ke one more quiet
cigar, in the cool of the veranda, before retiring to bed; he took the
opportunity of asking his host to explain to him the situation, with
which he had no previous acquaintance.

"Up to the death of Ali Kerdy, the old viceroy of Bengal, on the 9th
April, we were on good terms with our native neighbours. Calcutta has
not been, like Madras, threatened by the rivalry of a European
neighbour. The French and Dutch, indeed, have both trading stations
like our own, but none of us have taken part in native affairs. Ali
Kerdy has been all powerful, there have been no native troubles, and
therefore no reason for our interference. We have just gone on as for
many years previously, as a purely trading company.

"At his death, he was succeeded in the government by Suraja Dowlah,
his grandson. I suppose, in all India, there is no prince with a worse
reputation than this young scoundrel has already gained for himself,
for profligacy and cruelty. He is constantly drunk, and is surrounded
by a crew of reprobates, as wicked as himself. At the death of Ali
Kerdy, Sokut Jung, another grandson of Ali, set up in opposition to
him, and the new viceroy raised a large force to march against him. As
the reputation of Sokut Jung was as infamous as that of his cousin, it
would have made little difference to us which of the two obtained the
mastery.

"Within the last few days, however, circumstances have occurred which
have completely altered the situation. The town of Dacca was, about a
year ago, placed under the governorship of Rajah Ragbullub, a Hindoo
officer in high favour with Ali Kerdy. His predecessor had been
assassinated and plundered, by order of Suraja Dowlah; and when he
heard of the accession of that prince, he determined at once to fly,
as he knew that his great wealth would speedily cause him to be marked
out as a victim. He therefore obtained a letter of recommendation from
Mr. Watts, the agent of the Company at their factory at Cossimbazar;
and sent his son Kissendas, with a large retinue, his family and
treasures, to Calcutta.

"Two or three days after his accession, Suraja Dowlah despatched a
letter to Mr. Drake, our governor, ordering him to surrender Kissendas
and the treasures immediately. The man whom he sent down arrived in a
small boat, without any state or retinue; and Mr. Drake, believing
that he was an impostor, paid no attention to the demand, but expelled
him from the settlement. Two days ago a