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88 bination among the Maráthá states, hoped to be able to secure the adherence of the Gáekwár to his schemes, by means of this envoy. He therefore concurred in the negotiations proposed, but he failed in his object of gaining the Shástrí to his cause. He was at this time in the hands of a favourite called Trimbakjí. a low-caste Hindu of a very disreputable character who enjoyed his entire confidence, and who had risen by base means to the highest position at Bájí Ráo's court. Aided by this man, the Peshwá succeeded not only in delaying and thwarting the Shástrí's efforts, but also in fomenting intrigues at Baroda, detrimental to the negotiations and to British treaty rights in both those Maráthá states. Mr. Elphinstone, the Resident at Poona, now intervened and protested warmly against these delays, with the result that the Peshwá completely altered his tone, and seemed as anxious to promote the Shástrí's suit as he had formerly endeavoured to ignore it. But the change in his demeanour, although it flattered the envoy, did not alter the loyalty of the latter towards British interests, and Bájí Ráo, urged by Trimbakjí, determined to get rid of him. Having adroitly persuaded Gangadhar to accept a proposal, against his better judgment, which was rejected at Baroda, the Peshwá and his favourite conceived a violent animosity against him, which, carefully concealed, was soon to end in a serious catastrophe. In July, 1815, the Shástrí was inveigled into accompanying them to a distant Hindu shrine, and was there treacherously and barbarously murdered.