possibility of any assistance reaching Clive. He might move out with his entire force. No enemy would attempt Srirangam. But again his caution spoilt a plan, the success of which was assured. Instead of marching with his whole force to crush Clive, he despatched only 80 Europeans, of whom 40 were English deserters, and 700 sipáhis. Even this small detachment went very near to success. It surprised Clive whilst he was asleep at Simiáveram, and, but for the extraordinary coolness, audacity, and presence of mind displayed by that great soldier, must have captured or killed him. But the value of one man never assorted itself more convincingly than on the night of that memorable surprise. After braving death in every form Clive emerged from it the victor, and the despondency of Law became greater than ever.
Nor was D'Auteuil more successful. Escorting supplies of ammunition and food, he had reached the Utátur, spoken of in a previous chapter. Dalton, with a force about equal in numbers, had been sent to watch him. As he approached Utátur, Dalton, who was as daring as his enemy was timid, so arranged his troops as to induce the belief that the whole British force was advancing. D'Auteuil fell into the trap, and retreated on Volkonda without striking a blow, leaving to Dalton the stores and ammunition he had escorted.
Soon after this event, the final catastrophe followed. After all his losses, Law could still dispose of 800
