Page:The Marquess of Hastings, K.G..djvu/156

148 opposed towards Chándá with the utmost speed, wasting the Nizám's territory as he passed along, was heard of on the Wardhá river not far from its confluence with the Pengangá, where he hoped to receive support from the Bhonsla, and some alleviation of the fate that gave him no rest. But a great disappointment was in store for him, and instead of finding Apá Sáhib ready to join him, he was again entangled in the net which the British authorities had woven round him, and through which he was unable to break.

Adams now appears on the scene again; it has been mentioned that that commander had been detained near Bhopál, and it was intended that he should soon return to Hoshangábád, the usual station of the Nágpur subsidiary force; but Jenkins, having received early notice of Maratha plans, recalled him promptly to meet the enemy. He reached Hinganghát on the 6th of April, in time to perform this service, as the ex-Peshwá had been previously delayed by the Nágpur Brigade which was sent out to oppose his advance upon Chándá. Bájí Ráo now heard with dismay of Apá Sáhib's imprisonment, and found himself hemmed in by British forces; his object was entirely frustrated, or, far from receiving any support, he had no hopes of even maintaining himself in the field till the rains fell, when military operations would have to be suspended; he therefore halted between the Wardhá and the Pengangá, in a state of dejection and irresolution. Adams, sure of his prey, waited until he had brought up his supplies, and received information of the