‘Nujeebs?’

‘They are a kind of mounted militia. They’ve come on admirably this past year.’

Somervile looked at his old friend.

Hervey frowned. ‘It is not a job for a soldier, Sir Eyre.’

‘I understand perfectly; but only a soldier can do it.’

Hervey inclined his head, his least signal of acceptance.

Nor could he deny that it would be good sport. And the regiment was in need of some diversion other than practice for war.

‘What do you propose for the nabobs by whose let the gangs do their work, Major?’ he asked drily.

‘Within the Company’s own territory or that of its vassals, the governor-general has given me leave to do as seems fit. Where the thuggee is supported from any princely state, the matter is to be decided by Fort William.’

‘As is only proper,’ said Somervile, in a slight agitation. ‘Colonel Hervey, this is something for consideration.’

Hervey nodded again.

Somervile rose. ‘I believe I will now withdraw to allow the politicals – and Captain Fairbrother – to discuss what further detail there may be with Major Sleeman. Colonel Hervey, let you and I confer privately.’

Once in his ‘chambers’, Somervile became grave. ‘What do you make of Sleeman?’

Hervey frowned. ‘How may I judge? He’s been here a good many years – since I was a cornet in Spain no less. I certainly can’t judge his method, but evidently he’s hanged or put away a good many of these devils, so it must have merit … And, if you were to press me, I’d say he were a man to have by one in a tiger hunt.’

Somervile smiled just perceptibly. ‘I had judged so too, though, frankly, my instructions from Bentinck give me no choice in the matter. Besides, the reports from the Northern Circars have become disturbing. In September alone several lakh of rupees were spirited away in Guntoor, my old district, you’ll recall – and the carriers too, doubtless strangled. If the sahoukars can’t shift around coin, then the whole system of land rent becomes impossible, and with it the tax. The collector at Guntoor says there are arrears now of six months.’

‘Then something must indeed be done, but I remain of the opinion that it’s not a job for soldiers. Our best course would be to raise more police – these nujeebs – and with that we may certainly help.’

‘I’ve no objection to such a scheme. Nujeebs under proper regulation should suffice, once things have been quietened. I’ve no wish to engage regular troops on such a business, though until more nujeebs are raised I fear that someone in the King’s coat must make safe the roads – the dak roads most certainly.’

Hervey nodded. ‘If you command it, I shall arrange it.’

Somervile’s brow furrowed again. ‘Madeira?’

‘Is it a one- or a two-bottle question you’re about to pose?’

‘I can’t say yet.’ He poured liberal measures of his best Blandy’s. ‘Have you heard of the principle – the doctrine – of lapse?’