'History of the imâms and seyyids of 'Omân by Salîl-ibn-Razîk, from A.D. 661-1856; translated from the original Arabic, and edited with notes, appendices, and an introduction, continuing the history down to 1870, by George Percy Badger, F.R.G.S., late chaplain in the Presidency of Bombay.' [‎37] (70/612)

and analysis.
xxxvn
Hardly had Seif-bin-Sultau been restored to his former
dignity when Belarab-bin-Hitnyar—who appears to have
been a cousin of his—was elected Imam by a portion of
the inhabitants of ezh-Zhahirah. Finding, after two or
three unsuccessful attempts, that he was unable to cope
with his antagonist, Seif sent to Mekran and engaged a
body of Beloochees, 1 who were all armed with muskets, to
cooperate with him. These having been placed under the
command of his brother, Belarab-bin-Sultan, were subse-
quently cut off, almost to a man, in an engagement with
Belarab-bin-Himyar. On hearing of this fresh disaster
Seif resorted as a last expedient to Nadir-Shah, of Persia,
who readily promised to assist him. In the meantime, how
ever, and in order to test the pluck of the ; Omany sove
reign,—so runs the story,—he sent him a viciously restive
horse, on the understanding that his engagement would
only hold good if Seif showed himself capable of riding
the animal. The trial came off in the valley behind Maskat,
and the young Imam acquitted himsell to the astonishment
of the Shtih's messenger and the bystanders generally by
coursing the horse several times round the valley, until it
finally leapt over the town wall, breaking its legs, the rider
falling on his feet uninjured.
At this period, when Seif-bin-Sultan is recorded to have
lost every friend on whom he could rely for counsel, some of
his officers recommended Ahmed-bin-Said, of the Al-Bu-
Said family, as a brave man, and one in every way worthy
of his confidence. What Ahmed's antecedents were en
titling him to such a reputation we are left to conjecture.
Judging from our author's narrative, he was engaged in trade,
and it was on the way to Maskat, whither he was going on
1 This is the first recorded instance of mercenaries having been ob
tained from Mekran for service in 'Oman. The experiment gradually
grew into a custom, and the Beloochees in the pay of succeeding Imams
and Seyyids have generally been conspicuous for their bravery and
fidelity.