Kasim  was  aware  that  his  post  would  be  one  of  danger,  for  the
Sultaun  was  determined  to  lead  the  attack  in  person,  and  it  was
more  than  probable  that  he  would  be  bravely  opposed  by  the
defenders  of  the  lines  j  among  these  were  many  of  the  fugitive
Nairs,  who  burned  for  an  opportunity  of  revenging  upon  the
Sultaun's  army  the  many  insults  and  oppressions  they  had
sufiered.
Much,  however,  was  hoped  from  so  powerful  an  attack  on  an
undefended  point ;  and  the  Sultaun's  order  was  delivered  to  the
army  on  the  afternoon  of  Kasim's  report.  The  divisions  for  the
assault  were  ordered  under  arms  after  evening  prayer,  and  all
were  in  readiness,  and  exulting  that  ere  that  time  on  the  morrow
the  barrier  before  them  would  be  overcome,  and  the  dominions
of  their  enemy  open  to  plunder.
The  night  was  bright  and  clear  and  cool :  there  was  no  wind,


TIPPOO  SULTAUN.  271

and  the  melancholy  and  shrill  notes  of  the  collery  horn  came  up
sharp  upon  the  ear  from  all  parts  of  the  wall  before  them,  which
extended  for  miles  on  either  side.  Lights  were  twinkling  here
and  there  upon  it,  showing  that  the  watchers  did  not  sleep,  and
sometimes  the  flash  and  report  of  a  musket  or  matchlock  ap-
peared or  was  heard,  fired  by  one  or  other  of  the  parties.  The
camp  of  the  Sultaun  was  alive  with  preparation,  and  the  busy
hum  of  men  arose  high  into  the  still  air.  Soon  all  was  com-
pleted ;  and  when  it  was  no  longer  doubtful  that  darkness  veiled
their  preparations,  the  mass  of  men  moved  slowly  out  of  the
camp,  and  led  by  Kasim,  took  their  way  to  the  place  he  had
discovered.
CHAPTER   XXXI.
