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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA

RiVbvSIDE

TALES OF BENGAL

Works by the

Sister Nivedita of Hamakrishna-Vivekananda

(MARGARET E. NOBLE).

AN INDIAN STUDY OF LOVE AND
DEATH.

Crown 8vo, 2s. net.

CRADLE TALES OF HINDUISM.

With Frontispiece. Crown 8vo 5s. net.

LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.,
London, New York, Bombay, and Calcutta.

TALES OF BENGAL

BY

S. B. BANERJEA

EDITED BY

FRANCIS HENRY SERINE

INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE (RETIRED)

LONGMANS, GREEN, AND CO.

39 PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON
NEW YORK, BOMBAY, AND CALCUTTA

1910

G130S

CONTENTS.

PAGE

I. The Pride of Kadampur - - 1

II. The Eival Markets ------- 15

III. A Foul Conspiracy - - - - 24

IV. The Biter Bitten - - ... 38
V. All's Well that Ends Well 47

VI. An Outrageous Swindle - 59

VII. The Virtue of Economy 71

VIII. A Peacemaker - - ----- 81

IX. A Brahman's Curse - 91

X. A Roland for his Oliver 107

XI. Ramda - - 115

XII. A Rift in the Lute - ... 124

XIII. Debendra Babu in Trouble - - - 134

XIV. True to his Salt- - 145
XV. A Tame Rabbit - ... - 157

XVI. Gobardhan's Triumph - - - ... 174

XVII. Patience is a Virtue ... - - 179

v

INTKODUCTION.

That << east is east, and west is west, and never the
twain shall meet," is an axiom with most English-
men to whom the oriental character seems an insol-
uble enigma. This form of agnosticism is unworthy
of a nation which is responsible for the happiness of
300,000,000 Asiatics. It is not justified by history,
which teaches us that civilisation is the result of the
mutual action of Europe and Asia ; and that the
advanced races of India are our own kinsfolk.

The scene of Mr. Banerjea's tales has been won
from the sea by alluvial action. Its soil, enriched
by yearly deposits of silt, yields abundantly without
the aid of manure. A hothouse climate and regular
rainfall made Bengal the predestined breeding-ground
of mankind ; the seat of an ancient and complex
civilisation. But subsistence is too easily secured in
those fertile plains. Malaria, due to the absence of
subsoil drainage, is ubiquitous, and the standard of
vitality extremely low. Bengal has always been at

vii

viii INTRODUCTION

the mercy of invaders. The earliest inroad was
prompted by economic necessity. About 2000 B.C.
a congeries of races which are now styled " Aryan"
were driven by the shrinkage of water from their
pasture-grounds in Central Asia. They penetrated
Europe in successive hordes, who were ancestors of our
Celts, Hellenes, Slavs, Teutons and Scandinavians.
Sanskrit was the Aryans' mother-tongue, and it
forms the basis of nearly every European language.
A later swarm turned the western flank of the
Himalayas, and descended on Upper India. Their
rigid discipline, resulting from vigorous group-selec-
tion, gave the invaders an easy victory over the
negroid hunters and fishermen who peopled India.
All races of Aryan descent exhibit the same char-
acteristics. They split into endogamous castes, each
of which pursues its own interests at the expense of
other castes. From the dawn of history we find
kings, nobles and priests riding roughshod over a
mass of herdsmen, cultivators and artisans. These
ruling castes are imbued with pride of colour. The
Aryans' fair complexions differentiated them from
the coal-black aborigines ; vama in Sanskrit means
"caste" and "colour". Their aesthetic instinct
finds expression in a passionate love of poetry, and
a tangible object in the tribal chiefs. Loyalty is

INTRODUCTION ix

a religion which is almost proof against its idol's
selfishness and incompetence.

Caste is a symptom of arrested social development ;
and no community which tolerates it is free from the
scourge of civil strife. Class war is the most salient
fact in history. Warriors, termed Kshatriyas in
Sanskrit, were the earliest caste. Under the law of
specialisation defence fell to the lot of adventurous
spirits, whose warlike prowess gave them unlimited
prestige with the peaceful masses. They became
the governing element, and were able to transmit
their privileges by male filiation. But they had to
reckon with the priests, descended from bards who
attached themselves to the court of a Kshatriya
prince and laid him under the spell of poetry.
Lust of dominion is a manifestation of the Wish to
Live ; the priests used their tremendous power for
selfish ends. They imitated the warriors in forming
a caste, which claimed descent from Brahma, the
Creator's head, while Kshatriyas represented his
arms, and the productive classes his less noble
members.

