A STEATAGEM. 
87 
Shere Shah, being determined to obtain possession 
of this important place, but knowing that there was no 
chance of succeeding by open force, devised a strata- 
gem, which was attended with complete success. The 
governor of Rhotas, Rajah Hurry Krishn Ray, though 
a man of courage and conduct, was a credulous person 
and too easily duped by warm professions, particularly 
from those of whom he was predisposed to entertain 
a favourable opinion. The wily Afghan sent to the 
Rajah Krishn Ray a confidential messenger, who 
stated that his master being about to attempt the 
recovery of Bengal, which he had formerly govern- 
ed, and relying upon the Rajah’s friendship, hoped 
that in confirmation of the good fellowship existing 
between them, the latter would permit him to send 
into the fort of Rhotas his family and treasure, ac- 
companied by their usual attendants, in order that 
they might be in a place of security during his absence 
upon a perilous and uncertain enterprise. Krishn 
Ray, in spite of his natural credulity, at once declined 
the specious solicitation ; but Shere Shah, who knew 
his character too well to be thus easily diverted from 
his purpose, sent a second messenger with handsome 
presents. This agent, who was a plausible and 
artful person, assured the governor it was for his wo- 
men and treasure alone that his master requested pro- 
tection during his absence upon an enterprise of ex- 
treme hazard ; that should he be fortunate enough to 
conquer Bengal, he would make proper acknowledg- 
ments for the favour granted by so disinterested a 
friend ; but should he lose his life in the contest which 
he was about to provoke, he chose rather that his 
