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 Taki Khan, at Murshidabad, to arrest Amyatt as soon as his boat arrives there, and send the prisoners with him to my court, here. Also, write that the arrest should be skilfully effected without an open engagement. Send a messenger with the order by land—it will then reach Murshidabad earlier."

The Nawab then returned to the harem, and called in his presence Shaibalini, and said, "Your husband cannot be rescued immediately—the Englishmen have left for Calcutta with the prisoners. I have sent orders to my officer, at Murshidabad, to arrest them there. Now you—"

"Excuse this light woman," interposed Shaibalini, with folded hands, "is it not possible to capture them if men are sent now?"

Nawab. It is not possible for a handful of Sepoys to arrest the Englishmen. A big boat will be required if a large number of armed men are despatched, and so the rescuing party will not be able to overtake the offenders on this side of Murshidabad. Besides, the Englishmen, I am afraid, may put to death all the prisoners, if they notice signs of regular fight. I have clever officers at Murshidabad, and they will skilfully effect an arrest.