CHAPTER THE THIRTY-FIRST
*In which friends meet, and part; and our hero hints a proposal.*
The fight was over. It was Diggle's quarrel; neither the Frenchmen northe natives had any concern in it, and when their leader was dead theyhad no more interest in continuing the struggle. They drew off; theweary defenders collected the dead and attended to the wounded; andDesmond went into the house.
"God bless you, Mr. Burke!" said Mrs. Merriman, tears streaming from hereyes as she met him and clasped his hands. "You are not hurt?"
"Just a scratch or two, ma'am; nothing to trouble about."
But the ladies insisted on bathing the two slight wounds on head and armwhich in the heat of the fight he had not noticed. And then Mrs.Merriman told him all that had happened since the day he left them insuch merry spirits at Khulna. How they had been trapped by Diggle,pretending to be a Monsieur de Bonnefon: how he had conveyed them to thehouse of his friend Sinfray: how after many months their whereabouts hadbeen revealed to Surendra Nath by one of his numerous relatives, a manwho had a distant cousin among Sinfray's servants: how the Babu,displaying unwonted energy, had come with a number of friends and fallenunawares upon their captors, afterwards taking them to a house of hisfather's in this village: how the old man and his son had both beenstricken with jungle fever and the father died, and when the Babu layhelpless and unconscious on his sick bed they had found no means ofcommunicating with their friends. Mrs. Merriman shuddered as she spokeof the terrors of their captivity. They had been well treated, indeed;Monsieur de Bonnefon, or Diggle, as she afterwards learned to call him,had visited them several times and seen that their wants were supplied.But their enforced seclusion and inactivity, their dread of the unknown,their uncertainty as to what might have befallen Mr. Merriman, had toldheavily upon their health and spirits. Rumour brought news of thetragedy of the Black Hole: they heard that the few survivors wereprisoners of the Nawab, and they feared the worst. From Surendra Naththey learnt that they need not despair; and since then they had lived onin the hope that when the Babu had recovered from his illness, he wouldfind some means of restoring them to the husband and father from whomthey had so long been parted.
"Surendra Nath has a heart of gold, Mr. Burke," said Mrs. Merriman inconcluding her story. "Poor man! he has been very ill. We must dosomething to show our gratitude for his devotion when we get back toCalcutta."
Desmond then in his turn told them all that had happened since theirdisappearance. When they learnt of the result of the battle of Plasseyand that Clive was marching towards Murshidabad, they were eager to setoff at once.
"Yes, ma'am," said Desmond, "we will start as soon as we can. I willleave you to make your preparations. It may not be possible to startbefore night, the country being so disturbed, so that if you can sleepthrough the day you will be fitter for the journey."
He left them, and going into the compound found Bulger and Toley lookingwith curiosity at the body of Diggle.
"Hi, sir!" said Bulger as Desmond came up to them; "this here bit o'velvet is explained at last. Mr. Toley he slit it with his cutlass,sir, and never did I see a man so down in the mouth when he knowed whatwas under it. Ten't nothing at all, sir; just three letters; and whatfor he went and burnt them three letters into the back of his hand'twould beat a Daniel to explain. 'Fur,' sir, that's what they spells;but whether 'tis rabbit-skin or fox I can't say, though 'tis most likelyfox, knowin' the man."
Desmond stooped and looked at the unclad right hand. The letters FURwere branded livid below the knuckles.
"He was always quoting Latin, Bulger," he said. "Fur is a Latin word:it means 'thief'."
"Which I might have knowed it, sir, only I think as how the man what didthe stampin' might have done it in plain English. I don't hold withthese foreign lingos, sir; there allers seems something sly anddeceivin' about 'em. No right man 'ud ever think 'fur' meant 'thief'!Thief an' all, sir, he's dead. Mr. Toley and me 'll put him away decentlike: and it won't do him no harm if we just says 'Our Father' over thegrave."
Desmond was turning away when three of his men came into the compound,two grasping a Frenchman by the arms, the third a black boy. The formerDesmond recognized as the man whom he had seen expostulating withDiggle; the latter was Scipio Africanus, looking scared and miserable.The men explained that, pursuing the fugitives, they had captured theirprisoners in the grove. The Frenchman at once addressed Desmond inbroken English. He said that he had tried in vain to dissuade Digglefrom his attempt to capture the ladies. The party had been sent byMonsieur Law to announce his coming. He was advancing from Patna with aconsiderable body of French troops designed for the support of theNawab. As he was speaking the Frenchman caught sight of Diggle's exposedhand. He started, with an exclamation of surprise. Then in answer toDesmond's question he revealed the secret that had so long perplexedhim.