In the eleventh century B.C. the warrior clans
rose in revolt against priestly arrogance : and Hin-
dustan witnessed a conflict between the religious
and secular arms. Brahminism had the terrors of

x INTRODUCTION

hell fire on its side ; feminine influence was its
secret ally ; the world is governed by brains, not
muscles ; and spiritual authority can defy the mailed
fist. After a prolonged struggle the Kshatriyas were
fain to acknowledge their inferiority.

When a hierocracy has been firmly established its
evolution always follows similar lines. Eitual be-
comes increasingly elaborate : metaphysical dogma
grows too subtle for a layman's comprehension. Com-
mercialism spreads from the market to the sanctuary,
whose guardians exploit the all-pervading fear of the
unknown to serve their lust of luxury and rule.

Brahminism has never sought to win proselytes ;
the annals of ancient India record none of those
atrocious persecutions which stained mediaeval Chris-
tianity. It competed with rival creeds by offering
superior advantages : and the barbarous princes of
India were kept under the priestly heel by an appeal
to their animal instincts. A fungoid literature of
abominations grew up in the Tantras, which are
filthy dialogues between Siva, the destroying influence
in nature, and his consorts. One of these, Kali by
name, is the impersonation of slaughter. Her shrine,
near Calcutta, is knee-deep in blood, and the Dhydn
or formula for contemplating her glories, is a tissue
of unspeakable obscenity. Most Hindus are Saktas,

INTRODUCTION xi

or worshippers of the female generative principle :
happily for civilisation they are morally in advance of
their creed. But it is a significant fact that Kali is
the tutelary goddess of extremist politicians, whose
minds are prepared for the acceptance of anarchism
by the ever-present ideal of destruction.

It was Bengal's misfortune that its people re-
ceived Brahminism in a corrupt and degenerate
form. According to legend, King Adisur, who
reigned there in the ninth century of our era, im-
ported five priests from Kanauj to perform indispens-
able sacrifices. From this stock the majority of
Bengali Brahmins claim descent. The immigrants
were attended by five servants, who are the reputed
ancestors of the Kayasth caste. In Sanskrit this
word means " Standing on the Body," whence
Kayasths claim to be Kshatriyas. But the tradition
of a servile origin persisted, and they were forbidden
to study the sacred writings. An inherited bent
for literature has stood them in good stead : they
became adepts in Persian, and English is almost
their second mother-tongue to-day. Kayasths figure
largely in Mr. Banerjea's tales : their history proves
that the pen is mightier than the sword.

Economic necessity was the cause of the first in-
vasion of India : the second was inspired by religion.

xii INTRODUCTION

The evolution of organised creeds is not from simple
to complex, but vice versa. From the bed-rock of
magic they rise through nature-worship and man-
worship to monotheism. The god of a conquering
tribe is imposed on subdued enemies, and becomes
Lord of Heaven and Earth. Monotheism of this
type took root among the Hebrews, from whom
Mohammed borrowed the conception. His gospel
was essentially militant and proselytising. Nothing
can resist a blend of the aesthetic and combative in-
stincts ; within a century of the founder's death
his successors had conquered Central Asia, and gained
a permanent footing in Europe. In the tenth cen-
tury a horde of Afghan Moslems penetrated Upper
India.

The Kshatriya princes fought with dauntless
courage, but unity of action was impossible ; for the
Brahmins fomented mutual jealousies and checked
the growth of national spirit. They were subdued
piecemeal; and in 1176 a.d. an Afghan Emperor
governed Upper India from Delhi. The Aryan ele-
ment in Bengal had lost its martial qualities ; and
offered no resistance to Afghan conquest, which was
consummated in 1203. The invaders imposed their
religion by fire and sword. The Mohammadans of
Eastern Bengal, numbering 58 per cent, of the

INTRODUCTION xiii

population, represent compulsory conversions effected
between the thirteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Eight hundred years of close contact have abated re-
ligious hatred ; and occasional outbursts are due to
priestly instigation. Hindus borrowed the Zenana
system from their conquerors, who imitated them in
discouraging widow-remarriages. Caste digs a gulf
between followers of the rival creeds, but Mr.
Banerjea's tales prove that a good understanding is
possible. It is now imperilled by the curse of politi-
cal agitation.

In 1526 the Afghan dynasty was subverted by a
Mongol chieftain lineally descended from Tamerlane.
His grandson Akbar's reign (1560-1605) was India's
golden age. Akbar the Great was a ruler of the
best modern type, who gave his subjects all the es-
sentials of civilisation. But he knew that material
prosperity is only the means to an end. Man, said
Ruskin, is an engine whose motive power is the soul ;
and its fuel is love. Akbar called all the best ele-
ments in society to his side and linked them in the
bonds of sympathy.

