A History of the Mahrattas v1.c13.14

v1.c13.14

Sivajee, watchful of all that passed, resolved to surprise the Khan, and sent two Bramins to make such arrangements as were necessary to gain admission. When his preparations were complete, Sivajee left Singurh one evening in the month of April,⁵ a little after sunset, at the head of a considerable body of infantry whom he posted in small parties along the road, but Yessjee Kunk, Tannajee Maloosray and twenty-five Mawulees were all that entered.⁶ His emissaries⁷ had gained a Mahratta footsoldier in the Khan's service, who, on pretence of celebrating a marriage, obtained permission to beat through the town with the noisy instruments used on such occasions, and also for some of his companions, who always carry their arms, to join in the procession. Poona being an open town, Sivajee with his party, favoured by the contrivance of his emissaries, easily slipped undiscovered into the crowd and joined in the moving assemblage.