ere, and are unconnected with
any of my officers; and I can, therefore, place greater reliance on
your reports, than upon those of men who have other interests than my
own to serve. I desire you to go and inspect the hill forts, to see
how the repairs of the fortifications injured by the English are
progressing, and to make sure that the cannon are in good order, and
the supply of ammunition plentiful. You have shown that you are quick
sighted and sharp. Look round the defences, and if you see aught that
can be done to strengthen them, confer with the governors, learn their
opinions on the subject, and if they agree with you, they will be
authorised to take men from the country round to strengthen the
fortifications, and I will forward, at once, such guns and stores as
may be required.

"After the inspection of each fort, you will despatch a mounted
messenger to me with your report; and you will state which fort you
will next visit, in order that I may despatch there any order that I
may have to give you.

"Do your duty well, and I shall know how to reward you. In order that
your authority may be increased, you are both named colonels in the
army. Fazli will furnish you with a written copy of the orders I have
given you, and with authority, under my seal, to enter and inspect all
fortresses, and to consult with the governors as to everything
considered, by them, as necessary for their better defence.

"The last time the English came, they captured Nundidroog, and other
hill fortresses that we had regarded as impregnable, simply because
the governors were overconfident, and the defences had been neglected.
This must not occur again, and if there is failure in the defences, I
shall hold you responsible. Therefore, take care that you do not
neglect, not only to see that the repairs are being well carried out,
but to recommend additions to the fortifications, wherever it seems to
you that there is even a possibility of an enemy making his way up.

"You will take with you twenty troopers as an escort, but these are
not to enter any of the fortresses with you, for treachery is always
possible; and no one, save the garrisons, must be acquainted with the
defences of the hill forts."

Surajah expressed his thanks to the sultan for entrusting them with
the mission, and assured him that their inspection of the forts should
be careful and complete, and that they would start in an hour's time.

When they reached their own roo