Religion in its highest phase is coloured by mysti-
cism which seeks emblems of the hidden source of
harmony in every form of life. Anthropomorphic
conceptions are laid aside ; ritual is abandoned as

xiv INTRODUCTION

savouring of magic ; hierocracy as part of an obso-
lete caste system ; metaphysical dogma because the
Infinite cannot be weighed in the balances of human
reason. The truce to fanaticism called by Akbar
the Great encouraged a poet and reformer named
Tulsi Dasa (1532-1623) to point a surer way to
salvation. He adored Krishna, the preserving influ-
ence incarnate as Rama, and rehandled Valmiki's
great epic, the Ramayana, in the faint rays of Chris-
tian light which penetrated India during that age of
transition. Buddha had proclaimed the brotherhood
of man ; Tulsi Dasa deduced it from the fatherhood
of God. The Preserver, having sojourned among
men, can understand their infirmities, and is ever

i

ready to save his sinful creatures who call upon him.
The duty of leading others to the fold is imposed on
believers, for we are all children of the same Father.
Tulsi Dasa's Ramayana is better known in Bihar and
the United Provinces than is the Bible in rural Eng-
land. The people of Hindustan are not swayed by
relentless fate, nor by the goddess of destruction.
Their prayers are addressed to a God who loves his
meanest adorer ; they accept this world's bufferings
with resignation : while Rama reigns all is well.

If the hereditary principle were sound, the Empire
cemented together by Akbar's statecraft might have

INTRODUCTION xv

defied aggression. His successors were debauchees
or fanatics. They neglected the army ; a recrudes-
cence of the nomad instinct sent them wandering
over India with a locust-like horde of followers ;
Hindus were persecuted, and their temples were de-
stroyed. So the military castes whose religion was
threatened, rose in revolt ; Viceroys threw off alle-
giance, and carved out kingdoms for themselves.
Within a century of Akbar's death his Empire was
a prey to anarchy.

India had hitherto enjoyed long spells of immunity
from foreign interference. Her people, defended
by the Himalayan wall and the ocean, were free to
develop their own scheme of national life ; and world-
forces which pierce the thickest crust of custom,
reached them in attenuated volume. Their isolation
ended when the sea was no longer a barrier ; and
for maritime nations it is but an extension of their
territory. A third invasion began in the sixteenth
century, and has continued till our own day. The
underlying motive was not economic necessity, nor
religious enthusiasm, but sheer lust of gain.

In 1498 Vasco da Gama discovered an all-sea
route to India, thus opening the fabulous riches of
Asia to hungry Europe. Portuguese, Dutch, French
and English adventurers embarked in a struggle for

xvi INTRODUCTION

Indian commerce, in which our ancestors were victo-
rious because they obtained the command of the sea,
and had the whole resources of the mother-country
at their back.

Westerners are so imbued with the profit-making
instinct that they mentally open a ledger account in
order to prove that India gains more than she loses
by dependence on the people of these islands. It
cannot be denied that the fabric of English admin-
istration is a noble monument of the civil skill and
military prowess developed by our race. We have
given the peninsula railways and canals, postal and
telegraph systems, a code of laws which is far in
advance of our own. Profound peace broods over
the empire, famine and pestilence are fought with
the weapons of science. It would be easy to pile
up items on the debit side of our imaginary cash-
book. Free trade has destroyed indigenous crafts
wholesale, and quartered the castes who pursued
them on an over-taxed soil. Incalculable is the
waste of human life and inherited skill caused by
the shifting of productive energy from India to
Great Britain, Germany and America. It cannot
be said that the oversea commerce, which amounted
in 1907-8 to £241,000,000, is an unmixed benefit.
The empire exports food and raw materials, robbing

TNTBODUCTION xvii

the soil of priceless constituents, and buys manu-
factured goods which ought to be produced at home.
Foreign commerce is stimulated by the home charges,
which average £18,000,000, and it received an in-
direct bounty by the closure of the mints in 1893.
The textile industry of Lancashire was built upon
a prohibition of Indian muslins : it now exports yarn
and piece goods to the tune of £32,000,000, and
this trade was unjustly favoured at the expense of
local mills under the Customs Tariff of 1895. But
there are forces in play for good or evil which cannot
be appraised in money. From a material point of
view our Government is the best and most honest
in existence. If it fails to satisfy the psychical
cravings of India there are shortcomings on both
sides ; and some of them are revealed by Mr. Baner-
jea's tales.

Caste. — As a Kulin, or pedigreed Brahmin, he
is naturally prone to magnify the prestige of his
order. It has been sapped by incidents of foreign
rule and the spread of mysticism. Pandits find
their stupendous lore of less account than the literary
baggage of a university graduate. Brahmin pride
is outraged by the advancement of men belonging to
inferior castes. The priesthood's dream is to regain
the ascendancy usurped by a race of Mlecchas

xviii INTRODUCTION

(barbarians) ; and it keeps orthodox Hindus in a
state of suppressed revolt. One centre of the in-
sidious agitation is the fell goddess Kali's shrine near
Calcutta ; another is Puna, which has for centuries
been a stronghold of the clannish Maratha Brahmans.
Railways have given a mighty impetus to religion
by facilitating access to places of pilgrimage ; the
post office keeps disaffected elements in touch ; and
English has become a lingua franca.

