Harris’s chair scraped as he stood up and bowed his head as Lord Clive quit his office.The footsteps faded down the corridor outside and Harris gestured to Arthur to take a seat.

‘Don’t worry about Clive. He’s still getting used to his role as Governor. He means well, and he’ll be fine once he stops trying so hard to impress everyone. Meanwhile, I manage to keep both the army and the government of Madras on an even keel.’ General Harris smiled. ‘Don’t worry. I’m not being indiscreet. There’s nothing I’ve said that I haven’t already reported to Mornington.’ He looked at Arthur shrewdly. ‘I imagine that one of your tasks here is to represent the interests of your brother.’

‘He asked me to write to him from time to time, sir.’

‘I’m sure he did. Well now, I imagine you want me to brief you on the latest situation here.’ Harris eased himself back and interlaced his fingers beneath his chin. ‘The truth is that my attempts to prepare our forces for war have been somewhat hampered by Webbe and his companions on the Madras Council. Those forces that I already have at my disposal have been sent forward, close to the border with Mysore, to discourage any attempt by Tipoo to stir up trouble along the frontier. I have other units in training, but the Company is refusing to release weapons and gunpowder from their arsenal until they are guaranteed payment by the War Office in London.’ He caught Arthur’s eye and sighed. ‘I know, it’s farcical. But what can one expect when control of our Indian possessions is divided between the government and a private concern? John Company treats Tipoo as if he was a business rival.’

Arthur laughed. ‘There aren’t many business rivals I know of who throw the competition to their pet tigers to be eaten alive.’

‘Precisely.’ Harris nodded. ‘But perhaps that wouldn’t be a bad idea. Might buck their ideas up a bit.’

‘I can imagine, sir.’

‘Anyway, I had better introduce you to the rest of my small planning staff. If you’d follow me.’

Harris led the way down the corridor to another office where two officers were busy at their desks as they entered. Arthur recognised the younger man instantly. He had met Henry Ashton briefly in England before setting out for India. Ashton was, like Arthur, a full colonel, and commanded the King’s 12th Foot. He had a few days’ seniority over Arthur.That meant he would always be the superior whenever the two of them served together.

‘Hello, Arthur.’ Ashton stood up with a broad smile and offered his hand. ‘Haven’t seen you for a while. I understand you’ve come to join us in the crusade against the Tipoo.’

‘I had no idea that this was to be a religious struggle.’