The town was large and straggling and composed, for the most part, of native huts built of mud. There were, however, a few brick houses, the property of flourishing traders. The palace was a large square edifice4, without any architectural adornments. Trees grew everywhere in the streets and, in the distance, the town had the appearance of a forest.
Harry was conducted to one of the largest brick houses in the town. A host of sweepers had been at work, carpets were laid down, and furniture placed in the principal rooms. He had no doubt that it had been requisitioned from its owner by the rajah for him, and the furniture supplied from the palace. The principal rooms were on the upper floor, and there was ample accommodation for the escort below.
Harry requested the officers to ascertain5 when the rajah would be ready to receive a visit from him, and they returned with word that he would receive him, in private audience, at eight o'clock that evening. Accordingly at that hour, followed by four of his troopers, he rode to the palace. A guard of honour was drawn6 up at the entrance, and saluted7 as he passed in. The entrance hall and staircase were lined by attendants, and all bowed profoundly as he passed. He was conducted to a large audience chamber8, where the rajah, attended by his principal officers, was seated.
The conversation was of the usual ceremonial kind, the prince expressing his satisfaction that the Governor General should have sent one of his officers to confer with him, and assuring Harry of his goodwill9 and friendship towards the English; while Harry, on his part, expressed the strong desire of Lord Mornington that the relations between him and the rajah should be continued unbroken, and that nothing should ever occur to disturb their amity10. The presents sent by the Governor General were then brought in and displayed, and appeared to give much satisfaction to the chief.
After the durbar was over, the latter told Harry that he would receive him, privately11, at ten o'clock next morning. On arriving at that time, he was shown into the prince's private apartment, and there explained to him the Governor General's desire that he should join the confederacy between the Nizam and the English.
"I have no quarrel with Tippoo," the rajah said. "At present, none can say how the affair will end. All say that the Peishwa has agreed to assist Tippoo. He is a match, and more, for the Nizam; while we know not whether the English company, or Tippoo, is the strongest. Should I remain neutral, the Peishwa and Tippoo might eat me up."
"That is true, Rajah; but you must remember that, in the last war, the English showed that they were much stronger than Tippoo; and he was glad to make peace with them, by giving up nearly half his territories. We are much stronger now. Ships arrive each day with more and more troops and, believe me, Tippoo will assuredly be unable to stand against the English power, even if he were backed up by the whole strength of Poona.
"Of course, we know that messages have been sent to you by Tippoo, and that he has promised you a large slice of the Nizam's dominions12, if you will invade them, and so prevent him from aiding the English."
Harry saw, by the change in the prince's countenance13, that he was surprised to find that his negotiations14 with Tippoo were known to the English Government. He replied, however:
"It is true that Tippoo has sent to me, but I have given him no answer. The matter is too important to be settled in a hurry. Certainly, Tippoo's offers were very advantageous15."
"I can understand that they were tempting16, Rajah; yet they entailed17 a war against the English and the Nizam, when they had finished with Tippoo. Instead of gaining territory, you would find that much of yours would be lost.
"But undoubtedly18, were you to join us, the Governor General would show that he was not unthankful for the service, and your assistance would be handsomely recompensed."
"What does the Governor General offer?"
"He is desirous of knowing what your own views are, Rajah; and he will assuredly meet them, if possible."
"I have not thought of it, yet," the prince said. "I must talk the matter over with my councillors. We are good friends with the Peishwa, also with the Nizam, and with Tippoo. We know that the English are a great people; but we have had nothing to do with them, save that complimentary19 messages have been exchanged. Therefore it is not a matter upon which one can come to any hasty decision."
"The Governor General would wish you to think the matter over well, before deciding, Rajah; and indeed, there is no occasion for undue20 haste, seeing that the English army is still lying near Madras, and is not yet ready to advance. Therefore I will leave the matter for the present; believing that, in your wisdom, you will be able to see how matters are likely to go; and whether the English Company, or Tippoo, are likely to be your best friends."
It was nearly a fortnight before Harry heard again from the rajah. The latter had returned his visit, and sent over presents of sweetmeats and food to his guests. At the end of that time he came in, one evening, with only two attendants.