While Brahminism, if it dared, could proclaim a
religious war, it has powerful enemies within the
hierarchy. A desire for social recognition is uni-
versal. It was the Patricians' refusal to intermarry
with Plebeians that caused the great constitutional
struggles of Ancient Rome. Many of the lowest
castes are rebelling against Brahmin arrogance.
They have waxed rich by growing lucrative staples,
and a strong minority are highly educated. Mysti-
cal sects have already thrown off the priestly yoke.
But caste is by no means confined to races of Indian
blood. What is the snobbery which degrades our
English character but the Indo-German Sudra's rever-
ence for his Brahmin? The Europeans constitute
a caste which possesses some solidarity against
" natives," and they have spontaneously adopted
these anti-social distinctions. At the apex stand

INTRODUCTION xix

covenanted civilians ; whose service is now practically
a close preserve for white men. It is split into the
Secretariat, who enjoy a superb climate plus Indian
pay and furlough, and the " rank and file " doomed
to swelter in the plains. Esprit de corps, which is
the life-blood of caste, has vanished. Officers of the
Educational Service, recruited from the same social
strata, rank as << uncovenanted " ; and a sense of
humiliation reacts on their teaching.

The Land. — In 1765 Clive secured for the East
India Company the right of levying land-tax in Ben-
gal. It was then collected by zemindars, a few of
whom were semi-independent nobles, and the rest
mere farmers of revenue, who bid against one an-
other at the periodical settlements. Tenant right
apart, the conception of private property in the soil
was inconceivable to the Indian mind. Every one
knows that it was borrowed by English lawyers from
the Roman codes, when commercialism destroyed
the old feudal nexus. Lord Cornwallis's permanent
Settlement of 1793 was a revolution as drastic in its
degree as that which France was undergoing. Ze-
mindars were presented with the land for which they
had been mere rakers-in of revenue. It was par-
celled out into " estates," which might be bought and

sold like moveable property. A tax levied at custom-

b *

xx INTRODUCTION

ary rates became " rent " arrived at by a process of
bargaining between the landlord and ignorant rustics.
The Government demand was fixed for ever, but no
attempt was made to safeguard the ryot's interests.
Cornwallis and his henchmen fondly supposed that
they were manufacturing magnates of the English
type, who had made our agriculture a model for the
world. They were grievously mistaken. Under the
cast-iron law of sale most of the original zemindars
lost their estates, which passed into the hands of
parvenus saturated with commercialism. Bengal is
not indebted to its zemindars for any of the new
staples which have created so vast a volume of
wealth. They are content to be annuitants on the
land, and sub-infeudation has gone to incredible
lengths. Most of them are absentees whose one
thought is to secure a maximum of unearned incre-
ment from tillers of the soil. In 1765 the land
revenue amounted to £3,400,000, of which £258,000
was allotted to zemindars. A century afterwards
their net profits were estimated at £12,000,000,
and they are now probably half as much again. The
horrible oppression described by Mr. Banerjea is
impossible in our era of law-courts, railways and
newspapers. But it is always dangerous to bring
the sense of brotherhood, on which civilisation

INTRODUCTION xxi

depends, into conflict with crude animal instincts.
In days of American slavery the planter's interest
prompted him to treat his human cattle with con-
sideration, yet Simon Legrees were not unknown.
It is a fact that certain zemindars are in the habit
of remeasuring their ryots' holdings periodically, and
always finding more land than was set forth in the
lease.

The Police. — A pale copy of Sir Kobert Peel's
famous system was introduced in 1861, when hosts
of inspectors, sub-inspectors and head constables
were let loose on Bengal. The new force was highly
unpopular, and failed to attract the educated classes.
Subaltern officers, therefore, used power for private
ends, while the masses were so inured to oppression
that they offered no resistance. There has been a
marked improvement in the personnel of late years ;
and Mr. Banerjea's lurid pictures of corruption and
petty tyranny apply to a past generation of police-
men. The Lieutenant-Governor of Eastern Bengal
does justice to a much-abused service in his Adminis-
trative Eeport for 1907-8. His Honour " believes
the force to be a hard-working body of Government
servants, the difficulties, trials, arid even dangers of
whose duties it is impossible for the public at large
really to appreciate ". He acknowledges that " India

xxii INTRODUCTION

is passing through a period of transition. Old pre-
possessions and unscientific methods must be cast
aside, and the value of the confession must be held
at a discount." Bengal policemen fail as egregiously
as their British colleagues in coping with professional
crime. Burglary is a positive scourge, and the
habit of organising gang-robberies has spread to
youths of the middle class.

