The army came in sight of Tipoo’s capital on the afternoon of 3 April. Arthur climbed on to the roof of one of Tipoo’s hunting lodges, to the south-east of the city, and carefully examined the defences through his telescope. Seringapatam occupied an island in the Cauvery river, the main course of which passed to the north of the city, while a narrow channel flowed round the south, creating an island a little less than three miles long and just over a mile wide. The city had been built on the western end of the island and was surrounded by thick granite walls, outside which lay a large fortified camp where Tipoo’s army was massed, ready for the coming siege. Within the walls of the city the two minarets of the mosque gleamed in the distance, like ivory against the rich emerald green of the surrounding landscape.

Arthur turned at the sound of footsteps climbing the stairs behind him, and saw Fitzroy emerging on to the roof.

‘Ah, there you are, sir.’

‘Come and have a look, Fitzroy.’ Arthur indicated the distant city and passed his telescope to his aide. ‘It’s an impressive sight.’

There was a moment’s pause as Fitzroy squinted down the telescope and slowly panned it along the perimeter of Tipoo’s defences. ‘Good God,’ he muttered. ‘There must be over fifty . . . sixty guns along this side of the city.’

‘I counted over ninety. But you’ll note that the construction of the walls follows the usual eastern style, and will not permit effective flanking fire on any attackers. Clearly Tipoo’s French advisers haven’t had time to improve the city’s defences. That, or Tipoo is arrogant enough to believe that he knows better.’

‘So, sir, do you know how the general intends to crack this nut?’

‘It’s straightforward enough. The island is too big to besiege; our forces would be spread far too thinly to stop Tipoo’s men getting in or out of the city. Harris has decided to march round the city and set up camp to the west. From there we can batter the walls with siege guns and launch an assault across the south Cauvery channel. Our scouts reckon that the water is shallow enough at this time of year to wade across, crocodiles permitting.’

‘Crocodiles?’ Fitzroy stared at him. ‘You’re joking.’

Arthur smiled. ‘Not afraid of a few reptiles are you, Fitzroy? I thought you would have grown used to them what with your father being a politician.’

Fitzroy raised his eyes.‘Very funny, sir.Very droll. Nevertheless, I think I shall tread exceedingly carefully when the time comes to make our attack.’