"
"Tippoo is young," answered Middlemas, "and to youth the temptation of
the passions is what a lily on the surface of the lake is to childhood--
they will risk life to reach it, though, when obtained, it is of little
value. Tippoo has the cunning of his father and his military talents,
but he lacks his cautious wisdom."
"Thou speakest truth--but when thou art Governor of Bangalore, hast thou
forces to hold the place till thou art relieved by the Mahrattas, or by
the British?"
"Doubt it not--the soldiers of the Begum Mootee Mahul, whom the
Europeans call Montreville, are less hers than mine. I am myself her
Bukshee, [General,] and her Sirdars are at my devotion. With these I
could keep Bangalore for two months, and the British army may be before
it in a week. What do you risk by advancing General Smith's army nearer
to the frontier?"
"We risk a settled peace with Hyder," answered Paupiah, "for which he
has made advantageous offers. Yet I say not but thy plan may be most
advantageous. Thou sayest Tippoo's treasures are in the fort?"
"His treasures and his Zenana; I may even be able to secure his person."
"That were a goodly pledge," answered the Hindoo minister.
"And you consent that the treasures shall be divided to the last rupee,
as in the scroll?"
"The share of Paupiah's master is too small," said the Bramin; "and the
name of Paupiah is unnoticed."
"The share of the Begum may be divided between Paupiah and his
master," answered Middlemas.
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