"I have come to speak to you on this matter, privately," he said. "My ministers are altogether divided in opinion. Some say we should fight against Tippoo, who is a cruel and implacable foe21, and who has slaughtered22 all the Hindus in his territory who refused to embrace his religion. Others say it is better to be friends with him, for it seems that these white men intend to eat up all India. Already they have taken the Carnatic and Bengal, now they want to take Mysore. What will they take next?
"For myself, I wish well to the English. Though there are few of them, they are brave and strong; but my council know of the offer that Tippoo has made us and, unless I can show them that the English are also ready to give us material advantages, I shall not be able to persuade my chiefs that our interest must lie in an alliance with them."
"That is so, Rajah, and if you will inform me what are your expectations, I will see how far they tally23 with those which the Governor General has authorized24 me to offer."
"I am not greedy," the prince said. "I wish only to have what is fair and just. I think that our aid is worth two crores of rupees (200,000 pounds) and that the Company should put me in possession of the lands of Purseram Bhow, together with the land that lies between us and Malwan, including the territories of the Rajah of Bhopal."
"Your demand," Harry said gravely, "is so far beyond what I was authorized to offer you, that I fear it is altogether useless for me to submit it to the Governor General. He would, I am sure, consider that, in naming such terms, you had resolved to make acceptance impossible."
"That is by no means my intention," the Rajah said. "Nothing could be further from my thoughts; and in order to secure an alliance that, I believe, would be advantageous, I might be able to make some slight concession25."
"I will send off a messenger, then, submitting your offer and asking for instructions, and requesting that I may be allowed to meet you, by further concessions26 on my part; but I fear that, strained as the English treasury27 is by the preparations for the war against Tippoo, it would be impossible for the Company to pay the sum you name; nor do I think that they would be disposed to guarantee you the territory of Bhopal, seeing that we have no quarrel with the rajah of that country.
"No doubt, they might be willing to grant you a portion of the territories of Mysore, lying on the other side of the Godavery, which would be as valuable as Bhopal."
As the rajah, himself, was still uncertain as to which side it would be most advantageous to take; and as he thought that the campaign against Tippoo would last for many months; he offered no objection to Harry's proposal. The latter sent off two troopers, the next day, with a letter to Lord Mornington saying that as the rajah's demands were, he knew, altogether out of the question, he had sent them to him simply to gain time; hoping that, before the answer arrived, the army would have gained such successes over Tippoo as would induce the prince to greatly modify his terms. The troopers were charged not to use undue haste, but to travel quietly, at a rate not exceeding twenty miles a day.
Two months passed. The rajah was in no hurry, for the two parties among his councillors were so evenly divided that he was by no means sure that, even if he wished it, he could put his army in motion, in support of either the English or Tippoo; and in the next place, he believed that the latter would win, and was reluctant in the extreme to take any step that would draw down upon him the vengeance28 of the Lord of Mysore. He occasionally saw Harry and, although he expressed his anxiety for the return of the messengers, Harry could see that this feeling was only feigned29, and that at heart he was not sorry that he was not yet called upon to decide.
At the end of a month, Harry had received a letter from the Governor General, brought by a messenger in the disguise of a peasant. It only said:
"March 6th, 1799.
"The army has left Vellore. On the 11th the Nizam's contingent30 also marched, as has that from Bombay. By the 1st of this month all should have reached the plateau--the Bombay army at Sedaseer, forty-five miles west of Seringapatam; and the main army about eighty miles east of that town. By the end of the month, both should be before Tippoo's capital. Siege will probably occupy a month.
"Even if Berar decides against us, its army cannot arrive in time to aid Tippoo. Therefore, if you can extend the negotiations for a month after you receive this, your mission will have been fulfilled."
This messenger had, of course, been sent off before the arrival of the troopers in Calcutta and, if Lord Mornington's calculations were correct, Seringapatam would be invested before they could return. Three days later, indeed, a report reached Nagpore that Tippoo had fallen upon the advance guard of the Bombay army, and had been repulsed31; and on the 27th he had attacked General Harris, and had again been defeated; and that on the 28th the main army had forded the Cauvery, and had marched to Sosilly.
This news caused great excitement in the town, although Seringapatam was generally supposed to be impregnable and, as the English had failed to take it during the last war, it was believed that, after another futile32 siege, they would be forced to fall back again from want of food, as they did upon the previous occasion.
The rajah, like the majority, believed that Seringapatam could defy any assault; and that, surrounded as the British army would be by the Mysore cavalry33, they would very speedily be forced to retire; and that, although Tippoo might have yielded to the wishes of his general, and attempted to check the advance, it could have been with only a portion of his army.
