A History of the Mahrattas v2.c46.20

v2.c46.20

Bajee Rao was still ignorant of the plot which had been formed against him, and the manner of disclosing it is too characteristic, not only of the period but of the future ways of the Poona court, to be omitted. Some demands for money on account of Sindia’s expenses were made on Bajee Rao, and upon his expressing inability to comply with them, they were urged in a tone which produced altercation, and Sindia, pretending to take offence at the manner of Bajee Rao’s refusal, begged permission to return to Hindoostan. Bajee Rao, as had been foreseen, immediately repaired to Sindia’s camp for the purpose of privately expostulating; he was there detained in argument until late in the evening, when the conference was suddenly interrupted by intelligence of Pureshram Bhow’s having carried off Chimnajee Appa; no one, it was pretended, knew whither, but it was supposed, to Satara. Bajee Rao, alarmed and astonished, begged of Sindia to pursue him; but the uncertainty of their route, the strength of their party, and the darkness of the night were urged against this proposal. A request, however, to be allowed to continue under Sindia’s protection during the night, was readily granted, and next day he discovered the snare, upon being advised to remain, as any place beyond the precincts of Sindia’s camp was unsafe for His Highness.