Let it be understood that I am a deserter, that I have been attracted to your court by the promise of high pay, and that I have assumed the character of a Bheel, lest my being here might put you on bad terms with the English." Charlie then asked the rajah as to the strength of his military force.
"In time of peace," the rajah said, "I keep three hundred men under arms.

In case of taking the field, three thousand.

To defend Ambur against an attack of an enemy, I could muster ten thousand men." "You could not call out three thousand men, without attracting the attention of your neighbours ?" Charlie asked.
"No," the rajah said; "that would bring my neighbours upon me, at once." "I suppose, however, you might assemble another five hundred men, without attracting attention." "Oh, yes," the rajah said; "eight hundred men are not a force which could attract any great attention." "Then I should propose that we begin with eight hundred," Charlie said.

"For a month, however, I will confine myself to the troops you at present have.

We must, in the first place, train some officers.