378 BUSSY TO 1754. chap. Aurangabad is a distance of five hundred miles. The , officials of the entire country were under the sway of 1753. Saiyid Lashkar. The equipment of the force for such a march was a matter of no small consideration. No money for that purpose was forthcoming from Muham- mad Husen, and the expenses, not only of the equip- ment, but likewise of the supplies had to be met and provided. But besides this, the possible attitude of the Subadar and his advisers had to be looked to. There was no means of knowing what Saiyid Lashkar, wielding as he did the resources of the province, might not attempt in such a conjuncture. There was the possibility, indeed, that the handful of Frenchmen might have to fight their way to Aurangabad, sur- rounded by enemies, with no resources but their own brave hearts and the courage and capacity of their leader. Nevertheless, Bussy, not only found means to equip the force, but no sooner had the rain ceased to fall than he set out. The mere fact of his march completed the confusion that reigned in the mind of Saiyid Lashkar. It unnerved and unstrung him. As abject and depressed as he had before been haughty and confident, he des- patched letters of submission to Bussy, tendering his resignation, confessing his fault, and requesting the French general to appoint another in his place. This submission, however, did not stop Bussy. He still marched forward until he arrived within a few miles of Aurangabad. He then altered his plan. Feeling him- self master of the situation, he was unwilling that the terms which he resolved to impose should seem to be the result of force or compulsion on his part. He resumed then at once the old character of the submissive ally of the Subadar. He claimed nothing, but hinted at everything. Sometimes he flattered Saiyid Lashkar, at other times he whispered the faintest indication of a menace. The result answered his expectations. Having
