Clive, with several of his officers, was in a caravansary close to the Small Pagoda.
Charlie's company were on guard, and after paying a visit to the sentries, and seeing that all were on the alert, he returned to the caravansary.

The day had been a long one, and the march under the heat of the sun very fatiguing.

There was therefore but little conversation, and Charlie, finding, on his return from visiting the sentries, that his leader and the other officers had already wrapped themselves in their cloaks and lain down to rest, imitated their example.
Half an hour later, the French column arrived at Samieaveram.

The officer in command was a daring and determined man.

Before reaching the place, he had heard that the English had returned; and, finding that he had been forestalled, he might well have returned to Law.