Seven years before, he said, in December, 1750, there was a brilliantforeigner named Peloti among the officers of Major de la Touche, a youngsoldier who had been singled out by Dupleix, the French Governor ofPondicherry, as a military genius of the first order. Peloti was withthe French army when, less than 4,000 in number, it fell upon the vasthordes of Nadir Jang near Gingi, and won the battle that set MuzaffarJang on the throne of the Dekkan and marked the zenith of Dupleix'ssuccess. The new Nawab, in gratitude to the French for the servicesrendered him, sent to Dupleix a present of a million rupees, and acasket of jewels worth half as much again. This casket was given toPeloti to deliver: he had abused his trust by abstracting the gem of thecollection, a beautiful diamond; and the theft being accidentlydiscovered, Dupleix in his rage ordered the thief to be branded on theright hand with the word 'fur,' and drummed him out of the Frenchemployment. For some years nothing more had been seen of Peloti; but hehad recently returned, and offered his services to Bussy, the Frenchcommander in the Dekkan. He brought with him valuable information,gained in London, of the East India Company's intentions; and this,together with his evident knowledge of Clive's movements and of affairsin Calcutta, had caused his former offence to be overlooked, and hisoffer was accepted.
Desmond thanked the Frenchman for his information. "I am sorry to keepyou a prisoner, monsieur," he said; "but I must trouble you to returnwith me to Murshidabad. I can promise you good treatment from ColonelClive."
The Frenchman smiled, shrugged, and exclaimed: "Eh bien! A la guerrecomme a la guerre!"
Remembering Coja Solomon, Desmond asked Toley to search Diggle's bodybefore burying it. But nothing was found, except a little money. TheArmenian's property had evidently been left under guard in the grove,and was doubtless by this time far away, in the possession of one orother of Diggle's runagate followers.
Desmond was collecting his party, preparatory to starting forMurshidabad, when a native horseman rode into the village at full speed,dismounted, and, humbly salaaming, announced that he had a message fromLaw Sahib. It was clear that, seeing Europeans, he supposed them to beFrenchmen. Desmond did not undeceive him. The man said that Law Sahibhad received news of Clive Sahib's victory at Plassey, and, seeing thathis promised assistance to the Nawab was too late, had at once retiredto Patna and wished Diggle Sahib to rejoin him there. Dismissing themessenger, Desmond rejoiced that there was no reason now to delay hisdeparture; his mission for Clive was fulfilled.
At nightfall the party set off. Closed chairs had been provided for theladies, and these were carried in the midst, Bulger on one side, Toleyon the other, and Desmond behind. One person whom Desmond had expectedto take with him was absent: Scipio Africanus, on seeing the dead bodyof his master, had uttered one heart-rending howl and fled. No attemptwas made to pursue him; and Desmond never saw him again. He reflectedthat, villainous as Diggle had proved to be, he had at least been ableto win the affection of his servant.
On the way they met Coja Solomon, who, on learning of the disappearanceof his valuables, heaped abuse upon Desmond and went away wringing hishands.
Travelling slowly, by easy stages, and only in the cooler hours, it tookthe party three days to reach Murshidabad. Desmond found that Clive hadentered the city two days before and taken up his abode at the MuradBagh. Mir Jafar had been accepted as Nawab, and nothing had been heardof Siraj-uddaula. Desmond first sought out Major Coote.
"By George, Burke!" said that officer, "Colonel Clive is in a toweringrage at your long absence; he expected your return long ago. And youought to know that Colonel Clive in a rage is not quite as mild asmilk."
"I'm afraid I must brave his anger," said Desmond. "I've found Mr.Merriman's ladies."
"You have?"
"Yes, and brought them back with me. And Peloti will trouble us nomore: we had to fight for the ladies, and Bulger killed him. Won't Mr.Clive forgive me?"
"I can't answer for Mr. Clive; no one can say what he will do. But Itell you one thing: you'll put Warren Hastings' nose out of joint. Youknew he was sweet on Merriman's daughter?"
"No, I didn't know it. I don't see what that has to do with me."
"Don't you, egad!" said Coote with a laugh. "Sure, my boy, you'll seeit before long. Well, I won't keep you to hear your story. Go to Mr.Clive at once, and let me know what happens."
Desmond found Clive in company with Mr. Watts and Rai Durlabh, Mr.Scrafton and Omichand. He had some difficulty in obtaining admittance;only his representation that he bore important news prevailed with thedarwan. He learnt afterwards that the great bankers, the Seths, had justleft the meeting, after it had been proved that, owing to the depletionof the treasury, only one half of the immense sums promised to Clive andthe English in Mir Jafar's treaty could be paid at once, the remainderto follow in three years. Desmond entered the room just in time to hearClive say to Scrafton:
"It is now time to undeceive Omichand."
Mr. Scrafton went up to the Sikh, and said quietly in Hindustani:
"Omichand, the red paper is a trick; you are to have nothing."