Including the contingent furnished by the Nizam, the Bombay army amounted to forty-three thousand men. Tippoo was credited with having at least twice that force, and his uniform successes against his neighbours had created a belief that he was invincible34. The rajah, therefore, was well content to let matters rest, until more decisive news reached him.
It was on the 7th of April that the messengers returned, with a letter:
"We no longer want active assistance from Berar. The army is within striking distance of Seringapatam, and a few thousand native horse, one way or another, will make but little difference. You have done very well in gaining two months, by referring the matter to me. The rajah's demands are, of course, ridiculous. He is evidently playing a double part and, if we were defeated tomorrow, would join Tippoo and attack the Nizam. You can still, however, offer him five lakhs of rupees; but do not guarantee him any additional territory.
"The Peishwa is acting35 in precisely36 the same way. The army that was to come to our assistance has not yet moved; and he, like Berar, is simply awaiting events at Seringapatam."
The rajah came in that evening.
"I hear that your messengers have returned, sir."
"Yes; I am sorry to say that the Governor General considers your demands are altogether excessive. The treasury is almost empty and, were he to guarantee you an extension of your dominions, it would bring on a war with the Peishwa and the Rajah of Bhopal; but he is willing to pay five lakhs of rupees, to cover the maintenance of your troops while in the field."
The rajah flushed with anger.
"It is altogether insufficient37," he said.
"I do not say that is the final offer, Rajah; that is the offer I am authorized to make, in the first place. Possibly, if you are willing to make concessions of a reasonable kind, I may be able to meet you--and you must remember that the friendship of the Company is of no slight advantage, and would assuredly be of infinite value to you, were your territory invaded by Scindia and the Peishwa. These may, at any moment, make up their differences. Purseram Bhow may again become the commander of the Peishwa's army and, after the manner in which your troops have, for the last two or three years, raided his jagheer, he would be your bitterest enemy."
Harry saw that this consideration made a powerful impression upon the rajah, and the latter said:
"I must think these matters over. The sum that you offer is altogether insufficient, and cannot be entertained for a moment. However, there is time for reflection."
During the next four weeks, Harry saw the rajah occasionally; but the latter made no attempt to talk business. He was evidently undecided, in his mind, as to the best course he should take. He feared Tippoo more than he feared the English, and he still believed that the latter would assuredly fail in capturing Seringapatam. Tippoo's offers, too, had been considerably38 higher than those of Calcutta, as he had promised him a large slice of the Nizam's dominions for his assistance. He had therefore determined39 to reject the English offer, and to march into the Nizam's country, as soon as he heard that the besieging40 army had fallen back.
Harry's suspicions that this was the case were, to a certain extent, confirmed by the fact that bodies of armed men began to arrive, in considerable numbers. He felt that his own position was beginning to be precarious41, and the native officer commanding his escort brought in almost hourly reports of what was passing in the city. The population was a mixed one, and nearly divided between Hindus and Mahommedans. The latter naturally sympathized altogether with Tippoo, while the former were in favour of taking no part on either side.
So matters continued until the 10th of May, when a horseman rode into the town, with the news that Seringapatam had been captured by the British, and that Tippoo himself was killed. A feeling akin42 to stupefaction was excited by the news; and it seemed, at first, that it must be false, for it was incredible that Tippoo, with so strong an army, should have been unable to defend the fortress43 that, as was believed, could withstand any attack, however formidable, for four months.
Illustration: As he rode through the streets he saw . . . how fierce a feeling of resentment44 had been excited by the news.
The rajah sent at once, to ask Harry to visit him. As he rode through the streets he saw, by the scowling45 faces of the Mahommedan soldiers, how fierce a feeling of resentment had been excited by the news that the native officer had brought in, a few minutes before. The rajah was deeply agitated46.
"Have you heard the news, sahib?"
"I have, Rajah."
"And do you think it possible?"
"Perfectly47; indeed, I have been expecting it for some days, but I supposed the English general needed time to bring in provisions from the country round, to form his plans, and construct his batteries."
"To me it is astounding48!" the rajah said, walking up and down the room.
"Of course," Harry said, "the proposal that I made to you cannot now be carried out; and I do not feel myself justified49, under the changed position of things, in continuing the negotiations."
