"The governor has already told you, doubtless, of the position in
which I am placed here."
"Governor Saunders explained the whole position to me," Charlie said.
"You are, at present, menaced on all sides by powerful neighbours. You
believe that the fortunes of the English are on the increase; and as
you think the time may come, ere long, when they will turn the French
out of the Deccan, and become masters there, as they have already
become masters in the Carnatic, you wish to fight by their side, and
share their fortunes. In the meantime, you desire to be able to defend
yourself against your neighbours; for, at present, the English are too
far away to assist you.
"To enable you to do this, I have been sent to drill and discipline
your troops, like our Sepoys; and to give you such advice as may be
best, for the general defence of your country. I have brought with me
five soldiers; four Bheels, and one of my countrymen. The latter will
be of little use in drilling your troops, for he is ignorant of the
language, and has come as my personal attendant. The other four will
assist me in my work.
"Your followers here will, no doubt, discover in a very short time
that I am an Englishman.
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