r own use in the
temple, was now exhausted. Charlie directed Peters, with twenty men,
to sally out from the gate at midnight, to enter the nearest house on
the right hand side, and to follow the communications made by the
enemy before the assault, until they came to the end of the street.
Lieutenant Hallowes, with a similar party, was to take the left side.
If they found any guards within the houses, they were to overpower
these; and, rushing straight on, to attack the battery, and spike the
guns. Should they find the houses deserted, they were to gather in the
houses nearest the battery, when Peters was to fire his pistol as a
signal to Hallowes, and both parties were to attack the battery.

One of the inner walls had been pulled down, and the main body of the
force, having the wounded and the ladies of the rajah's zenana in
their centre, were to sally out, the instant the guns were taken.

The plan was carried out with the greatest success. The houses on both
sides of the street were found to be deserted, and as Peters fired his
pistol, the party dashed at the flanks of the battery. The French
gunners leaped to their feet and, believing that they were attacked in
front, discharged their cannon. The grapeshot swept along the empty
street, and through the gateway; and Charlie, leading one of the
troops, at once dashed down the street.

At their first rush, Peters and Hallowes had carried the battery,
cutting down the gunners. Immediately behind, however, the enemy had
posted a support, several hundred strong, and these speedily advanced
to recover the battery.

Leaving their horses in charge of a small party, Charlie dismounted
his men and joined Peters, and his fire quickly checked the assault.
In the meantime, the rest of the defenders of the temple rode down the
street and, leaving a few men with the horses of Peters' and Hallowes'
detachments, rode out into the open country. After driving back his
assailants, Charlie led his party back to their horses, mounted them,
and speedily rejoined the main body. An hour later they were well on
their way towards Permacoil, which they reached, next day.

The rajah was delighted at recovering his family. The treasure was
divided, and the portion belonging to the troops was, with the
Company's share, sent down under a strong escort to Madras.

For a considerable time, Charlie's force were occupied with small
undertakings. Lally had now arrived, from France, and had taken th