for the verity of this tale, but I have
heard, since my arrival in England, that the same trick was actually
played on a savage mastiff belonging to a tan-yard, that would not
permit a stranger near the premises without tearing him to pieces, but
the moment he saw this curious figure he took refuge in a drying-house,
and for some time after on the least noise he would hide himself,
thinking, no doubt, it was his friend with his head between his legs
again. The reason on account of which I cannot take upon myself to vouch
for the veracity of my friend the captain, is this: I once tiffed in
company where this brave son of Mars was one of the party. The
conversation turned on the privations which soldiers and sailors are
frequently called on to endure. Some of the company said that, in the
course of their services, they had not tasted food for three days; some
mentioned a longer period. I said I did not believe that the system
could be sustained for more than seven days, if so long, without food or
some kind of sustenance. The captain, however, thought otherwise; and,
begging my pardon most politely, he protested that he had often, when in
the West Indies, lived himself for weeks without food; and that once,
for six months, he had nothing to eat but Cayenne pepper! This was
likely to be a hot man in dispute, so we left him in possession of the
field as well as of his story; and this is the reason why I would not
take upon me to vouch for the authenticity of his tiger adventure.

A few days after we had commenced the siege against this strong fort,
General Watson, commanding the Bengal division, came into my tent, and,
by the smile on his countenance, I could see he was much pleased. At
last he said, "Shipp, I have got some good news for you, which I am sure
will please you much." I replied, "General, good news is acceptable at
all times; what is it?"--"I have at last obtained permission," said the
general, "to lead in person my own column to the storm; and I am sure
you and Knollis will support me with your lives." I replied, "Whenever
my duty calls me, Sir, my life will be willingly risked in the service
of my country."--"I know it," said the general; "and, ere this day week,
I hope to plant Old England's banner higher on the tower of glory than
it ever has been. This fortification is, I believe, the highest in the
world, some fifteen hundred feet above the level of the plain." Some
short time after this the fort was surre