I turned and looked at the grove. As I did so I saw some bushes parted, and the figure of my beloved chief emerged, walking with a swift, firm tread.
Instantly I flung myself from my horse, and rushed towards him. But he advanced of his own accord to where Major Coote stood watching us.
“I have altered my mind,” he said briefly, with the martial ring in his voice that I had heard first on the morning of Monichund’s attempted surprise before Budge-Budge. “I have come round to your opinion, Coote. To-morrow morning we march forward, and engage the enemy wherever we find him.”
CHAPTER XIX
PLASSY
And now it befalls to me to relate what I saw of that famous day which changed the relations between the English and Moors throughout the whole empire of Indostan. And I think that never before nor since was such a singular engagement fought, and so little really done to effect so tremendous a result.
After I had communicated to Colonel Clive what had passed between Meer Jaffier and myself at our secret interview, he believed less than ever in the Meer’s promises of assistance.