Another week passed, and by the end of that time, Dick was perfectly assured that his father was not at Seringapatam.

It was then a question which of the hill forts to try first.

Pertaub had already procured for them an assortment of goods and dresses, suitable for travelling merchants, and the purchase of these things had drawn heavily on their stock of money; although several of the traders, on receiving a hint from Pertaub of the purpose for which the goods were required, had given many articles without charge; while for the majority of the goods Dick gave an order on his mother, who had told him that he could draw up to five hundred pounds.
On the day before they were about to start, their plans were interrupted by the issue of a proclamation, saying that sports with wild beasts would take place on the following day; and they agreed that, as one day would make no difference, they would stop to see them, especially as Tippoo himself would be present.

Hitherto, although they had several times seen him being carried in his palanquin, they had had no opportunity of observing him closely, as he was always surrounded by his guards.
The sports were held in a great square in the fort.

A strong network was erected in a semicircle, of which the Palace formed the base.
Behind the network, the spectators ranged themselves.