Education. — Though Mr. Banerjea has no experi-
ence of the inner working of our Government offices,
he speaks on education with an expert's authority.
Lord Macaulay, who went to India in 1834 as legal
member of Council, was responsible for the introduc-
tion pf English as the vehicle of instruction. He
had gained admission to the caste of Whigs, whose
battle-cry was "Knowledge for the People," and his
brilliant rhetoric overpowered the arguments of
champions of oriental learning. Every one with a
smattering of Sanskrit, Arabic or Persian, regrets the
fact that those glorious languages have not been
adequately cultivated in modern India. Bengali is a
true daughter of the Sanskrit ; it has Italian sweet-
ness and German capacity for expressing abstract
ideas. No degree of proficiency in an alien tongue
can compensate for the neglect of the vernacular.
Moreover, the curriculum introduced in the " thirties "

INTKODUCTION xxiii

was purely academic. It came to India directly
from English universities, which had stuck fast in
the ruts of the Renaissance. Undue weight was
given to literary training, while science and technical
skill were despised. Our colleges and schools do not
attempt to build character on a foundation of useful
habits and tastes that sweeten life ; to ennoble ideals,
or inspire self-knowledge, self-reliance, and self-con-
trol. Technical education is still in its infancy; and
the aesthetic instinct which lies dormant in every
Aryan's brain is unawakened. A race which in-
vented the loom now invents nothing but grievances.
In 1901 Bengal possessed 69,000 schools and col-
leges, attended by 1,700,000 pupils, yet only one
adult male in 10 and one female in 144 can read
and write ! The Calcutta University is an examining
body on the London model. It does not attempt to
enforce discipline in a city which flaunts every vice
known to great seaports and commercial centres, un-
mitigated by the social instinct. Nor is the training
of covenanted civilians more satisfactory. In 1909
only 1 out of 50 selected candidates presented him-
self for examination in Sanskrit or Arabic ! Men go
out to India at twenty-four, knowing little of the
ethnology, languages or history of the races they are
about to govern.

xxiv INTRODUCTION

Agriculture. — Seventy-two per cent, of Bengalis
live by cultivating the soil. The vast majority are
in the clutches of some local Shylock, who sweeps
their produce into his garners, doling out inadequate
supplies of food and seed grain. Our courts of law
are used by these harpies as engines of oppression ;
toil as he may the ryot is never free from debt. The
current rates of interest leave no profit from agri-
culture or trade. Twelve to 18 per cent, is charged
for loans on ample landed security ; and ordinary
cultivators are mulcted in 40 to 60. A haunting
fear of civil discord, and purblind conservatism in
the commercial castes, are responsible for the dearth
of capital. India imports bullion amounting to
£25,000,000 a year, to the great detriment of
European credit, and nine-tenths of it is hoarded in
the shape of ornaments or invested in land, which
is a badge of social rank. Yet the Aryan nature is
peculiarly adapted to co-operation. If facilities for
borrowing at remunerative rates existed in towns,
agricultural banks on the Schulze-Delitzsch and
Eaiffeisen systems would soon overspread the land.
Credit and co-operative groupings for the purchase
of seed, fertilisers and implements, are the twin
pillars of rural industry. Indian ryots are quite as
receptive of new ideas as English farmers. They

INTKODUCTION xxv

bought many thousands of little iron sugar mills,
placed on the market a generation back by some
English speculators, and will adopt any improve-
ments of practical value if the price is brought within
their slender means.

The revolution which began a decade ago in
America has not spread to Bengal, where the
average yield of grain per acre is only 10 bushels
as compared with 30 in Europe. Yet it has been
calculated that another bushel would defray the
whole cost of Government ! Bengalis obey the in-
junction "increase and multiply" without regard for
consequences. Their habitat has a population of
552 per square mile, and in some districts the ratio
exceeds 900. Clearly there is a pressing need of
scientific agriculture, to replace or supplement the
rule-of-thumb methods in which the ryot is a past
master.

The Bengali Character. — Mr. Banerjea has lifted
a corner of the veil that guards the Indian's home
from prying eyes. He shows that Bengalis are men
of like passions with us. The picture is perhaps
overcharged with shade. Sycophants, hustlers and
cheats abound in every community ; happily for the
future of civilisation there is also a leaven of true
nobility : " The flesh striveth against the spirit,"

xxvi INTEODUCTION

nor does it always gain mastery. Having mixed with
all classes for twenty eventful years, and speaking
the vernacular fluently, I am perhaps entitled to hold
an opinion on this much-vexed question. The most
salient feature in the Indian nature is its bound-
less charity. There are no poor laws, and the
struggle for life is very severe ; yet the aged and in-
firm, the widow and the orphan have their allotted
share in the earnings of every household. It is a
symptom of approaching famine that beggars are
perforce refused their daily dole. Cruelty to children
is quite unknown. Parents will deny themselves
food in order to defray a son's schooling-fees or marry
a daughter with suitable provision. Bengalis are
remarkably clannish : they will toil and plot to ad-
vance the interests of anyone remotely connected with
them by ties of blood.

