, but is not known to have any influence with the Army, to which he appears a beaten, and therefore unlucky, man.
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