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118 When it became apparent that Haidar's end was approaching, hia ministers, Púrnaiya and Krishna Ráo, took every precaution to conceal the gravity of his malady from the army. Immediately after his death, express messengers on fleet camels were despatched to apprise Tipú of the event, and to urge his return with all speed, while Haidar's body, having been embalmed, was forwarded privately to Kolár in a coffin resembling a chest containing valuable spoil. Matters were so well arranged that the secret of his demise was kept for many days, not only from the English, but from his own army, only the most trusty officers being made acquainted with the occurrence. The troops marched westward, Haidar's closed palankeen being carried with the army as if containing an invalid. If any suspicion were aroused by his not showing himself, no open demonstration of incredulity took place.

Meanwhile Tipú, who received intelligence of his father's death in the short space of four days, broke up his camp near Panniáni, and proceeded by forced marches towards the main army, which had halted on the Pennár river awaiting his arrival and the junction of French troops. His appearance in the camp was hailed with joy, and he at once assumed the control of affairs, having at his disposal