‘Gentlemen, this is Colonel Wellesley.’ Kirkpatrick spoke softly as if he feared that they might be overheard. ‘Sir, may I introduce you to colonels Dalrymple and Malcolm, commanders of the two Company battalions stationed in Hyderabad.’

‘Good evening, gentlemen.’ Arthur shook their hands in turn and then eased himself down into one of the seats. ‘I trust everything has been prepared for the arrival of the reinforcements tomorrow morning.’

There was a short silence while the other officers glanced at each other. Then Malcolm spoke. ‘We have something of a problem, sir.’

‘Problem? What kind of problem?’

‘It’s the Nizam, sir. I spoke to him this afternoon, as soon as we got word of your approach from the scout. He’s decided that he does not want to disband the units commanded by French officers - not immediately, at least. It seems that word of the new treaty has got out and the officers and men are saying that he has betrayed them.’

‘Which, of course, he has,’ Arthur said acidly. ‘That was the whole point of the treaty. If he backs down now the Governor General will be furious. Did you explain that to him?’

‘I did, sir.Volubly.’

Arthur breathed deeply and exhaled to ease his tension.‘And?’

‘The Nizam was courteous enough, sir, and expressed his loyalty to his English allies at some length. But he said that it would be too great a risk to disband the French battalions without any warning. However, now that they are aware of his plans he says they are threatening to overthrow him and kick the Company battalions, and the resident, out of Hyderabad.’

‘Damn,’ Arthur muttered. ‘Damn the man. If his nerve fails now, then we face disaster. At the very least there’ll be many lives lost if we have to disband those French units by force. If it goes badly for us we will have to fight our way out.’

‘It’s not all bad news, sir,’ said Kirkpatrick. ‘The other battalions in the Nizam’s army are still loyal to him. They’re not as numerous as the French-officered units, nor as well trained and equipped, but they’ll not lift a finger to help any attempt to displace the Nizam. In fact, there’s not much love lost between the native and the French officers.’

‘That’s something.’ Arthur conceded. ‘But it’s vital that the Nizam himself gives the order for the units to disband. If he doesn’t and we are forced to do the job, it can only cause considerable ill will amongst the Nizam’s people.’

Kirkpatrick glanced at the other officers and then nodded. ‘That’s our fear, sir.’

‘Then we must confront the Nizam again. Can you take me to him tonight?’

‘It’s dark, sir. He’ll have retired to his private quarters by now.’

‘Perfect. Then there’s less chance of anyone seeing us.’