ble force in the field
were heavily bribed, by one side or the other. Those around Rajah
Boorhau found their efforts completely baffled by the influence of the
English commander of his forces, and a faction of increasing strength
and power was formed to overthrow him. The rajah himself had kept his
secret well, and one or two, only, of his advisers knew that the
Englishman was a trusted agent of the Company.

The soldiers were much attached to their English leader. They found
him always just and firm. Complaints were always listened to, tyranny
or ill treatment by the officers suppressed and punished, merit
rewarded. Among the officers the strictness of the discipline
alienated many, who contrasted the easy life which they had led before
the introduction of the European system, with that which they now
endured. So long as they were engaged in mastering the rudiments of
drill they felt their disadvantage; but when this was acquired, each
thought himself capable of taking the place of the English adventurer,
and of leading the troops he had organized to victory. Already,
Charlie had received several anonymous warnings that danger threatened
him. The rajah was, he knew, his warm friend; and he, in his delight
at seeing the formidable force which had been formed from his
irregular levies, had presented him, as a token of his gratitude, with
large sums of money.

In those days, this was the method by which Indian princes rewarded
European officers who rendered them service, and it was considered by
no means derogatory to the latter to accept the money. This was,
indeed, the universal custom, and Charlie, knowing that Captain Clive
had received large presents of this kind, had no hesitation in
following his example. The treasures stored up by many of these Indian
princes were immense, and a lac of rupees, equivalent to ten thousand
pounds, was considered by no means a large present. Charlie,
foreseeing that, sooner or later, the little state would become
involved in hostilities, took the precaution of forwarding the money
he had received down to Madras; sending it piecemeal, in charge of
native merchants and traders. It was, by these, paid into the Madras
treasury, where a large rate of interest, for all monies lent by its
employees, was given by the Company.

For those at home he felt no uneasiness. It was very seldom that their
letters reached him; but he learned that they were still in high
favour with his uncle, that