of the dangers threatening Pondichery from the invasion of the Maráthás, referred to in a previous page. He sailed then for that place, found that the tact of M. Dumas had averted the danger, but that Mahé on the western coast, was threatened. Thither then he proceeded, and having ensured its safety, returned to the islands. On his arrival there he was met by an order from Cardinal Fleury to send back his ships to France, that pacific statesman fearing lest the English should take umbrage at the presence of such an armament off the coasts of India. La Bourdonnais obeyed, sent back his ships, and tendered his resignation. Meanwhile Fleury had died. A few months later war was declared. The position which La Bourdonnais had foreseen, and to meet which he had made his journey to France, had arrived, but the folly of his superiors had torn from his hands the weapon with which he would have conjured the storm. Sensible too late of their folly, the Government ordered him to remain at his post and do his best. Brave and resolute. La Bourdonnais threw his soul into the task; improvised a fleet, trained sailors, drilled soldiers, laid hands on all the vessels which came from France, and on June 1, 1746, sailed with nine ships, poorly armed and badly manned, to carry aid to the threatened settlements of France in southern India. Towards the end of the month he was off Mahé learnt there that the English squadron had been last heard of off Nágápatnam, near the French settlement of Kárikál, and that it was waiting there to intercept him. He
