Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan, Volume 1.djvu/427

Book V 20,000 rupees, in part of the sum stipulated. But by this time the Phousdar's agent was returned from Madrass to Velore, having by some very unaccountable means obtained information of the whole extent of the deputy's instructions; this man now came to the camp, and told the deputy what he knew, adding that his master was ready to pay the 100,000 rupees. In this dilemma the deputy thought best to deny the purport of his commission, and to pretend that he was only sent from Madrass to receive the money, which had been offered to major Kilpatrick; and in order to perplex the agent, he took the resolution of returning immediately to Arcot, saying that he should leave major Kilpatrick to finish his own work, and if necessary to commence hostilities. This alarmed the phousdar not a little, and he immediately sent messengers to desire the French troops to advance; but at the same time sent his agent after the deputy to Arcot, desiring a conference with him at Velore, and promising, with much seeming submission, to agree to whatsoever the English might determine in regard to his dispute with the Nabob. Upon this the deputy returned to the camp, and went into the town, accompanied by Mahomed Issoof and two English officers. After a sumptuous dinner they retired with the Phousdar into a private room; who, instead of making any overtures to pay the money which he had offered to major Kilpatrick, denied that he had ever made such agreement: upon this Mahomed Issoof, who had conducted that business, related what had passed; to which the Phousdar with great composure replied, that all he asserted was a lie. Mahomed Issoof starting from his seat, clapped his hand to his dagger, the Phousdar raised his voice, and the guards of the palace began to be in motion towards the room; but the deputy interposing, convinced him that his own safety depended on forbidding them to approach: after which the conference was re-assumed. However, the Phousdar shewed no inclination to pay more than 200,000 rupees, for which he insisted on receiving, from the presidency of Madrass, a promise that he should not in future be molested, either by the Nabob or themselves. The deputy thinking such a sum no compensation for excluding them from taking advantage of a more favourable opportunity to reduce the place, broke up the conference, and returned to the