"Nothing later than you have heard," Dick said.
"The Rajah is not going away yet, Sahib?"
"No; he will not leave unless he hears that Tippoo has returned, with
his army, to Seringapatam. Then he will go at once, for the sultan
might come down through the passes at any moment, and can get here a
fortnight before the English army can return from Caroor."
"Yes; it will be no use waiting here to be eaten up, Sahib. Do you
think Conjeveram would be safe? Because it is easy to go down there by
boat."
"I should think so. Hyder could not take it last time, and the English
army is much stronger than it was then. Besides, there will be six
thousand men arriving from Bengal, in a month's time, so I should
think there is no fear of Conjeveram being taken."
"It is little trouble getting there," the trader said, "but it is a
long journey to Madras. We could go down with our families and goods
in two days, in a boat; but there would not be boats enough for all,
and it will be best, therefore, that some should go at once, for if
all wait until there is news that Tippoo is coming, many will not be
able to get away in time."
"No, not in boats," Dick agreed; "but in three days a bullock cart
would get you there.
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