He felt that his own position was beginning to be precarious, and the native officer commanding his escort brought in almost hourly reports of what was passing in the city.

The population was a mixed one, and nearly divided between Hindus and Mahommedans.

The latter naturally sympathized altogether with Tippoo, while the former were in favour of taking no part on either side.
So matters continued until the 10th of May, when a horseman rode into the town, with the news that Seringapatam had been captured by the British, and that Tippoo himself was killed.

A feeling akin to stupefaction was excited by the news; and it seemed, at first, that it must be false, for it was incredible that Tippoo, with so strong an army, should have been unable to defend the fortress that, as was believed, could withstand any attack, however formidable, for four months.
[Illustration: As he rode through the streets he saw.

.