ade and Hyder retired, we returned home, rebuilt the
palace, and restored the town. But if Tippoo follows his father's
example, and sweeps down from the hills, there will be nothing for it
but to fly again. Tippoo commanded one of the divisions of Hyder's
army, last time, and showed much skill and energy; and has, since he
came to the throne, been a scourge to his neighbours in the north. So
far as I can see, Madras will be found as unprepared as it was last
time; and although the chiefs of Vellore, Arcot, Conjeveram, and other
places may be better disposed towards the English than they were
before--for the Carnatic had a terrible lesson last time--they will
not dare to lift a finger against him, until they see a large British
force assembled.

"So you see, sister, your position will be a very precarious one at
Tripataly; and it is likely that, at any time, we may be obliged to
seek refuge here. The trouble may come soon, or it may not come for a
year; but, sooner or later, I regard it as certain that Tippoo will
strive to obtain what his father failed to gain--the mastership of the
Carnatic. Indeed, he makes no secret of his intention to become lord
of the whole of southern India. The Nizam, his neighbour in the north,
fears his power, and could offer but a feeble resistance, were Tippoo
once master of the south and west coast. The Mahrattis can always be
bought over, especially if there is a prospect of plunder. He relies,
too, upon aid from France; for although the French, since the capture
of Pondicherry, have themselves lost all chance of obtaining India,
they would gladly aid in any enterprise that would bring about the
fall of English predominance here.

"There are, too, considerable bodies of French troops in the pay of
the Nizam, and these would, at any rate, force their master to remain
neutral in a struggle between the English and Tippoo.

"However, it will be quite unnecessary that you should resume our
garb, or that Dick should dress in the same fashion. Did I intend to
remain at Tripataly, I should not wish to draw the attention of my
neighbours to the fact that I had English relations resident with me.
Of course, every one knows that I am half English myself, but that is
an old story now. They would, however, be reminded of it, and Tippoo
would hear of it, and would use it as a pretext for attacking and
plundering us. But, as I have decided to come down here, there is no
reason why you should not dress