174 
SCENES IN INDIA. 
most probably a heavy fine,, if not a rigid incarceration 
for his unwarrantable contumacy and rebellion. In 
calculating the probable proceedings of his adversaries, 
he had directed his whole attention to the hostile 
movements which, from what had already taken place, 
he contemplated would be made in his front, and 
against which he had, as he imagined, taken the most 
prudent precautions which his circumstances would 
admit. He never dreamed of an attack in his rear, 
as he conceived the pass to be utterly unknown to 
the enemy, and very naturally imagined that the 
whole weight of their operations would be employed 
in securing the repossession of the capital which had 
generally declared against them, and that any at- 
tempt upon the stronghold to which he had retired 
would be deferred until more efficient means of at- 
tack, if these were attainable, should be secured. 
The information that the pass behind Lutteefpoor, 
which was in fact the key to the whole province, had 
been gained, came like a thunderbolt upon the un- 
suspecting Rajah, who had begun to calculate, in the 
security of a flattering success, upon speedy inde- 
pendence and a much larger extent of dominion than 
he had hitherto enjoyed ; but he was soon doomed 
to witness the fallacy of human expectation. Seeing 
all his hopes so suddenly annihilated, and reflecting 
with bitter disappointment upon the truly dangerous 
position in which he now stood, he resolved upon 
instant flight, as the only means left of securing his 
personal safety. He made up his mind to proceed 
immediately to Bidzee Gur. This was his last place 
of refuge on account of its extraordinary strength, and 
