Page:Dupleix and the Struggle for India by the European Nations.djvu/130

Rh Frenchmen, 2000 trained sipáhis, and 3000 or 4000 horsemen who still remained faithful to Chandá Sáhib. With these he could, without much risk, have fought his way to the coast. But the spirit of the man was utterly broken. Whilst those about him were talking of fighting, he was dreaming of surrender. On the 13th of June he carried out this dream, after having vainly stipulated for the life of his ally. The result was that Chandá Sáhib was stabbed to the heart, and that 35 French officers, 785 soldiers, and 2000 trained sipáhis, surrendered themselves as prisoners.

It is time now to note how Dupleix received the news of this terrible calamity, and what steps he took to minimise its effects.