To the surprise of the troopers, Surajah gave orders that nothing was to be taken by force, as he was prepared to pay for all provisions required.
As soon as the villagers understood this, ample supplies were brought in.

Rice, grain, and fowls were purchased for the soldiers, and forage for the horses, and after seeing that all were well provided for, the two officers went to a room that had been placed at their service, in the principal house in the village.
Ibrahim justified his assertion that he was a good cook, by turning out an excellent curry.

By the time they had finished this it was getting dark, and after again visiting the troopers, and seeing that their own horses were fed and well groomed, they retired to bed.
An early start was made, and at ten o'clock they approached Savandroog.

It was one of the most formidable of the hill forts of Mysore, and stood upon the summit of an enormous mass of granite, covering a base of eight miles in circuit, and rising in ragged precipices to the height of 2,500 feet.

The summit of the rock was divided by a deep chasm into two peaks, each of which was crowned with strong works, and capable of separate defence.