11 sent as a suitable gift to the caliph, who no doubt pre- ferred specie but such demonstrations were probably rare sops to the official conscience, and as a rule the Mo- hammedan government of Mult an was at once tolerant and economic. The citizens and villagers were allowed to furnish the tax-collectors themselves; the Brahmans were protected and entrusted with high offices, for which their education made them indispensable; and the con- queror's instructions to all his officers were wise and conciliatory:" Deal honestly," he commanded, " be- tween the people and the governor; if there be distribu- tion, distribute equitably, and fix the revenue according to the ability to pay. Be in concord among yourselves, and wrangle not, that the country be not vexed." The young general's fate was tragic. A new caliph succeeded who was no friend to the conqueror of Sind. Hajjaj was dead, and there was none to oppose fac- tious intrigues at the distant court of Damascus. In spite of his brilliant achievements, Mohammad ibn Kasim was disgraced and put to death. The story runs that he was accused of having made too free with the captive daughters of Dahir before presenting them to the caliph's harem, and that he was punished for the pre- sumption by being sewn up alive in a raw cowhide. " Three days afterward the bird of life arose from his body and soared to heaven; " and the hide with its noble burden was sent to Damascus. The young hero had made no protest, never questioned the death-war- rant, but submitted to the executioners with the fearless dignity he had shown throughout his short but valiant
