As he afterwards said, he had never before believed that the English could fight, and when Clive's messenger reached him, he at once sent back a promise of assistance.
Riza Sahib learned, almost as soon as Clive himself, that the Mahrattas were on the move.

The prospects of his communications being harassed, by these daring horsemen, filled him with anxiety.

Murari Reo was encamped, with six thousand men, at a spot thirty miles to the west of Arcot; and he might, at any moment, swoop down upon the besiegers.

Although, therefore, Riza Sahib had for six days been at work effecting a new breach, which was now nearly open to assault, he sent on the 30th of October a flag of truce, with an offer to Clive of terms, if he would surrender Arcot.
The garrison were to be allowed to march out with their arms and baggage, while to Clive himself he offered a large sum of money.

In case of refusal, he threatened to storm the fort, and put all its defenders to the sword.