[At the Point of the Bayonet by G. A. Henty]@TWC D-Link bookAt the Point of the Bayonet CHAPTER 8: Nana's Release 25/31
You showed such intelligence in the matter that he says I can place every confidence in you. "Although the Nizam has been obliged to dismiss the French troops in his service, and to send a portion of his army to act in connection with our own against Mysore, he is in no way to be trusted; being as slippery as the rest of these Indian princes and, like the Mahrattas, would assuredly join Tippoo if he saw his way to doing so.
This is so certain that nothing would be gained by sending another agent to Hyderabad.
I therefore propose to open communications with the Rajah of Berar. "None of my officers is able to talk Mahratti; though many of them are, of course, familiar with the southern dialects.
The rajah is already practically at war with the Mahrattas as, for a long time, his troops have been ravaging the territory of Purseram Bhow; which he was invited to do by the Peishwa, when Purseram took sides against him.
He is doubtless in some apprehension of an attack by the Mahrattas and, upon our promising to guarantee his dominions, and to give him support if attacked, he may be willing to venture into an alliance with us; and his doing so would, alike, help us in keeping the Nizam to his engagements, and deter the Mahrattas from moving. "This is the mission that I intend to confide to you.
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