It is not so very difficult to get away, and take to the jungle.

Some have succeeded, but most of them are retaken, for a watch is vigilantly kept up, at every village and every road leading on to the frontier; and if caught, they are hung or forced to take poison.

But whether they are caught or not, Tippoo's vengeance falls upon their companions.

These are flogged, ironed, and kept without rations for weeks--living, if they do live, upon the charity of their guards.
"This is why there are so few attempts at escape.

A man knows that, whether he himself gets off or not, he dooms his companions to torture, perhaps death.