17Si Defeat of Rajah Sahib. 193

night elapsed before Rajah Sahib could resolve to exe-
cute his threat. Probably he would even then have pre-
ferred to let famine do his work, but his movements
were quickened by the approach of another enemy,
6,000 Mahrattas, under Morari Rao, were hover-
ing in the neighbourhood, watching the course of
events, nominally in alliance with Mahomed All, but not
caring to commit themselves while his cause looked
hopeless. The heroic defence of Arcot ended their
hesitation.

Rajah Sahib now made preparations to storm the
fort, and at daybreak, on the morning of November 25,
his soldiers advanced to the attack. The day was well
chosen ; it was one of those set apart for the commemo-
ration of the death of Hosein, days peculiarly sacred to
Mussulmans, who believe that all who die on them in
battle against unbelievers go straight to the highest
Paradise. Wild with religious enthusiasm, and stimu-
lated by the intoxicating bang of which they eat plenti-
fully during the festival, the Mussulman soldiery rushed
upon the fort, driving before them elephants

. . , ,'. i • r T_ j i RaJah Sahib

with plates of iron on their foreheads, to batter attacks
down the gates. Clive received them with a Arcot;
well-sustained fire of musketry. The elephants, galled
by the musket-balls, turned and trampled on the mul-
titudes behind, and, after three desperate assaults, the
troops of Rajah Sahib retired, having lost 400 aml is re_
men in,an hour. 'In the ensuing night they pulsed.
raised the siege.

Clive pressed his advantage with vigour. Reinforced
by Europeans and Sepoys from Madras, and joined by
some of Morari Rao's horsemen, he gave chase to the
enemy and inflicted on them two defeats ; then repaired
to Fort St. David to concert measures for the relief of
Trichinopoly. While thus engaged he was deprived
M. H. O