e
absolutely disinterested friendship. I have always been opposed to
your people interfering in the affairs of the Deccan; but I see now
that nothing save their intervention can save the country from
absolute ruin, owing to the constant struggles for supremacy among
the great rajahs; and I see that it were far better we should enjoy
peace and protection, under a foreign power, than be exposed to
ruin and misery at the hands of warring factions.

"I grieve that I have not seen you again. Colonel Palmer tells me
that you are about to start for either Calcutta or Madras, to join
the army that is about to act against Tippoo. It is unlikely that I
shall ever see you again; but I shall never forget that, had it not
been for you, I should have ended my life a prisoner at
Ahmednuggur.

"Nana."

The bill enclosed was an order for a hundred thousand rupees, upon
Nana's agent in Bombay.

When Harry went to say goodbye to the Governor, the latter said:

"It is likely that you will see your old regiment before long,
Captain Lindsay. This morning a ship arrived, with orders from Lord
Mornington for us to send as many troops as could possibly be
spared, to ascend the southern Ghauts and join him near
Seringapatam. Lord Mornington is now at Madras, making arrangements
for an advance; when his brother, Colonel Wellesley, will move
forward with the Nizam's troops. There is still a doubt what part
the Mahrattas will take--probably they will hold aloof, altogether,
until they see how matters go. We know that Tippoo has sent
thirteen lakhs of rupees to Bajee Rao, and that the latter and
Scindia are in constant communication with him. However, at present
we shall take no notice of these proceedings; but allow the Peishwa
to believe that we are deceived by the constant assurances that he
gives us of his friendship, although he has declined to enter into
a treaty with us, similar to that which the Nizam has made.

"It is enough to have one formidable foe on our hands at a time,
and our experience of Bajee assures us that he will not commit
himself, by openly declaring for Tippoo, until he sees how matters
are going."

The winds were unfavourable, and it was not until six weeks after
leaving Bombay that Harry arrived at Madras. It was now November,
1798 and, on landing, he learned that General Harris was in command
of the army that was assembling at Vellore, and that the Governor
General had returned to Calcutta. He therefore at once