When these arrived, however, they proved unwilling to accompany him.

Upon their way, they had fallen in with a portion of Riza Sahib's retreating force, and had been worsted in the attack; and as the chance of plunder seemed small, while the prospect of hard blows was certain, the free-booting horsemen refused, absolutely, to join in the pursuit of the retreating enemy.
Just at this moment, the news came in that reinforcements from Pondicherry were marching to meet Riza Sahib at Arni, a place seventeen miles south of Arcot, twenty south of Vellore.

It was stated that, with these reinforcements, a large sum of money was being brought, for the use of Riza Sahib's army.

When the Mahrattas heard the news, the chance of booty at once altered their intentions, and they declared themselves ready to follow Clive.

The greater portion of them, however, had dispersed, plundering over the country, and great delay was caused before they could be collected.