Let it be understood that I am a deserter,
that I have been attracted to your court by the promise of high pay,
and that I have assumed the character of a Bheel, lest my being here
might put you on bad terms with the English."
Charlie then asked the rajah as to the strength of his military force.
"In time of peace," the rajah said, "I keep three hundred men under
arms. In case of taking the field, three thousand. To defend Ambur
against an attack of an enemy, I could muster ten thousand men."
"You could not call out three thousand men, without attracting the
attention of your neighbours?" Charlie asked.
"No," the rajah said; "that would bring my neighbours upon me, at
once."
"I suppose, however, you might assemble another five hundred men,
without attracting attention."
"Oh, yes," the rajah said; "eight hundred men are not a force which
could attract any great attention."
"Then I should propose that we begin with eight hundred," Charlie
said. "For a month, however, I will confine myself to the troops you
at present have. We must, in the first place, train some officers. If
you will pick out those to whom you intend to give commands, and
subcommands; I will choose from the men, after drilling them for a few
days, forty of the most intelligent as what we call noncommissioned
officers.
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