Their faults are the outcome of superstition, slavery
to custom, and an unhealthy climate. Among them
is a lack of moral courage, a tendency to lean on
stronger natures, and to flatter a superior by feign-
ing to agree with him. The standard of truth and
honesty is that of all races which have been ground
under heel for ages : deceit is the weapon of weaklings
and slaves. Perjury has become a fine art, because
our legal system fosters the chicane which is innate

INTRODUCTION xxvii

in quick-witted peoples. The same man who lies
unblushingly in an English court, will tell the truth
to an assembly of caste-fellows, or to the Panchayat
(a committee of five which arbitrates in private dis-
putes). Let British Pharisees study the working of
their own Divorce and County Courts : they will not
find much evidence of superior virtue ! As for
honesty, the essence of commercialism is "taking ad-
vantage of other people's needs," and no legal code
has yet succeeded in drawing a line between fair
and unfair trade. In India and Japan merchants
are an inferior class ; and loss of self-respect reacts un-
favourably on the moral sense. Ingratitude is a vice
attributed to Bengalis by people who have done little
or nothing to elicit the corresponding virtue. As a
matter of fact their memory is extremely retentive
of favours. They will overlook any shortcomings in
a ruler who has the divine gift of sympathy, and
serve him with devotion. Macaulay has branded
them with cowardice. If the charge were true, it
was surely illogical and unmanly to reproach a com-
munity numbering 50,000,000 for inherited defects.
Difference of environment and social customs will
account for the superior virility of Europeans as com-
pared with their distant kinsmen whose lot is cast
in the sweltering tropics. But no one who has

xxviii INTBODUCTION

observed Bengali schoolboys standing up bare-legged
to fast bowling will question their bravery. In fact,
the instinct of combativeness is universal, and among
protected communities it finds vent in litigation.

Englishmen who seek to do their duty by India
have potential allies in the educated classes, who
have grafted Western learning on a civilisation much
more ancient than their own. Bengal has given
many illustrious sons to the empire. Among the
dead I may mention Pandits Ishwar Chandra Vidy-
asagar and Kissari Mohan Ganguli, whose vast
learning was eclipsed by their zeal for social service ;
Dr. Sambhu Chandra Mukharji, whose biography I
wrote, in 1895 ; and Mr. Umesh Chandra Banarji, a
lawyer who held his own with the flower of our Eng-
lish bar. A Bengali Brahmin is still with us who
directs one of the greatest contracting firms in the
empire. How much brighter would India's outlook
be if this highly-gifted race were linked in bonds of
sympathy with our own !

The women of the Gangetic delta deserve a better
fate than is assigned to them by Hindu and Moham-
madan custom. They are kept in leading-strings
from the cradle to the grave ; their intellect is
rarely cultivated, their affections suffer atrophy from
constant repression. Yet Mr. Banerjea draws more

INTBODUCTION xxix

than one picture of wifely devotion, and the instinctive
good sense which is one of the secrets of feminine
influence. Women seldom fail to rise to the occa-
sion when opportunity is vouchsafed them. The late
Maharani Surnomoyi of Cossimbazar managed her
enormous estates with acumen ; and her charities
were as lavish as Lady Burdett-Coutts's. Toru Dutt,
who died in girlhood, wrote French and English
verses full of haunting sweetness. It is a little pre-
mature for extremists to prate of autonomy while
their women are prisoners or drudges.

Superstition. — Modes of thought surviving from
past ages of intellectual growth are the chief obstacles
in the path of progress. Mr. Banerjea's tales con-
tain many references to magic — a pseudo-science
which clings to the world's religions and social
polity. It is doubtful whether the most civilised of
us has quite shaken off the notion that mysterious
virtues may be transmitted without the impetus of
will-power. Latin races are haunted by dread of the
Evil Eye; advertisements of palmists, astrologers
and crystal-gazers fill columns of our newspapers.
Rational education alone enables us to trace the
sequence of cause and effect which* is visible in every
form of energy. Until this truth is generally recog-
nised no community can eradicate the vices of
superstition.

