Page:A history of the military transactions of the British nation in Indostan.djvu/36

30 answering to the treasury, as security for most of the renters farming the lands of the province, he knew better than any one all the details of the revenues; and the great circulation of wealth, which he commanded, rendered his assistance necessary in every emergency of expence. His eldest son, soon after the disgrace of Allumchund, married a woman of exquisite beauty, the report of which alone inflamed the curiosity of the Nabob so much, that he insisted on seeing her, although he knew the disgrace which would be fixed on the family, by shewing a wife, unveiled, to a stranger. Neither the remonstrances of the father, nor his power to revenge the indignity, availed to divert the Nabob from this insolent and futile resolution. The young woman was sent to the palace in the evening; and, after staying there a short space, returned, unviolated indeed, but dishonoured, to her husband.

Hodgee, who had been lurking for some such occasions of conspiracy, now began to move; and made overtures to Juggetseat and Allumchund, who received them with eagerness. Secret meetings were concerted, in which it was agreed, that as soon as Hodgee could be placed out of the reach of danger, Allaverdy should invade Bengal, and, if successful, take the Nabobship. But the first difficulty seemed insurmountable, as nothing could be more contrary to the security of the Nabob than the release of such a pledge as Hodgee, and it was impossible that he could be removed out of the province without the Nabob's consent; which nevertheless was at length obtained, by the intercession, it is said, of some of the principal officers of the Durbar, whom Hodgee had gained over and admitted into the secret of his conspiracy. The Nabob, at the audience of taking leave, treated Hodgee with scoff and mockery. The conveyances for his departure having for some time been held in readiness, he proceeded immediately on his journey to Patna; and as soon as he arrived there, Allaverdy, giving out that he was dishonoured by the ignominious manner in which his brother had been turned out of the province, began his march towards Bengal.

His approach was so sudden, that he gained the pass of Tacriagully before Suffraze Khan had time to secure it by a proper reinforcement.