retreat, if necessary, in any direction. The two principal roads,
however, led from Paichandah, a strong fortified position on the bank
of the river, facing the temple of Seringam.

Clive saw that a force crossing the river, and taking up its position
on the north, would entirely cut off Law's army in the island; would
intercept any reinforcements sent by Dupleix to its rescue; and might
compel the surrender of the whole French army. The attempt would, of
course, be a dangerous one. The French force was considerably stronger
than the English, and were the latter divided into two portions,
entirely cut off from each other, the central point between them being
occupied by the French, the latter would have an opportunity of
throwing his whole force upon one after the other.

This danger would have been so great that, had the French been
commanded by an able and active officer, the attempt would never have
been made. Law, however, had shown amply that he had neither energy
nor intelligence, and Major Lawrence therefore accepted Clive's
proposal.

But to be successful, it was necessary that both portions of the
English force should be well commanded. Major Lawrence felt confident
in his own capacity to withstand Law upon the southern bank, and in
case of necessity he could fall back under the guns of Trichinopoli.
He felt sure that he could, with equal certainty, confide the command
of the other party to Captain Clive. There was, however, the
difficulty that he was the junior captain present; and that already
great jealousy had been excited, among his seniors, by the rank which
he occupied in the councils of Lawrence.

Fortunately, the difficulty was settled by the native allies. Major
Lawrence laid his plans before Muhammud Ali and his allies, whose
cooperation and assistance were absolutely necessary. These, after
hearing the proposal, agreed to give their assistance, but only upon
the condition that Clive should be placed in command of the
expeditionary party. They had already seen the paralysing effects of
the incapacity of some English officers. Clive's defence of Arcot, and
the victories of Arni and Kavaripak, had excited their intense
admiration, and caused them to place unbounded confidence in him.
Therefore they said:

"If Captain Clive commands, we will go--unless he commands, we do
not."

Major Lawrence was glad that the pressure thus placed upon him enabled
him, without incurring a charge of favouritism