"
"No matter--I will instantly present myself at his Durbar. The Governor
cannot for very shame refuse me letters of credence."
"Never think of asking them," said his more experienced friend; "it
would cost Paupiah little to have them so worded as to induce Hyder to
rid our sable Dubash, at once and for ever, of the sturdy free-spoken
Dr. Adam Hartley. A Vakeel, or messenger of government, sets out
to-morrow for Seringapatam; contrive to join him on the road, his
passport will protect you both. Do you know none of the chiefs about
Hyder's person?"
"None, excepting his late emissary to this place, Barak el Hadgi,"
answered Hartley.
"His support," said Esdale, "although only a Fakir, may be as effectual
as that of persons of more essential consequence. And, to say the truth,
where the caprice of a despot is the question in debate, there is no
knowing upon what it is best to reckon.--Take my advice, my dear
Hartley, leave this poor girl to her fate. After all, by placing
yourself in an attitude of endeavouring to save her, it is a hundred to
one that you only ensure your own destruction."
Hartley shook his head, and bade Esdale hastily farewell; leaving him in
the happy and self-applauding state of mind proper to one who has given
the best advice possible to a friend, and may conscientiously wash his
hands of all consequences.
Having furnished himself with money, and with the attendance of three
trusty native servants, mounted like himself on Arab horses, and
carrying with them no tent, and very little baggage, the anxious Hartley
lost not a moment in taking the road to Mysore, endeavouring, in the
meantime, by recollecting every story he had ever heard of Hyder's
justice and forbearance, to assure himself that he should find the
Nawaub disposed to protect a helpless female, even against, the future
heir of his empire.
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