170 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
which he fully relied as an amulet that would render 
him invincible. He was said to have inherited from 
his father a crore of rupees, upwards of twelve hun- 
dred thousand pounds,, to which he was reported to 
have made very large additions,, so that he might he 
considered to have nearly two millions sterling at his 
command. Cheit Singh, however, since the defeat at 
Pateeta, had been somewhat less lofty in his preten- 
sions, and less ardent in his expectations of eventual 
success. He had been taught by the severe discipline 
of an unlooked-for experience, that the most adept 
cunning may be contravened by events against which 
no human foresight can provide, and that we are 
all under the arbitrary control of circumstances, from 
the most powerful prince to the most abject slave. 
Under those feelings which his doubtful position en- 
gendered, he wrote to Mr. Hastings in his usual style 
of equivocal humility, exculpating himself from the 
fatal results of the insurrection, representing himself 
as the greatest sufferer, at the same time making the 
strongest protestations of his own innocence and good 
intentions. In other letters, written by his express 
orders, the most ostentatious representations were 
made of his immense wealth and extensive political 
influence, the multitude and valour of his troops, the 
fidelity of his subjects, and their devotion to his cause. 
Mr. Hastings answered none of these letters, being by 
this time much too well acquainted with the man to 
rely either upon his truth or sincerity ; but he was 
resolved to lose not a moment in availing himself of 
his present advantages to reduce the wily rebel to his 
former subjection. 
