During the fifty years which have passed peacefully here, the fortifications have been entirely neglected.

Instead of the space round them being kept clear, warehouses have been built close against them, and the fort is wholly unable to resist any attack.

The authorities of the Company here have done absolutely nothing to carry out the orders from home.

They think, I am sorry to say, only of making money with their own trading ventures; and although several petitions have been presented to them, by the merchants here, urging upon them the dangers which might arise at the death of Ali, they have taken no steps whatever, and indeed have treated all warnings with scorn and derision." "What force have we here ?" Charlie asked.
"Only a hundred and seventy-four men, of whom the greater portion are natives." "What sort of man is your commander ?" "We have no means of knowing," Mr.Haines said.

"His name is Minchin.
He is a great friend of the governor's, and has certainly done nothing to counteract the apathy of the authorities.