d Clive saw that Law was not, as he expected,
at hand, he despatched the Mahratta horse in pursuit of the French
Sepoys. These were overtaken and cut to pieces, and not one man, of
the force which Law had despatched against Clive returned to the
island.

The English loss was heavy. The greater portion of the occupants of
the Small Pagoda were bayoneted by the French, when they entered; and,
as fifteen others were killed in the attack, it is probable that at
least one-fourth of the English force under Clive were killed.

Clive's own escapes were extraordinary. In addition to those of being
killed by the French Sepoys, among whom he ran by mistake, and of
death at the hands of the treacherous deserter, he had one almost as
close, when the French fired their volley into the caravansary. A box
at his feet was shattered, and a servant who slept close to him was
killed.

Some days passed, after this attack, without any fresh movement on
either side. Major Lawrence then determined to drive back D'Auteuil.
He did not despatch Clive against him, as this would involve the risk
that Law might again march out to surprise Samieaveram. He therefore
directed Clive to remain at that place and watch the island, while he
sent a force of a hundred and fifty English, four hundred Sepoys, five
hundred Mahrattas, with four guns, to attack D'Auteuil; from his own
force, under Captain Dalton. This officer, in the advance, marched his
troops near Samieaveram; and, making as much show with them as he
could, impressed D'Auteuil with the idea that the force was that of
Clive.

Accordingly, he broke up his camp at Utatua in the night, abandoned
his stores, and retreated hastily upon Valconda. Dalton then marched
to Samieaveram, and placed his force at Clive's disposal; and, to
prevent any disputes arising as to precedence and rank, offered
himself to serve under him as a volunteer.

Not only D'Auteuil, but Law, was deceived by Dalton's march. From the
lofty towers of Seringam he saw the force marching towards Utatua,
believed that Clive with his whole force had left Samieaveram, and did
now what he should have before done--crossed the river with all his
troops.

Clive's lookout on the temple of Mansurpet perceived what was going
on, and signalled the news to Clive, who at once set out with his
whole force; and, before Law was prepared to issue out from
Paichandah, Clive was within a mile of that place. Law might still
have fought with a fa