Page:Dupleix and the Struggle for India by the European Nations.djvu/101

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DUPLEIX

1751. Bussy started two days later, and joined him on the 15th. Before the Subádár had left, Muhammad Alí had made overtures for the surrender, under certain conditions, of Trichinopoli. These conditions had been accepted. Chandá Sáhib remained thus apparently without rival or competitor.

The policy of Dupleix had triumphed. He had made French influence, not only preponderant, but predominant, in Southern India. Yet, within a few weeks a little cloud appeared on the horizon, which was dissipated only by the decision and the cannon of Bussy. The Nuwábs who had rebelled against Nádir Jang soon began to intrigue against his successor. But their treason was discovered, and Muzaffar Jang, calling upon Bussy to follow him, charged the rebel chiefs with his cavalry. The latter held their ground until the French came up. Then, in a few minutes, the rebels broke up, one of their leaders lying dead on the field, another, the Nuwáb of Cuddapah, grievously wounded. Him they attempted to carry off. But Muzaffar Jang, resolved that he should not escape, followed him. In the pursuit he came upon a third confederate, the Nuwáb of Karnúl. Between the two and their immediate followers a hand-to-hand contest ensued which terminated in the death of both, Muzaffar Jang being brained by a spear-thrust, and the Nuwáb cut to pieces.

The crisis was one which might have the gravest consequences for French interests. Had there been