"I always intended to help the English," the rajah went on.
"No doubt, Rajah. I have noticed, for some time, that you have been gathering50 a large force here; but you have given me no indication for what purpose it was intended."
"It was intended, of course, for service with the English," the rajah said, "and it would have been set in motion, as soon as the negotiations were completed."
"At any rate, Rajah, in spite of the temptations offered you by Tippoo, you have remained neutral. This will be considered in your favour, and I can assure you that there will be no breach51 in the friendship between yourself and the English; matters will merely remain as they were, before this war commenced."
"Except that the Nizam will become more powerful than before," the rajah said.
"That will no doubt be so, for he will certainly take a considerable share of Tippoo's dominions. But that need not trouble you. I know the desire of the Governor General has always been for peace. He was driven into this war, by the failure of Tippoo to carry out his undertaking52 to release all European prisoners in his hands, and also by the great preparations he was making to regain53 territory that he had lost. But it cannot be to the interest of the Company that the Nizam should use his increased power to be a scourge54 to his neighbours; and I can promise you that any wanton aggression55, on his part, will be regarded with displeasure, and probably lead to their interference in your behalf.
"Now, Rajah, I must remind you that I am here as your guest, and I rely upon you to protect me. As I came through the streets, the attitude of the Mahommedan soldiers was very threatening; and I should not be surprised if they attempted to attack the house. I need not say that any outrage56 upon the escort of a British agent would be tremendously avenged57; and that you would be more easily forgiven, had you taken the part of Tippoo, than if you allow me and my escort to be massacred."
"I will take immediate59 steps for your safety and, should any attempt be made, I shall come with my household guards to your assistance. A squadron of them shall ride back with you, now, to prevent any insult being offered to you in the streets."
"I will relieve you of my presence, tonight," Harry said. "I do not wish to be an object of strife60 between you and your people, and will therefore take my farewell of you, at once. I shall have pleasure in informing the Governor General of the steps that you have taken to provide for my safety."
"And give him the assurance that my disposition61 is wholly friendly, and that I rely on nothing so much as to secure his friendship, and to remain on the most amicable62 terms with him."
Harry had no doubt that the assurance was given in earnest. The fall of Seringapatam, and the death of Tippoo, had been a terrible shock to the rajah; and even the fact that he had missed his opportunity of allying himself with the English, was as nothing to the thought of what would have happened had he declared for Tippoo.
The rajah at once gave orders for a squadron of his horse to mount, and continued his conversation with Harry until they were ready in the courtyard. Then, bidding adieu to the prince, the latter mounted, and was escorted through the streets by the cavalry guard.
But although their presence prevented any attack being made on him, the lower class groaned63 and yelled, and he had no doubt that, had it not been for his escort, he would have been murdered on his way back.
Directly he arrived he called the troopers to arms, and told them to barricade64 the gates, and to be ready to take post at the windows, in case of assault. Looking out, he saw that the rajah's men had taken up their position in front of the house.
A great crowd soon began to gather there. Most of the men were evidently soldiers, and had arms in their hands. Loud shouts were raised, and it was not long before a musket65 was discharged, quickly followed by others. The native officer in charge of the guard ordered the soldiers to seize those who fired but, as his men pressed their horses forward, the crowd closed in upon them, breaking their ranks and rendering66 them powerless.
While this had been going on, the men of Harry's escort were hard at work in getting up the paving stones of the yard, and piling them against the gate. The lower windows were all barred and, as there was no entrance except by the front gate, it was felt that they could hold the house for some time.
As soon as the guard were swept away, a portion of the crowd attacked the gate with showers of stones, while a heavy musketry fire was opened at every window. So heavy was this that Harry would not allow the troopers to show themselves there, but posted them behind the barricades67 of stone against the gates so that, when these yielded, they might be able to open fire whilst showing only their heads over the top line of stones.
Harry regretted, now, that he had not, when he returned from the rajah, at once ordered his men to mount and cut their way through the mob. A few at least might have escaped though, doubtless, they would have been pursued by the irregular cavalry. As it was he felt that, although they might sell their lives dearly, they must be destroyed to a man, unless the rajah sent assistance to them. That he would endeavour to do so he felt sure, for the massacre58 of a British envoy68, and his escort, was certain to bring the English troops to Nagpore, sooner or later; and no assurances that the rajah had done all in his power to save them would be accepted as sufficient.
