Arthur ensured that a proclamation about his decision was posted in every quarter of Seringapatam to serve notice to all Europeans and the people of Mysore that no man was above the law. Dodd was duly stripped of his rank and forced to undergo a ceremonial drumming out of his battalion. A large crowd had gathered outside the Dowlut Baugh to witness the event, and as he emerged from the gates Dodd was pelted with rotten fruit and ordure before he could escape into the city. Then, a week before his civil trial was due to begin, Arthur received news that he had fled the city. Sanderson claimed not to know anything about his flight, but Arthur knew that Dodd’s options were limited. Since he was denied access to any British settlement, he would end up having to sell his services to one of the rulers of the Mahratta states, for ever exiled from his countrymen.

And good riddance, Arthur concluded, although he would have preferred that the man had stood trial and been convicted. Still, the lesson had been delivered and none of the British soldiers and officers under his command could be in any doubt about the consequences of their mistreatment of the local people from now on.

Throughout the summer Dhoondiah Waugh continued to attract brigands and the remnants of Tipoo’s army to his side, and the number of raids on the outlying towns and trade routes of Mysore continued to increase. When Arthur sent columns after the raiders, they arrived in the area long after Dhoondiah Waugh’s men had left. It became clear to Arthur that a more systematic approach was needed to remove the threat and he began to make his preparations for fresh campaigns. A breeding programme was set up to provide a stock of the white bullocks that had proved so useful in carrying supplies and hauling guns during the campaign against Tipoo.

The officer Arthur selected to track down and destroy Dhoondiah Waugh was Colonel Stevenson, a Company officer of long experience who proved adept at responding quickly to the enemy’s raids. However, as soon as the enemy became aware of the columns closing in on him, Dhoondiah Waugh simply crossed the border into Mahratta territory where Stevenson was not permitted to follow.

‘It’s no good, sir,’ Stevenson complained after returning from his latest attempt to catch the rebel leader. ‘He can outmarch my men, and the moment he crosses the border he’s away scot-free. You have to give me permission to pursue him into Mahratta territory.’

‘I have written to the Governor General to explain the situation,’ Arthur replied. ‘I am waiting for his reply. Meanwhile, I have decided to take the field against him. The situation in Seringapatam is stable enough to bear my absence for a while. It’s time we put every available man and gun into the effort against Dhoondiah Waugh, if that’s what it takes to destroy him.’