In these circumstances I received from Mr.
Middlemas a letter, in which he related his fatal duel, and its
consequences. He had not dared to write to me to share his misery--Now,
when he was in a lucrative situation, under the patronage of a powerful
prince, whose wisdom knew how to prize and protect such Europeans as
entered his service--now, when he had every prospect of rendering our
government such essential service by his interest with Hyder Ali, and
might eventually nourish hopes of being permitted to return and stand
his trial for the death of his commanding officer--now, he pressed me to
come to India, and share his reviving fortunes, by accomplishing the
engagement into which we had long ago entered. A considerable sum of
money accompanied this letter. Mrs. Duffer was, pointed out as a
respectable woman, who would protect me during the passage. Mrs.
Montreville, a lady of rank, having large possessions and high interest
in the Mysore, would receive me on my arrival at Fort St. George, and
conduct me safely to the dominions of Hyder. It was farther recommended,
that, considering the peculiar situation of Mr. Middlemas, his name
should be concealed in the transaction, and that the ostensible cause of
my voyage should be to fill an office in that lady's family--What was I
to do?--My duty to my poor father was ended, and my other friends
considered the proposal as too advantageous to be rejected.
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