The house stood in a garden, which extended some distance behind it; and it was here that the horses were picketed69. The front gate was a very strong one, and was certain to resist all attacks, for some time.
Harry called off half his men, and set them to work at the wall at the end of the garden, which was only constructed of dry mud; directing them to make a hole large enough for a horse to pass through. At this side all was quiet, the people in the native houses there having gone round to the front, to watch what was doing. Harry stood there for a few minutes, watching the men at work, and saw with satisfaction their heavy tulwars rapidly cutting through the soft wall. He told them that, when they had finished, four of them were to remain to guard the hole, in case any might try to force their way in; and the rest were to return, to aid their comrades at the gate.
He had no great fear that the attempt would be made to enter in that direction, for the windows in the back of the house were, like those in front, large; and anyone attempting to climb the walls and enter the garden would be liable to be shot down from the windows, as they could not be covered, as were those on the other side, by a fire kept up from the houses outside. The entrance into the garden from the house was made by a small door, at the bottom of a staircase leading from what had been the zenana, for the gardens were always considered the special domain70 of the ladies. There was another small door for the servants' offices, used by the men who, early in the morning, went in to keep the garden in order.
When Harry rejoined the party in front, he found that the gates were yielding. The lower portion had been almost chopped away; but here the wall of stones prevented an entrance, and the men with their axes could scarcely reach to touch the upper half. Presently, however, the hinges of the upper end of one of the half doors yielded to the weight. A great shout arose from the mob; and the musketry, hitherto directed against the windows, was now concentrated on the opening.
But it was no longer one sided. The troopers, glad that the time for inaction had passed, returned the fire with vigour71. They had shifted the upper line of stones, so that there was room between each for a musket barrel and, lying in shelter, they were enabled to take deliberate aim at their assailants. At every shot a man dropped, and the crowd opened speedily, and cleared away from the line of fire.
There was a pause of some minutes, and then a strong party of soldiers rushed forward, and began to try to pull down the barrier; a number of others opening fire over their heads, so as to prevent the defenders72 from standing73 up to fire down into them. It was evident that, ere long, a slope would be formed outside by which an assault could be made.
That his men would for some time repel74 any attack, Harry thought certain; but sooner or later it would succeed, and there would then be no time to retire. He therefore sent a man back, to see if the hole in the wall was large enough; and he returned directly, saying that the men there had just concluded their work, and that six of them were coming back.
Harry now gave orders, to the native officer who was standing beside him, to order these men to lead the horses through the opening. When he had been gone a minute or two, he sent all the men, except four, to follow the example of their comrades; while those left with him redoubled their fire, so that their assailants should not know that any of the defenders had been withdrawn75.
It was not long before a trooper ran back, with the word that all the horses had been taken through. The news came just in time, for so much of the barricade had been pulled down that it could now be climbed. Harry therefore gave the word and, with the last of the defenders, went off at a run.
The troop was gathered in the deserted76 lane at the bottom of the garden and, on Harry's arrival, the men sprung into the saddles and galloped77 off. The rattle78 of musketry was now very heavy, but it suddenly stopped and, a moment later, shouts and yells told that the breach had been carried, and the yard found to be deserted.
"They will search the house, first," Harry said to the native officer, "and they will be cautious about it, as they will think that at any moment they may come upon us, and will be sure that they would meet with a desperate resistance. I expect that it will be ten minutes before they discover how we have slipped through their hands."
They made a long detour79, and then approached the palace from the other side; Harry having determined to place himself under the protection of the rajah, for he did not think it possible that they could escape by hard riding, as they might be pursued by the whole of the cavalry. Just as they were approaching it, they heard a fresh outbreak of firing, the musketry being mingled80 with the crack of field guns.
"The rajah has gone out to our rescue," Harry said. "He would have been too late, if we had stopped there; however, we can rely upon him now."
Five minutes later, they rode into the courtyard of the palace. It was almost deserted, but one of the officials came out and, bowing deeply to Harry, said:
"The rajah himself has gone out, with the household troops and a battery of artillery81, to put down the tumult82. He is furious that his guests should have been attacked."
The firing presently ceased and, a quarter of an hour later, the rajah rode in. A messenger had been despatched, at once, to inform him that the British officer, with his escort, had arrived at the palace. Harry and his men had dismounted, and were still standing by their horses.
