pon condition that they returned to their habitation. None
of them, however, consented to his proposals, but were still intent upon
making their escape through the _bazar_ [market-place], and in
consequence formed themselves into a line, arranging 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 from
Letafit's sepoys.

LXXIII. "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.

LXXIV. "On the day following their clamors were more violent than usual.
Letafit went to confer with them, upon 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 then went to Hossmund Ali Khan, to consult with him upon 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 consequently 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 of stones and bricks till about ten, when,
finding their situation desperate, they retired into the Kung Mohul, and
forced their way from thence into the palace, and dispersed themselves
about the house and garden; after this they were desirous of getting
into the Begum's apartment, but she, being apprised of their intention,
ordered her 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, all the ladies and women remained exposed to
the view of the sepoys. The Begum then sent for Letafit and Hossmund Ali
Khan, whom she severely reprimanded, and insisted upon knowing the
causes of this infamous behavior. They pleaded in their defence the
impossibil