Omichand stood for a moment dazed: then he fell back in a faint and wascarried by his attendants from the room. The shock had unhinged the poorman's reason: he lingered insane for eighteen months and died.
At the time Desmond knew nothing of the deceit that had been practisedon him; but in the light of his after knowledge he understood thestrange expression that clouded Clive's face as the old man was carriedaway: a look of pity mingled with contempt. Catching sight of Desmond,the great soldier flashed out:
"What do you mean, sir, by absenting yourself so long? I sent you inadvance because I thought you would be speedy. A snail would have gonemore quickly."
"I am sorry, sir," said Desmond. "I was unexpectedly delayed. I hadgot nearly as far as Rajmahal when I learnt the whereabouts of Mrs.Merriman. She was in hiding with Surendra Nath, one of Mr. Merriman'smen. I heard that Diggle--Peloti, sir--was about to attempt herrecapture, and I felt that you yourself, had you been in my place, wouldhave tried to save the ladies."
Clive grunted. "Go on, sir," he said.
"We found the place, just in time, sir. Diggle came up with a couple ofFrenchmen and a troop of native horse. We beat them off, and I havebrought the ladies here."
"And forgotten your instructions?"
"No, sir. Monsieur Law was advancing from Patna: Peloti was comingahead to inform the Nawab of his approach. But the whole country knowsof your victory; the news reached Monsieur Law, and he at once turnedback. The messenger he sent to inform Peloti of his change of plan cametoo late."
"Indeed! What was Peloti about?"
"He was killed in the fight, sir."
"A good riddance!" exclaimed Clive impetuously. Then a far-away lookcame into his eyes; his expression softened. "Poor wretch!" he said inan undertone. "How many did his men muster, Burke?"
"Nearly sixty, sir."
"And yours?"
"A score of sepoys, sir; but I had two seamen with me: Bulger, whom youknow; and Mr. Toley, an American, mate of one of Mr. Merriman's ships.They were worth a dozen others."
Clive grunted again.
"Well, go and tell Mrs. Merriman I'll be glad to wait on her. And lookhere, Burke: you may consider yourself a captain in the Company'sservice from this day. Come now, I'm very busy: go and give Mrs.Merriman my message, and take care that next time you are sent onspecial service you are not drawn off on any such mad expedition. Cometo me to-morrow."
Desmond trod on air as he left the house. Clive's impulsiveness hadnever before seemed to him such an admirable quality.
As he went into the street he became aware from the excited state of thecrowd that something had happened. Meeting a sepoy he inquired, andlearnt that Siraj-uddaula had just been brought into the city. Theluckless Nawab had arrived in his boat close to Rajmahal, and, with therecklessness that characterized him, he had gone ashore while hisservants prepared a meal. Though disguised in mean clothes he had beenrecognized by a fakir who happened to be at the very spot where helanded. The man had a grudge against him; his ears and nose had beencut off some time before by the Nawab's orders. Hastening into Rajmahalhe had informed the governor, who sent a guard at once to seize theunhappy prince and bring him to Murshidabad.
Before the next morning dawned Siraj-uddaula was dead. Mir Jafar handedhim to his son Miran with strict orders to guard him carefully. Actingon a mocking suggestion of Miran, a courtier named Muhammad Beg took aband of armed men to the Nawab's room, and hacked him to death. Nextmorning his mutilated body was borne on an elephant's back through thestreets, and it was known to his former subjects that the prince who hadruled them so evilly was no more. Such was the piteous end, in histwenty-sixth year, of Siraj-uddaula.
Immediately on arriving in Murshidabad, Desmond had sent a kasid toCalcutta to inform Mr. Merriman that his wife and daughter had beenfound and were safe. The merchant set off at once on horseback andarrived in the midst of preparations for the return of the army toCalcutta. Desmond was present at his meeting with the ladies; the scenebrought a lump into his throat, and his embarrassment was complete whenone and all overwhelmed him with praise and thanks.
Nor was Surendra Nath forgotten. His readiness and courage at thecritical moment had undoubtedly saved the ladies; Mr. Merriman declaredthat he would henceforth have a higher opinion of the Bengali character.The Babu beamed with joy when his employer announced that he would givehim the _Hormuzzeer_ and a considerable part of his business.
"I change the name to _Merriman_, sir," he said, "and my family willhold that name in veneration and esteem unto third and fourthgenerations."
A few days later a long procession of three hundred boats, laden withthe money, plate and jewels that had been handed over to the British,set off with colours flying, amid strains of martial music, down theriver to Calcutta. Every man who had taken part in the expedition had ashare of the vast treasure. Desmond found himself richer by L3,000.