The rajah sprang from his saddle as he rode up.
"The gods be thanked that I see you safely here, my friend!" he said. "When I arrived at your house, I feared that all was over, for these rebels had gained possession. You must not blame me for not arriving sooner. When the firing was heard, I feared that the rabble83 of the town, aided perhaps by many of my soldiers, were attacking you; although, until the officer who commanded the guard I had placed there returned, I did not dream how serious the business was. Then I got my soldiers together; but this occupied some time, as many of them were in the town. However, as soon as a squadron of horse was collected, and a couple of hundred infantry84, together with four guns of a battery, I headed them myself and, on arriving, opened fire upon the mob; who speedily scattered85, some fifty or sixty of them being killed.
"Then I entered the house, expecting to find only your dead bodies, but there were no signs of strife. I questioned some prisoners we had taken inside; and these said that, just before I came up, a hole had been discovered in the garden wall, and it was believed that you had all escaped through that. I was about to ride, with all speed, to prevent any pursuit being taken up; when a messenger arrived with the welcome news that you had just entered the palace."
"I thank you heartily86, Rajah, for having so promptly87 come to my aid; though assuredly you would have arrived too late to save us, had we not, as soon as the fighting began, set to work to prepare a means of escape. Once we got out, we were sure that you would protect us, and therefore rode here and awaited your return."
"'Tis well, indeed, that you thought of that plan, sahib; for I would not, for half my dominions, that a hair of your head should have been hurt, while you were here as my guest."
"It has all ended fortunately, Rajah; and now, what would you recommend me to do?"
"You had best stay here, until nightfall. I will ride, now, to the camps of my men, to reproach them for their conduct; and to ask if they want to bring the army that has just captured Seringapatam down upon us. When it is dark, I will myself accompany you, with my household cavalry, until you are miles away.
"I pray you to report to the Governor General how grieved I am that evil-disposed persons should have raised a riot, with the intention of killing88 you; and assure him that I did all in my power to save you, and shall, if they can be discovered, punish those concerned in the matter."
"I shall assuredly report very favourably89 of your conduct, Rajah--which will, I have no doubt, be warmly appreciated--and shall let the Governor General know that, from the time of my arrival here, I always have been treated with the greatest courtesy and attention by you."
Leaving the infantry and artillery, with their guns, in front of the palace, lest any attack should be made upon it; the rajah rode off with his cavalry and returned, two hours later, with the news that all was quiet, and that the troops had returned to their duty.
As soon as it was dark, the party started. The rajah rode at the head of his cavalry; Harry, at his request, taking his place with his own escort in the centre of it, so that his presence among them should not be suspected.
"It is as well," the rajah said, "that the news that you have left should not be known till tomorrow morning; for although the troops would, I have no doubt, be obedient to my orders, in a town like this there are many budmashes; who might, if they knew that you had started, ride in pursuit, with the intention of attacking you after I had left you."
Once out of the town they proceeded at a rapid pace, which they maintained until twenty miles away from Nagpore. The rajah then returned, with the main body of his cavalry; ordering a native officer and thirty men to escort Harry, until he arrived at the frontier.
There was, however, little occasion for this addition to Harry's force. The news of the fall of Seringapatam had spread like wildfire, and at each village through which they passed, and at those in which they halted for the night, the inhabitants saluted Harry with the deepest respect; and would willingly have supplied him and his escort with provisions, without payment, had he not insisted upon their receiving fair value for them.
At the frontier the rajah's troop turned back, and Harry continued his journey, reaching Calcutta early in June.
When he arrived there, he was well received by the Governor General, who told him that he had rendered a great service, by so delaying the negotiations that the Rajah of Berar had remained neutral during the war with Tippoo; and that he would probably soon require his services again.
A descendant of the Rajah of Mysore, whose government Hyder Ali had usurped90, was released from captivity91 and raised to the musnud. Nearly half the revenue of the country was assigned to him. A large sum was set aside for the maintenance of the families of Hyder and Tippoo, and the remaining territory was divided between the Company and the Nizam.
A portion was set aside as the share of the Peishwa, although he had not fulfilled his engagement in any way; but it was to be given only on the condition that he signed a treaty of alliance with the English, similar to that entered into by the Nizam. The Peishwa, however, would not consent to do this; and the territory set aside for him was, consequently, divided between the Company and the Nizam.
