your troop in the passes, but think it were best that
you should re-assemble them at once, and march here. There is no
chance of Tippoo capturing Trichinopoly before Meadows, who is
following him, can come up and force on a battle; so it is likely that
the Mysore army may continue their march in this direction, in which
case every fighting man will be of use, to defend this place until it
is relieved by the general."

Dick uttered an exclamation of disgust, as he laid the letter down.

"It does not matter about my news turning out wrong," he said, "but it
is very bad that General Meadows should have allowed Tippoo to pass
him, as he may do frightful damage to the country, before he can be
overtaken."

"He never can be overtaken, as long as he chooses to keep ahead. He is
hampered with no baggage train. He lives on the plunder of the country
he passes through; and the British army, with all its baggage and
provision train, has no more chance of overtaking him than it has of
flying."

Messengers were at once sent off, to call in the scattered portions of
the troop. These were assembled in twenty-four hours, and at once
started for Arcot, where they arrived after a two days' march. They
there learned that Tippoo had appeared before Trichinopoly, and after
pillaging and laying waste the sacred island of Seringham, had marched
north.

Day after day, news arrived of the devastation he was committing on
his march. At Thiagur, however, he met with a serious repulse. Great
numbers of the inhabitants from the surrounding country had crowded
into the town with their valuables, and Tippoo, expecting a rich
booty, attacked the town; but although its fortifications were
insignificant, the little garrison was commanded by Captain Flint, the
officer who had so bravely defended Wandiwash in the previous war, and
two assaults were repulsed with serious loss.

At Trinalee, thirty-five miles farther north, he was more successful,
capturing the town, and putting the inhabitants to the sword. Here
Tippoo changed his course, and marched for Pondicherry, capturing
Permacoil by the way.

The news that Tippoo had changed his course, to the southeast, was
received with great joy at Arcot. Although confident that this capital
would be able to resist any sudden attack, the belief had been general
that the whole territory would be laid waste, as it had been by Hyder;
and hopes were now entertained that the British army would arrive in
time