Calcutta was _en fete_ when the expedition returned. Desmond wassurprised to see how much had already been done to repair the ruinwrought by the Nawab. A new city was rising from the ruins.Congratulations were poured on the victors; and though now, as always,Clive had to contend with the jealousies of lesser men, there was nonebut had to admit that he was a great man who deserved well of hiscountry.
Mr. Merriman at once completed the winding up of his affairs, begunmonths before. His recent troubles had much aged him; India was to himnow a hateful country, and he decided to return to England immediatelywith his wife and daughter. He tried to persuade Desmond to accompanyhim, but in vain.
"'Tis very good of you, sir," said Desmond warmly; "you have done somuch for me. But Mr. Clive has made me a captain: his work is not yetdone, and I do not feel that I can leave him until I have done somethingto justify his confidence in me."
"Well, boys will be boys. I have made a fortune here: I suppose youwant to do the same. 'Tis natural. But don't stay in India as long asI have. I don't want to lose sight of you. You have done me the bestservice man ever did: yo
u have avenged my brother and restored to me allthat I held dearest in the world. I love you as a son, Desmond; I wishyou were my son indeed, my boy."
Desmond looked a little uncomfortable.
"May I venture----" he began hesitatingly; "do you think, in some yearstime, if I get on here, I might----"
"Well?"
"Do you think I might--in short, that I might have a chance of becomingyour son, sir?"
"Eh? Is that it? Mr. Warren Hastings asked me the same question theother day, Desmond. You can't both have her, you know. What doesPhyllis say?"
"I--I haven't asked her, sir."
"Quite right. You're only a boy. Well, Hastings is to remain asassistant to Mr. Scrafton, our new agent at Murshidabad. You remain asassistant--or is it rival, eh?--to Mr. Clive. You're both out of theway. Phyllis may prefer Bulger."
"Bulger!"
"Yes. Didn't you know? Phyllis has taken a fancy to him; that hook ofhis appears to be a most fascinating feature; and he will accompany ushome."
Desmond laughed a little awkwardly.
"I hope----" he began.
"He won't hook her? But there, I mustn't make sport of such a seriousmatter. Go on as you have begun, my dear lad, and I promise you, whenyou come home, that if Phyllis hasn't found some one already to herliking, you shall have all the influence I can exert with the minx."
"Thank you, sir: I couldn't ask for more. There's another thing: do youthink you could do anything for Mr. Toley? He's a capital fellow."
"I know it. I have anticipated you. Toley is appointed captain of the_Jane_, an Indiaman that arrived the other day; her captain died ofscurvy on the way out. She'll sail for England next week; we go withher, and so does that villain Barker, who'll get his deserts when hereaches London. The _Good Intent_ is broken up; her interloping is overfor good and all. But come, my boy, sure 'tis time we dressed: AdmiralWatson likes punctuality, and I promise you he'll give us a capitaldinner. A word in your ear: Phyllis is to sit between you and Hastings.You can't eat him, at any rate."
A week later Desmond went down to the Company's ghat to see the _Jane_sail. Mr. Toley, in his brand new uniform, looked more melancholy thanever, and Phyllis Merriman made a little grimace when she saw for thefirst time the captain under whose charge she was to sail for home.
"Don't be alarmed," said Desmond, laughing. "The sadder he looks, Ibelieve the happier he is. Silas Toley is a fine seaman and a truegentleman.--I wonder if we shall ever meet again, Miss Merriman?"
"I wonder, Mr. Burke."
"I shall hear about you, I hope."
"Dear me! 'tis very unlikely. Father hates putting pen to paper. 'Tisfar more likely I shall hear of you, Mr. Burke, doing terrible thingsamong these poor Indians--and tigers: I am sure you must want to shoot atiger."
"You shall have my first skin--if I may send it."
"Mamma will be charmed, I am sure; though, indeed, she may have too manyof them, for we have the same promise from--let me see--Mr. Lushington,Mr. Picard, Mr. Hastings, and----"
"All aboard!" sang out a voice from the deck of the vessel.
Phyllis gave Desmond her hand, and looked at last into his eyes. Whathe read in hers filled him with contentment. She ran across the plankand joined her father and mother, to whom Desmond had already said hisadieus. At the last moment Bulger came up puffing, a miscellaneouscollection of curiosities dangling from his hook.
"Good-bye, sir," he said, giving Desmond a hearty grip. Then he shut oneeye and jerked his head in the direction of the vessel. "Never youfear, sir: I'll keep my weather eye open. Missy have took an uncommonfancy to this here little fish-hook o' mine, and 'tis my belief I'llkeep her hangin' on to it, sir, nevertheless and notwithstandin' and allthat, till you comes home covered with gore and glory. I may be wrong."
He tumbled on deck. Then amid cheers, with flags flying andhandkerchiefs waving, the good ship moved from the ghat into theswelling river.