Page:Twelve men of Bengal in the nineteenth century (1910).djvu/203

Rh those in any way connected with them. Strictly following the admirable example set by his father and adhering loyally to the principles laid down by him for the conduct of business, he consolidated and greatly improved the property. A young man of charming address and manners he was as popular with Europeans as with his fellow-countrymen. A model husband and father, he was equally successful in preventing friction in the family circle. The head of a large family he was continually called upon to arbitrate in petty family disputes and these he never failed to settle with tact and patience, giving satisfaction to all parties who, even if the decision went against them, were convinced of his wisdom and impartiality. Blessed with robust health, he was fond of sport and of all manly games. As a shot he excelled, while at pigsticking to which he was devoted he was more than a match for many of his European friends. Keenly appreciating music and poetry, he was a liberal patron of the acts and everything that tended to the spread of modern education among the Muhammadan community received his warm support.

The events of 1857 gave Abdul Ghani a striking opportunity of proving his loyalty to the British Government. When the first rumours of mutiny reached Dacca there were only two companies of the 73rd Native Infantry, numbering some ten hundred and sixty men, with artillery stationed in