the other
Mahratta chiefs have all entered into a confederacy against us, and
we shall have the forces of Scindia, of the Rajah of Bhopal, the
Rajah of Berar, and the Rajah of Kolapoore to deal with."

The partition of Mysore had, indeed, done much to unite the
Mahrattas together. The ever-increasing power of the British was a
serious source of alarm for, in addition to Mysore, Lord Wellesley
had, without a shadow of justification, obtained the control of
Oude.

"I am sorry, sir, that the Rajah of Berar has declared against us.
I was nearly three months with him; and should, after the news of
the capture of Seringapatam, have fallen a victim to the fury of
the Mohammedans in the city, had he not taken me under his
protection. But at the same time, I have no doubt in my mind that
he was ready to join whichever side was victorious."

"You have, then, no good opinion of the Mahrattas, Captain
Lindsay?"

"I have met but one honest man among them. Nana Furnuwees was not
only an extraordinary man, but devoted his talents wholly to the
good of the state. His word could always be relied upon. His life
was simple, and his habits frugal. I honoured and esteemed him,
greatly."

"Yes, it was owing to you, as my brother told me, that he was
released from prison. I was greatly struck with the story, when I
heard it; because it showed how much can be accomplished, even by
the youngest officer who is active, and enterprising, and ready to
act on his own initiative. I saw a copy of Mr. Uhtoff's report of
the affair.

"Well, you will be attached to my staff, with no particular duties,
at present; but doubtless we shall find plenty for you to do, when
we once cross the frontier into the Mahratta country."

Harry found that, in addition to the eight thousand infantry and
seventeen hundred cavalry, under the command of General Wellesley,
the Nizam's force of eight thousand regular troops and fifteen
thousand irregulars were advancing towards the frontier, the whole
commanded by Colonel Stephenson. On the 25th of March these forces
advanced, and were joined by numerous small Mahratta chiefs in the
Peishwa's interest. General Wellesley's army advanced straight on
Poona, which was evacuated at once by Holkar's force and, as it was
stated that he intended to burn the town, before he retired, the
general hastened forward with his cavalry and, on the 20th of
April, took possession of the place. Colonel Stephenson, whose
cooperation wa