The Afridis have until now been most loyal to the Government, and were looked upon as safeguards in case the rebellion assumed a more serious form.  During the Afghan war this tribe held the Khyber Pass for the British, and did them great service, as this pass is the main mountain route in the north between Afghanistan and Hindustan.

A revolt of the Afridis was the event most to be feared by the British, and it now appears to have taken place.

A large force of tribesmen entered into Khyber Pass, attacked the forts which guarded it, and unfortunately were successful in capturing them.  The force of British soldiers at hand was not strong enough to drive them back, and they were able to swarm into the Pass in great numbers and possess themselves of it.

The Pass once taken, they had the temerity to offer to treat with the British for peace, and promise to go peaceably back to their homes if the soldiers should be withdrawn from all the forts on the frontier.

The British Government is incensed that the tribesmen should be so little afraid of the power of the English arms, and has determined to conquer this rebellious tribe, and give it a lesson in obedience that will not soon be forgotten.

Now that the outbreak has assumed such a serious form, every one is trying to discover a reason for the rebellion.  Some think that the Sultan of Turkey is at the root of the matter, and that he has caused the news of his victory over the Greeks to be spread broadcast throughout the whole Mohammedan race, thereby creating the impression that the power of Europe has been shaken, and in this way has given the natives of Hindustan an idea that it is an excellent opportunity for them to try to throw off the hated European sovereignty.

Another rumor is that the Ameer of Afghanistan has incited the tribes to rebel, and that he is secretly giving them his support and assistance.

All the revolting tribes dwell on the borders of Afghanistan, and it is known for a fact that the Ameer distributed among the native Indian regiments a book of treasonable character, telling them all about the Jehad or Holy War.  This war, according to the Mohammedan belief, is to be undertaken by the Moslems against the Christians, and is to result in the spreading of the Mohammedan faith throughout the world.

The circulation of these books excited the natives very much, and it is thought had a great deal to do with their present restless and rebellious spirit.

The Indian Government therefore sent a message to the Ameer protesting against the further circulation of this book, and accusing him of exciting the tribes to rebel, and then of allowing his subjects to take part with them against the English.

The Ameer sent a prompt reply in which he denied that any of his subjects had been concerned in the recent troubles.

He said that his soldiers should never be used to fight against the British, and that if any of the tribes under his rule are guilty of joining in a rebellion against his friend the Queen, it is without his knowledge or consent.  He insisted that none of his people would have dared to join the rebels openly, for fear of his severe displeasure.