the Rajah should be routed by us, let his estate and fort be ours. But, if you will take into your consideration none of the above proposals, let this be borne in mind that we are determined not to surrender the fort so long as we live.' Hussain Ali Khan then returned to the camp and intimated to Haidar Jang that Ranga-Rao would neither stop the play of the Naubath nor vacate the fort, and that, if his fort should unjustly be attacked, he would offer his utmost resistance. He also mentioned to him the alternative proposals that Ranga-Rao made for the consideration of Haidar Jang. The latter, who, without weighing the proposals, only burnt with increased rage at the Zemindar's last words of defiance, exclaimed: 'If that is the case, I shall see that he is presently expelled from the fort.' His burning words were immediately supported by the Rajah who was near. Thereupon Hussain Ali Khan, who knew the whole truth, said to Haidar Jang: 'Should you be guided by the
