'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.' [‎38] (71/612)

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INTRODUCTION
business, that an accidental meeting took place between him
and the Imam, who was travelling in the opposite direction
towards er-Rastak. Seif subsequently sent him to execute
some commissions for him at el-Hasa, and eventually made
him Wali, or Governor, over the important town of Sohar.
Ahmed's administration soon won for him the esteem of
the inhabitants, and his judicious and liberal policy towards
the northern tribes generally, including those of ezh-Zha-
hirah, made him highly popular with those troublesome
neighbours, who flocked to him in crowds. Whether or
not this course was prompted by ulterior ambitious views
it is difficult to say, but SeiPs suspicions were aroused
and he summoned him to Maskat, having given secret orders
for his imprisonment in the Eastern fort as soon as he
arrived. Ahmed obeyed and reached Maskat, accompanied
by one attendant only; but being luckily apprised by the
author's grandfather of the fate which awaited him, he re
turned forthwith to Sohar, much to the Imam's chagrin,
w T ho vented his rage upon the officers who had been in
structed to seize him, and also upon the person who had
warned him of his danger. Baffled in this attempt Seif
fitted out a fleet of four ships of war, and anchoring before
Sohar dispatched a messenger to summon Ahmed to his
presence. The latter accordingly embarked in a small
boat, but on nearing the vessel where the Imam was, some
of the slaves on watch beckoned him to return. Taking
the friendly hint he rowed back to land, and paid no further
attention to the Imam's communications. Shortly after,
through the intervention of several of the chiefs, a recon
ciliation was effected between Seif and Ahmed, the latter
consenting to leave his eldest son Hilal in the hands of the
former, as a pledge of his loyalty. On the reported arrival
of the Persians at Bunder-Fakkan, 10th March, 1787, the
Imam restored Hilal to his father, and proceeded himself to
es-Sir,—which I identify with Abu-Zhaby, the Abothubbee