HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
425 
Haider Aly’s detachment must take, with a promise of fifteen lacks of rupees if 
he would intercept them. The Rajah accordingly began his march, with four thou¬ 
sand foot and seven thousand horse, to effect this purpose; and a short time after, 
he was joined by Canderon, whom the King, at the same time, had detached with 
three thousand foot and three thousand horse to effectuate the same design. 
They soon met Mucktom Saib, who had advanced to the village of Auchitty 
Dungham, about twelve coss from Bangalore, where he threw up entrenchments, 
being resolved to defend himself to the last extremity: nor was he without hopes 
that his brother, Haider Aly, would make an effort to come to his assistance. Haider, 
however, who suspected what was passing, did not venture to quit Bangalore. He, 
nevertheless, accepted the offers of Mir Pharsula Khan, a very brave soldier, who 
proposed to conduct a convoy of provisions and ammunition to Mucktom; but, 
notwithstanding his courage, he lost the whole of it, and with difficulty rejoined 
Haider Aly. 
A month had already elapsed under these circumstances, when the Mahratta chief 
received the news of the death of his king, Nanna, and consequently entertained 
some design of returning to his country. Haider, who had received notice of this 
circumstance, offered him three lacks of rupees to put that design in execution. 
He agreed to the proposition, and immediately set out on his march homewards. 
Haider having succeeded in this important point, began by confirming his autho¬ 
rity in Bangalore, and then set forwards with the few troops which he could collect, 
to attack his former friend and present enemy, Canderon; but the latter thought it 
prudent to retreat to Seringapatam, whither Haider and his brother, Mucktom Saib, 
attempted to follow him. The country however being against them, and refusing 
to supply them with provisions, they were obliged to abandon their enterprize. 
It was in this critical circumstance that Haider Aly determined to execute a pro¬ 
ject that required all the courage which he possessed. He took ten confidential 
persons with him, and hastened to throw himself at the feet of Nanderauz, who 
was returned to court. He wept, acknowledged his offences, and demanded pardon. 
The good old man, won by his demeanour, and touched with his declarations of 
sorrow, was persuaded that he had no other view than to re-establish himself in his 
former post. Canderon, however, had put himself at the head of some troops, with 
a determination to maintain his new dignity; but was attacked and defeated by 
Haider, and with difficulty escaped to inform- the King of the combination that had 
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