At any rate, you must not go into any villages on the roads leading to the heads of the passes; for there are forts everywhere, and you would be certain to find parties of troops stationed in them.
"Even before war broke out, I know that this was the case, as they were stationed there to prevent any captives, native or European, escaping from Mysore.

You must, therefore, strictly avoid all the main roads, even though it may be necessary to proceed much farther before you can get news.

I should think, if we say three days going and as many returning, it will be as little as we can count upon; and I shall not begin to feel at all uneasy, if you do not reappear for a week.

It is of no use your returning without some information as to what is going on in Mysore; and it would be folly to throw away your work and trouble, when, in another day or two, you might get the news you want.
I shall, therefore, leave it entirely to your discretion." Greatly pleased at having succeeded beyond his expectations, Dick at once sought out Surajah.

The latter was very gratified, when he heard that he was to accompany the young Sahib on such an expedition, and at once set about the necessary preparations.