Page:Dupleix and the Struggle for India by the European Nations.djvu/93

86 that officer was on the alert, and replied so warmly that the assailants, after losing many men, fell back discouraged. During their retreat a difference of opinion broke out between the two leaders, which culminated in the return of the English to Fort St. David, and in the encamping of Muhammad Alí, desirous of persuading the English to accompany him to Arcot, on the Panár, between Tíruvádí and Fort St. David, the river in his rear.

Not a born soldier, nor gifted with the divine power—possessed in the highest degree of perfection by the rival who was to thwart all his plans—of carrying into execution plans suggested by his genius, Dupleix recognised on the instant the falseness of the position taken by Muhammad Alí, and he resolved to make him pay the penalty. Accordingly, he sent orders to D'Auteuil to break up his camp and move on Tíruvádí. There, he told him, he would be joined by 1200 Frenchmen and 2500 sipáhis led by De la Touche, and by 1000 horse under Chandá Sáhib. At the head of the combined force he was to march at once to surprise Muhammad Alí. D'Auteuil carried out his orders to the letter; stormed on the 1st of September the camp of the pretender, though defended by 20,000 men, and drove the enemy in headlong flight towards Gingi. Muhammad Alí, followed by two attendants only, fled to Arcot. The loss of his followers was considerable. The French did not lose a single man.

D'Auteuil, instructed by Dupleix, followed up the