Civil war was raging in the Deccan. The widows of Mahdoo Rao had been joined by a large force, and were plundering92 Scindia's villages; while Jeswunt Holkar was also ravaging93 the country. Scindia found that it was necessary to appoint Balloba, who had been for some years in captivity, to the post of his chief minister and, through him, a treaty was made with the widows of Mahdoo, and the trouble in that direction ceased.
The Rajah of Kolapoore was at war with the Peishwa; and the troops of Purseram Bhow, and those of Rastia, were both defeated. Scindia and the Peishwa now sent an army of thirty thousand horse and six thousand infantry against Kolapoore; but Purseram, who was in command, was defeated and fell, mortally wounded. Another army joined the defeated force, and invested Kolapoore.
On the 13th of March, 1800, Nana Furnuwees died; and affairs in the Mahratta country, that had been to some extent kept in order by his wisdom and moderation, now became worse than ever. A dispute at once took place between the Peishwa and Scindia, each being desirous of obtaining the treasures Nana was supposed to possess. Scindia seized his jagheer. Ghatgay was released, and obtained his former influence over Scindia; who seized Balloba and threw him into prison, where he died.
The Peishwa, on his part, was determined to destroy all the friends of Nana and, inviting94 most of the principal men to the palace, he seized and sent them all, prisoners, to hill forts. He now, with Scindia, determined to destroy the family and adherents95 of Purseram Bhow. Appa Sahib, Purseram's son, had succeeded him in the command of the army besieging Kolapoore and, receiving intelligence of the conspiracy96 against him, raised the siege and retired97 to the Carnatic, and Scindia plundered98 the whole of Purseram's villages.
A fierce chief in Dhoondia invaded the newly-acquired territories of the British, and Major General Wellesley was sent against him, and totally routed his party.
Jeswunt Holkar was now becoming extremely dangerous; and Scindia was at last obliged to march away, with his army, to defend his own dominions. He left behind him five battalions99 of regular infantry, and ten thousand horse and, before he set out, compelled the Peishwa to give him gold to the amount of forty-seven lakhs of rupees.
On his way through Malwan, he sent seven of his regular battalions to protect his capital. One column, under Captain Mackintyre, was intercepted100 on the way, and all killed or made prisoners. Holkar then fell upon the other party, which he also overpowered and defeated. He next attacked Scindia's artillery on the march; but Major Brownrigg, an officer in the latter's service, with four battalions, repulsed his assailants.
The Peishwa, while this was going on, was mercilessly murdering or imprisoning101 those whom he considered his enemies; and ordered Wittoojee Holkar, the brother of Jeswunt, to be trampled102 to death by an elephant.
Scindia having sent for Ghatgay to rejoin him, Jeswunt advanced to meet him, and was signally defeated. He speedily gathered a fresh force, and wasted not only Scindia's country but that of the Peishwa; and finally a great battle was fought, near Poona, in which Holkar, thanks to his fourteen regular battalions, officered by Englishmen, won a complete victory over the Peishwa's force and that left behind by Scindia. The Peishwa was forced to fly, and take refuge at Bassein, where he entered into negotiations for British support.
