Harris folded his hands and stared back at Henry.‘Young man, I’ll have you know that I have nothing but admiration for General Baird as a soldier. In that respect he has no peer. But the man is no diplomat, nor a strategist. If he had at least some ability in those skills, I would have no hesitation in supporting his application for the post of Governor of Mysore. Even over your brother.’

‘I see.’ Henry had the grace to blush and continued in a far more respectful tone. ‘I thank you for your candid words, sir.’ He paused a moment, then referred back to his notes. ‘Which leaves the question of the choice of regent for the new Raja.’

‘I believe we have the right man,’ said Arthur. ‘A fellow called Purneah. He’s a man of his word and proved to be an able enough administrator under Tipoo. In my opinion he’s the best choice for the post of dewan.’

Henry frowned. ‘Dewan?’

Arthur smiled faintly. ‘Henry, you are going to have to make greater efforts to learn the local language. Dewan is their term for the principal minister of Mysore.’

‘Ah, a kind of prime minister then?’

‘There, you have it.’ Arthur nodded.

‘When can I meet this man, Purneah?’

‘Tomorrow. I’ve requested the opportunity to address the senior officials and civic leaders of Seringapatam and the surrounding towns - those we hold, at least.’

‘Very well,’ Henry shut his notebook with a quiet snap. ‘Tomorrow, then. And once you’ve spoken, then I have a few words to communicate to them from the Governor General of India.’

‘And what might they be?’

‘You’ll see.’

The next morning the audience chamber of the Dowlut Baugh was filled with the nobles and notables of Mysore.They had been told they were to hear a message from the highest-ranked sahib in India and they attended in their finest clothes. Henry had decided to address them from in front of the throne so that there would be no doubt as to who was the new power in Mysore.The five-year-old Raja was almost invisible as he perched on the throne and already looked thoroughly bored with proceedings.