of Berar against the will of Soubab, provided he received some other dignity which he might accept without dishonour; but by this time Nizamally himself was content to dissemble, and remain quiet, waiting for events. Such was the state of affairs in the city and camps of Aurungabad towards the end of March, when the various agitations, which had hitherto kept every interest in constant vibration, began to subside: and this temporary tranquillity had been much wished for by Mr. Bussy, in order to accomplish another scheme he had for some time been preparing.
No reliance could be placed on the integrity of Shanavaze Khan's conduct, whilst in possession of such a refuge and resource as the fortress of Doltabad; but no offers were likely to induce him to relinquish it, for Balagerow had in vain attempted to purchase it from him: and the direct proposal from Mr. Bussy to Shanavaze Khan himself, would reveal the secret, and defeat the intention. Mr. Bussy therefore employed Hyder Jung to treat with the governor of the fort, who, after a variety of arguments and overtures, at length consented to betray his trust on the receipt of a sum of money in hand, and the promise of a more profitable employment: but to save the appearance of his honour, dictated the manner. A day or two before the execution of the scheme, Mr. Bussy, as if having leisure to take some amusement, sent his compliments to the governor, requesting his permission to pass an hour in the upper fort, from which the prospect is extensive and magnificent: and the governor invited him to dinner. Mr. Bussy arrived, escorted 300 Europeans, who were admitted into the second fort, to which the governor, under pretence of respect, sent down all the garrison of the upper, excepting fifty men, with whom he remained himself above to receive the guests. Mr. Bussy went up, accompanied by forty men, many of whom were officers. The dinner was served in the hall of the Killidar's house, and when ready, Mr. Bussy, with the officers, went into the hall, and his body guard remained at the door: but the Killidar, as if from politeness, admitted none of his own officers or soldiers, and from the menial servants who waited, little resistance was to be apprehended. On the invitation to sit down, Mr. Bussy told the Killidar, that he
