them ten days' subsistence, upon condition that they returned to
their habitations. None of them, however, consented to his
proposal, but were still intent upon making their escape through
the bazaar, and in consequence formed themselves in the following
order,--the children in the front, behind them the ladies of the
seraglio, and behind them again their attendants; but their
intentions were frustrated by the opposition which they met with
from Letafit's sepoys. The next day Letafit went twice to the
women, and used his endeavors to make them return into the zenanah,
promising to advance them ten thousand rupees, which, upon the
money being paid down, they agreed to comply with; but night coming
on, nothing transpired.

"'On the day following, their clamors were more violent than usual.
Letafit went to confer with them on the business of yesterday,
offering the same terms. Depending upon the fidelity of his
promises, they consented to return to their apartments, which they
accordingly did, except two or three of the ladies, and most of
their attendants. Letafit went then to Hossmund Ali Khan, to
consult with him about what means they should take. They came to a
resolution of driving them in by force, and gave orders to their
sepoys to beat any one of the women who should attempt to move
forward; the sepoys accordingly assembled, and each one being
provided with a bludgeon, they drove them, by dint of beating, into
the zenanah. The women, seeing the treachery of Letafit, proceeded
to throw stones and bricks at the sepoys, and again attempted to
get out; but finding that impossible, from the gates being shut,
they kept up a continual discharge till about twelve o'clock, when,
finding their situation desperate, they returned into the Rung
Mohul, and forced their way from thence into the palace, and
dispersed themselves about the house and gardens. After this they
were desirous of getting into the Begum's apartments; but she,
being apprised of their intentions, ordered the doors to be shut.
In the mean time Letafit and Hossmund Ali Khan posted sentries to
secure the gates of the Lesser Mohul. During the whole of this
conflict, the ladies and women remained exposed to the view of the
sepoys.

"'The Begum then sent for Letafit and Hossmund A