Page:History of India Vol 3.djvu/111

 BALBAN THE SLAVE 81 to this land for the purpose of curbing the Mongols." In short, Balban was kidnapped or taken prisoner as a child and brought to India, where he was purchased by Altamish. The story runs that the Sultan refused at first to buy him, because of his shortness and ugliness. " Master of the world," cried the slave, " for whose sake have you bought these other servants? ' " For mine own," said Altamish, laughing. " Then buy me A KIBITKA, OR NATIVE HUT IN TURKISTAN. for the sake of God," begged Balban. " So be it," said the Sultan, and the ugly slave was set among the bhistis, or water-bearers. He soon showed that he was fitted for better things, rose to distinguished offices, and was enrolled in the famous corps of " the Forty " slaves. " The hawk of fortune " was thus set upon his wrist. He served Raziya as chief huntsman, and retained his post under Bahram, being also given a fief, or grant of lands. When the Sultan was besieged in Delhi, Bal- ban was among the leading rebels, and the success of the conspiracy brought him, in reward for his help, the government of Hansi, where he showed himself an im-