The
authorities of the Company here have done absolutely nothing to carry
out the orders from home. They think, I am sorry to say, only of
making money with their own trading ventures; and although several
petitions have been presented to them, by the merchants here, urging
upon them the dangers which might arise at the death of Ali, they have
taken no steps whatever, and indeed have treated all warnings with
scorn and derision."
"What force have we here?" Charlie asked.
"Only a hundred and seventy-four men, of whom the greater portion are
natives."
"What sort of man is your commander?"
"We have no means of knowing," Mr. Haines said. "His name is Minchin.
He is a great friend of the governor's, and has certainly done nothing
to counteract the apathy of the authorities. Altogether, to my mind,
things look as bad as they possibly can."
A week later, on the 15th of June, a messenger arrived with the news
that the nabob, with fifty thousand men, was advancing against the
town; and that, in two days, he would appear before it. All was
confusion and alarm. Charlie at once proceeded to the fort, and placed
his services at the disposal of Captain Minchin. He found that officer
fussy, and alarmed.
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