advisable to wait the construction of boats; but in the meantime a detachment, lightly equipped, was despatched to harass Dhoondia's rear, and endeavour to cut off part of his baggage. A brigade was also despatched to occupy the passes of the river most likely to be fordable, and thus to guard against Dhoondia recrossing with any considerable number of followers. This force in its progress gained possession of several forts which were held by parties in the interest of the adventurer. At one of these places, named Sirhitty, an extraordinary instance of cool and determined bravery occurred. The outer gate of the fort was attacked and carried, and the inner gate was next to be gained, but the passage was found too narrow to admit a gun-carriage. This difficulty, however, was not suffered to check the progress of the assailants: the gun was instantly taken off the carriage, and, under a very heavy fire from the fort, was transported by a body of artillerymen, led by Sir John Sinclair, to the gate, which was very shortly blown open.
The precautions which had been taken to prevent Dhoondia from crossing the river were rendered unavailing by its sudden fall, which enabled the adventurer to enter the territories of the Nizam. Thither he was followed by Colonel Wellesley, with as much speed as was consistent with the difficulties attending the movement, and the arrangements necessary for effecting the junction of the various portions of the army. The campaign was now approaching to a close, and on the 10th of September Colonel Wellesley came up with Dhoondia's army at a place called Conahgull. The fellow, naturally daring, took up a strong position, his flank and rear being covered by a village and a rock, and boldly waited for the British assault. Colonel Wellesley led the charge, which was admirably made, and the marauder's fate was decided. His cavalry were cut to pieces or dispersed, Dhoondia himself sabred, and his body, secured upon a gun, was brought in triumph to the camp. Thus perished the "King of the Two Worlds:"
