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76 question which presented itself to the two allies was whether they should march at once against him, or on Trichinopoli, thence to expel, if they could not capture, Muhammad Alí. They decided on the latter course. Between decision and execution, however, there was a very wide difference. Instead of marching direct on Trichinopoli, Chandá Sáhib wasted a considerable time in assuring himself of his new dignity, then, accompanied by Muzaffar Jang, proceeded to pay a ceremonious visit to Pondichery. Dupleix received them with the most brilliant display, and completed the conquest already more than half achieved of their hearts. The gratitude of Chandá Sáhib was unbounded. He conferred upon Dupleix the sovereignty of eighty-one villages adjoining the French possessions, and made promises of still more substantial donations. Muzaffar Jang was not less lavish of promises, though for the moment he had little to bestow, for Nádir Jang was in possession. He stayed at Pondichery eight days; negotiated a treaty with Dupleix for the furnishing him with an auxiliary force of Frenchmen, and then set out to join his army. Chandá Sáhib, whose family Dupleix had protected at Pondichery during the siege, remained, partly on their account, but mainly to concert measures with Dupleix.

It was, indeed, a decisive moment in the fortunes of Chandá Sáhib. The district of which the famous fort of Trichinopoli was the capital adjoined the South Arcot district, and, in those days, formed a