"I should place them up there, and I swear on my head that it would not take long."
The Frenchman's assurance, his determination, his audacity, made an impression on the officer, who brought Loustaunau before Sindhia.
"Let them give him ten pieces of artillery and the best gunners," said Sindhia. "Only let him make haste, for the situation is infernal."
Rapidly placed in position, Loustaunau's cannon caused the ammunition waggons of the enemy to explode, throwing the English camp into disorder, and certainly deciding the fate of the battle. Congratulated by the rajah, who offered him presents and a command in his army, Loustaunau declined both before returning to M. de Marigny. Scarcely had he left Sindhia's tent than he was rudely apostrophised by General Norolli, green with concentrated and suppressed rage.
"Who has authorised you, Monsieur," cried he, "to present yourself to the rajah without my permission? You are well aware that it is I who introduce all Europeans."
"General, I went in response to a summons from his Highness. If you were enraged because I have been fortunate enough to render him a small service, do not forget that it was to you first of all that I pointed out the site of the battery. You refused to listen to me, and if others after you have followed my advice, it is your fault and not mine."
"Monsieur, you would deserve that I put this whip about your shoulders."
"Your anger is taking away your reason, General. If you have some blows of a whip to deal out, reserve them for your Portuguese; the French are not accustomed to receive them."
Norolli laid his hand on his pistol, but Loustaunau was watching him and was ready to throw himself upon him. Officers separated them.
Some weeks later, M. de Marigny having been recalled to France, Loustaunau accepted the rajah's offer. He raised a corps of 2000 men, called "the French detachment," of which he reserved to himself the absolute and uncontrolled command, and, at the head of his wild Rohillas, he performed wonders. The English were obliged to sign peace, delivering up Ragova and engaging to restore all the strong towns which they had captured.