xxx INTKODUCTION

The "unrest" of which we hear so much finds no
echo in Mr. Banerjea's pages. It is, indeed, con-
fined to a minute percentage of the population, even
including the callow schoolboys who have been
tempted to waste precious years on politics. The
masses are too ignorant and too absorbed by the
struggle for existence to care one jot for reforms.
They may, however, be stirred to blind fury by ap-
pealing to their prejudices. Therein lies a real
danger. Divergence of religious ideals, to which I
have already alluded, accounts for the tranquillity
that prevails throughout Bihar as compared with the
spirit of revolution in Bengal proper. The microbe
of anarchy finds an excellent culture-ground in minds
which grove] before the goddess Kali. But the un-
rest cannot be isolated from other manifestations of
cosmic energy, which flash from mind to mind and
keep the world in turmoil. Every force of nature
tends to be periodic. The heart's systole and dia-
stole; alternations of day and night, of season and
tide, are reflected in the history of our race. Pro-
gress is secured by the swing of a giant pendulum
from East to West, the end of each beat ushering in
drastic changes in religion, economics and social
polity. It is probable that one of these cataclysmic
epochs opened with the victories wrested from

INTRODUCTION xxxi

Russia by Japan. The democratic upheaval which
began five hundred years ago is assuming Protean
forces ; and amongst them is the malady aptly styled
" constitutionalitis " by Dr. Dillon. The situation in
India demands prescience and statecraft. Though
world-forces cannot be withstood, they are suscept-
ible of control by enlightened will-power. Will
peace be restored by the gift of constitutional govern-
ment at a crisis when the august Mother of Parlia-
ments is herself a prey to faction? It is worthy of
note that the self-same spirit has always been rife
in Bengal, where every village has its Dais — local
Montagues and Capulets, whose bickerings are a
fertile source of litigation.

Mr. Banerjea's tales were written for his own
countrymen, and needed extensive revision in order
to render them intelligible to Western readers. I
have preserved the author's spirit and phraseology ;
and venture to hope that this little book will shed
some light on the problem of Indian administration.

Francis H. Serine.

THE PEIDE OF KADAMPUB.

Kadampur is a country village which is destitute of
natural or artificial attractions and quite unknown
to farne. Its census population is barely 1,500, four-
fifths of whom are low-caste Hindus, engaged in
cultivation and river-fishing ; the rest Mohamma-
dans, who follow the same avocations but dwell in
a Pdrd (quarter) of their own. The Bhadralok, or
Upper Crust, consists of two Brahman and ten
Kayastha (writer-caste) families. Among the latter
group Kumodini Kanta Basu's took an unquestioned
lead. He had amassed a modest competence as
sub-contractor in the Commissariat during the second
Afghan War, and retired to enjoy it in his ancestral
village. His first care was to rebuild the family re-
sidence, a congenial task which occupied five years
and made a large hole in his savings. It slowly grew
into a masonry structure divided into two distinct
Mahdls (wings) — the first inhabited by men-folk ; the
second sacred to the ladies and their attendants.

Behind it stood the kitchen ; and the Pujarddldn

1

2 TALES OF BENGAL

(family temple) occupied a conspicuous place in front,
facing south. The usual range of brick cattle-sheds
and servants' quarters made up quite an imposing
group of buildings.

Villagers classed amongst the gentry are wont to
gather daily at some Chandimandap (a rustic temple
dedicated to the goddess Durga, attached to most
better-class houses). Kumodini Babu's was a favourite
rendezvous, and much time was killed there in con-
versation, card-playing, and chess. Among the group
assembled, one crisp afternoon in February, was an
old gentleman, called Shamsundar Ghosh, and known
to ho^ts of friends as " Sham Babu ". He was head
clerk in a Calcutta merchant's office, drawing Es. 60
a month (£48 a year at par), which sufficed for the
support of his wife and a son and daughter, respec-
tively named Susil and Shaibalini. After a vain at-
tempt to make two ends meet in expensive Calcutta,
he had settled down at the outskirts of Kadampur,
which has a railway station within half an hour's
run of the Metropolis. Sham Babu's position and
character were generally respected by neighbours,
who nocked to his house for Calcutta gossip.

On this particular occasion talk ran on Kadampur
requirements, and somebody opined that another
tank for bathing and drinking purposes ought to be
excavated at once ; he did not say by whom.

THE PKIDE OF KADAMPUE 3

" True," observed Sham Babu, " bat a market is
still more necessary. We have to trudge four miles
for our vegetables and fish, which are obtainable in
a more or less stale condition only twice a week. If
one were started here, it would be a great boon to
ten villages at least." Kumodini Babu assented,
without further remark, and the subject dropped.

It came up again on the following Sunday, when
Kumodini Babu said to his friend : —

" I have been thinking about your idea of a
market in this village, and should like, if possible, to
establish one myself. How much would it cost me ?
As an old commissariat contractor, I am well up in
the price of grain, fodder and ghi (clarified butter
used in cooking), but I really know very little about
other things."

