199 a time. He remained at Poona until he was permitted to return, but he had to pay a heavy penalty. The manner in which Sultan Nawaz Jung was dealt with had a sobering effect upon the Arabs. It made them know that the Sarcar was more powerful than their Chiefs. Nawab Akbar-ul-Mulk's devotion to His High- ness was extraordinary ; and he had the instinct of a blood-hound to trace down intrigue whether high qr low. Many were his enemies on this account, but he went on his way till his death. It is said that towards the end of his career some men about the palace had succeeded in some measure in instilling poison into the Nizam's mind to bring him under suspicion as one who supplied false information, but he did not live long enough to see any outward signs of the Nizam's dis- pleasure. Among the last great services he rendered was his successful attempt to evoke the enthusiasm of the Nizam's subjects by birthday celebra- tions on a magnificent scale. He was a man of imagination and uncommonly resourceful; his methods were simple but far-reaching in effects. He used his influence with the chief sahukars of Hyderabad and they co-operated with him in a grand spectacular display. They not only pro- vided large sums of money but also vied with one another in doing every thing that was likely to contribute to the special significance of the fete