Bussy was at Aurangábád, holding secure the predominating influence of Pondichery. He held Gingi, then considered the strongest fortress in the Karnátik, and the possessions on the coast secured to France by the Subáhdár. On the other hand, whilst the total force at his disposal was, as I have said, insufficient to supply garrisons to guard these posts, he had in front of him a triumphant enemy, with numerous native allies, commanded by a Lawrence and a Clive. That enemy had it in his power to effect enormous mischief to French interests. It could even destroy that influence. What was he to do?
It was in this conjuncture that the profound knowledge which Dupleix had acquired of the native character stood him in good stead. He knew, from previous observation, that for a number of native chiefs allied to effect a specific purpose the day of triumph was the day of trial. Now, to assist in crushing Chandá Sáhib, Muhammed Alí had called in the levies of Tanjore, of Mysore, and the Maráthás. To work upon the most powerful of these, to sow jealousy between them, to plant distrust of Muhammad Alí, all unable as he would be to fulfil, with an empty exchequer, the lavish promises made in the hour of need, became then the main occupation of the French Governor. No one better than he could accomplish a task beset indeed with difficulties, yet promising to a man experienced in the native modes of thought the most brilliant advantage.
He did not work in vain. When the first triumph
