He had, on the day before Holkar's army arrived before the city, ridden out to Sekerah, some five-and-twenty miles away.

It was some distance beyond any point he had hitherto reached; but the petty rajah, who held a wide jagheer, could put five hundred men in the field.

A small British force had been stationed there; but it had been recalled, at once, when Harry brought the news of the probable approach of Holkar.

The rajah then promised to send three hundred of his troops, to aid in the defence of the city; but none had arrived, and Harry's mission was to urge him to send them off, instantly.
The rajah had, however, heard that Holkar's force was within a day's march of the capital and, entertaining no doubt that he would carry the feeble defences without difficulty, had resolved to throw in his lot with him.

Harry was now riding in uniform, having obtained the loan of a jacket, trousers, and cap from one of the British officers of the garrison.