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1
harry
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| vt.掠夺，蹂躏，使苦恼 | |
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2
luxurious
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| adj.精美而昂贵的；豪华的 | |
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accrediting
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| v.相信( accredit的现在分词 )；委托；委任；把…归结于 | |
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edifice
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| n.宏伟的建筑物(如宫殿，教室) | |
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5
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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6
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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7
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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8
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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9
goodwill
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| n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉 | |
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10
amity
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| n.友好关系 | |
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11
privately
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| adv.以私人的身份，悄悄地，私下地 | |
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12
dominions
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| 统治权( dominion的名词复数 )； 领土； 疆土； 版图 | |
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13
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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14
negotiations
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| 协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过 | |
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15
advantageous
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| adj.有利的；有帮助的 | |
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16
tempting
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| a.诱人的, 吸引人的 | |
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17
entailed
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| 使…成为必要( entail的过去式和过去分词 )； 需要； 限定继承； 使必需 | |
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18
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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19
complimentary
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| adj.赠送的，免费的，赞美的，恭维的 | |
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20
undue
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| adj.过分的；不适当的；未到期的 | |
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21
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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22
slaughtered
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| v.屠杀，杀戮，屠宰( slaughter的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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23
tally
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| n.计数器，记分，一致，测量；vt.计算，记录，使一致；vi.计算，记分，一致 | |
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24
authorized
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| a.委任的，许可的 | |
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25
concession
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| n.让步，妥协；特许(权) | |
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26
concessions
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| n.（尤指由政府或雇主给予的）特许权( concession的名词复数 )；承认；减价；（在某地的）特许经营权 | |
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27
treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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28
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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feigned
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| a.假装的，不真诚的 | |
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30
contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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31
repulsed
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| v.击退( repulse的过去式和过去分词 )；驳斥；拒绝 | |
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32
futile
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| adj.无效的，无用的，无希望的 | |
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33
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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34
invincible
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| adj.不可征服的，难以制服的 | |
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35
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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36
precisely
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| adv.恰好，正好，精确地，细致地 | |
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37
insufficient
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| adj.(for，of)不足的，不够的 | |
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38
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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39
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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40
besieging
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的现在分词 ) | |
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41
precarious
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| adj.不安定的，靠不住的；根据不足的 | |
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42
akin
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| adj.同族的，类似的 | |
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43
fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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44
resentment
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| n.怨愤，忿恨 | |
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45
scowling
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| 怒视，生气地皱眉( scowl的现在分词 ) | |
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46
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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47
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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48
astounding
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| adj.使人震惊的vt.使震惊，使大吃一惊astound的现在分词) | |
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49
justified
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| a.正当的，有理的 | |
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50
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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51
breach
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| n.违反，不履行；破裂；vt.冲破，攻破 | |
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52
undertaking
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| n.保证，许诺，事业 | |
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53
regain
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| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
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54
scourge
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| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
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55
aggression
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| n.进攻，侵略，侵犯，侵害 | |
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56
outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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57
avenged
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| v.为…复仇，报…之仇( avenge的过去式和过去分词 )；为…报复 | |
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58
massacre
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| n.残杀，大屠杀；v.残杀，集体屠杀 | |
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59
immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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60
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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61
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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62
amicable
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| adj.和平的，友好的；友善的 | |
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63
groaned
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| v.呻吟( groan的过去式和过去分词 )；发牢骚；抱怨；受苦 | |
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64
barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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65
musket
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| n.滑膛枪 | |
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66
rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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67
barricades
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| 路障，障碍物( barricade的名词复数 ) | |
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68
envoy
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| n.使节，使者，代表，公使 | |
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69
picketed
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| 用尖桩围住（picket的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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70
domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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71
vigour
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| （=vigor）n.智力，体力，精力 | |
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72
defenders
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| n.防御者( defender的名词复数 )；守卫者；保护者；辩护者 | |
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73
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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74
repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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75
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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76
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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77
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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78
rattle
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| v.飞奔，碰响；激怒；n.碰撞声；拨浪鼓 | |
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79
detour
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| n.绕行的路，迂回路；v.迂回，绕道 | |
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80
mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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81
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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82
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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83
rabble
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| n.乌合之众，暴民；下等人 | |
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84
infantry
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| n.[总称]步兵(部队) | |
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85
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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86
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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87
promptly
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| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
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88
killing
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| n.巨额利润；突然赚大钱，发大财 | |
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89
favourably
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| adv. 善意地，赞成地 =favorably | |
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90
usurped
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| 篡夺，霸占( usurp的过去式和过去分词 )； 盗用； 篡夺，篡权 | |
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91
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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92
plundering
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的现在分词 ) | |
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93
ravaging
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| 毁坏( ravage的现在分词 )； 蹂躏； 劫掠； 抢劫 | |
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94
inviting
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| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
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95
adherents
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| n.支持者，拥护者( adherent的名词复数 )；党羽；徒子徒孙 | |
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96
conspiracy
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| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
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97
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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98
plundered
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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99
battalions
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| n.（陆军的）一营（大约有一千兵士）( battalion的名词复数 )；协同作战的部队；军队；（组织在一起工作的）队伍 | |
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100
intercepted
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| 拦截( intercept的过去式和过去分词 )； 截住； 截击； 拦阻 | |
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101
imprisoning
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| v.下狱，监禁( imprison的现在分词 ) | |
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102
trampled
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| 踩( trample的过去式和过去分词 )； 践踏； 无视； 侵犯 | |
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