ne.

News arrived from Aleppo, shortly after these transactions, that war
had again broken out in Europe between us and the French. This raised
the prospect of a fresh peril for us, it being feared that the French
in Chander Nugger would join forces with the Nabob. So seriously did
Colonel Clive regard this outlook, that he consented to send proposals
for an accommodation to Surajah, who was now in full march to the
southward. To these proposals the Nabob pretended to return a
favourable answer, nevertheless he continued advancing, and in order
to be prepared against him Mr. Clive fortified an entrenched camp just
outside the Morattoe ditch, to the northward, by which the Moors
would have to pass before they could attack the town.

Things were in this position when one morning about the beginning of
February, rising at daybreak, and strolling outside the camp, I saw
the whole horizon to the northward lit with the flames of burning
villages. I hastened to rouse Mr. Clive, and he came out and stood
beside me, watching, while from a cloud of dust along the road the van
of the approaching army emerged, one blaze of gorgeous uniforms and
tossing spears, marching towards the Morattoe ditch.

For some time we stood in silence, as troop after troop came on,
crowding along the high road, and casting fierce looks towards our
encampment as they passed. A frown gathered on the Colonel's brow, and
he began to think aloud, as was his custom sometimes, when we were
alone.

"Shall I attack them now? I might cut off their vanguard, and again I
might be caught between two fires. The rest of the army cannot be far
behind--better wait and ascertain their numbers. Besides, it is too
soon to say whether or no the Nabob means to play me false. An attack
now would hazard everything; I am bound to wait and give them time to
show their true inclinations."

He raised his head, and looked at me.

"Go round the town, Ford, rouse the outposts everywhere, and bid them
stand on the defensive. If the Moors attempt to cross the ditch and
enter the town, they are to beat them back, and send me word, but not
to follow them. Then return to me."

I hastened away to execute these orders, which were duly carried out.
In one or two places the Moors attempted incursions, but were speedily
checked. This contented them for that day. On the following morning
the main army, accompanied by Surajah Dowlah in person, debouched on
the plains, and proceeded to