The confession elicited a general laugh, and Sham
Babu replied, " It will be a matter of Es. 200 ".

"Two hundred rupees! Surely that is far too
much for a range of huts."

" True enough. Your own bamboo clumps, straw-
stacks and stores of cordage would provide raw ma-
terial ; and as for labour, all you have to do is to
order some of your ryots (tenants) who are behind-
hand with their rent to work for you gratis."

"That would be contrary to my principles. How

are these poor people to live while engaged in

1 *

4 TALES OF BENGAL

begdr (forced labour) on my behalf ? They must be
paid."

"Very well, then, let us set apart Rs. 20 to meet
the cost of market buildings. But, for the first few
weeks, you will have to buy up the unsold stock of
perishable goods brought by Farias (hucksters) ; you
must patronise the shopkeepers who open stalls
for selling grain, cloth, confectionery, tobacco and
trinkets. Once these people find that they are making
fair profits they will gladly pay you rent for space al-
lotted, besides tolls on the usual scale. At least Ks.
180 must be set apart for these preliminary expenses."

Kumodini Babu never did anything in haste. A
fortnight elapsed ere he announced to the neighbours
gathered in his Chandimandap that he intended start-
ing a bi-weekly market on a vacant plot measuring
one Blgha (one-third of an acre), known as the
Kamarbari (Anglice, "Abode of Blacksmiths"). On
an auspicious day towards the end of April, he in-
augurated the new enterprise with some ceremony.
His own ryots were enjoined to attend ; shopkeepers,
hucksters, and fishermen who had hitherto gone much
further afield, camein considerable numbers ; and busi-
ness was amazingly brisk. Zemindars (landed pro-
prietors) generally have to wait for months and
spend money like water before they gain a pice
(a bronze coin worth a farthing) from a new

THE PEIDE OP KADAMPUB 5

market. Kumodini Babu, however, began to reap
where he had sown in less than a fortnight. Not an
inch of space in the Karnarbari remained unoccu-
pied ; his Hat-Gomastha, or bailiff, levied rent and
tolls for vendors, at whose request the market was
proclaimed a tri-weekly one. His fame as a man
of energy and public spirit spread over ten villages,
whose people felt that he was one who would give
them good counsel in times of difficulty.

There is some truth in the notion that fortune's gifts
seldom come singly. Kumodini Babu's success in a
business venture was immediately followed by one
in his domestic affairs. It fell out in this wise. Sham
Babu's daughter, Shaibalini, was still unmarried,
though nearly thirteen and beautiful enough to be
the pride of Kadampur. Money was, indeed, the
only qualification she lacked, and Sham Babu's com-
parative poverty kept eligible suitors at a distance.
For three years he had sought far and wide for a son-
in-law and was beginning to fear that he might, after
all, be unable to fulfil the chief duty of a Hindu
parent. One evening his wife unexpectedly entered
the parlour where he was resting s after a heavy day
at office.

" Why has the moon risen so early? " he asked.

"Because the moon can't do otherwise," she an-
swered, with a faint smile. " But, joking apart, I want

G TALES OF BENGAL

to consult you about Saili. Our neighbour Kanto
Babu's wife called on me just before you returned
from Calcutta, and, after beating about the bush, sug-
gested Kumodini Babu's younger son, Nalini, as a
suitable match for her."

Sham Babu's face wore a worried look.

" Surely that would be flying too high for such as
us," he rejoined. "The Basus are comparatively
rich, and very proud of their family which settled
here during the Mughal days (i.e., before British
rule, which in Bengal date from 1765). Young
Nalini is reading for his B.A. examination and
wants to be a pleader (advocate). Kumodini Babu
would hardly allow his son to marry the daughter of
a poor clerk."

" Still, there is no harm in trying," remarked the
wife. "If you don't feel equal to approaching him,
there's Kanto Babu who would do so. It was his
wife who broached the subject to me, which makes
me think that they have been discussing it together."

"An excellent idea," exclaimed Sham Babu. "I'll
go to him at once." And taking his stick, he set out
for Kanto Babu's house, which was barely fifty yards
off. In half an hour he returned to gladden his wife
with the news that their neighbour had consented to
act as a go-between.

Kanto Babu was as good as his word. That very

THE PRIDE OF KADAMPUR 7

evening he called on Kumodini Babu, whom he found
reading the Mahdbhdrata (an epic poem). After dwell-
ing now on this matter, now on that, he asked casu-
ally :—

" Have you never thought of getting Nalini married ?
He is over twenty, I believe."

" My wife has been urging me to look out for a
wife for him, but in my opinion he is too young for
such responsibilities. Better wait till he has passed
theB.A. examination."

"Your wife's idea is sounder than yours, if I
may be permitted to say so. Just think of the awful
temptations to which unmarried students are exposed
in that sink of profligacy, Calcutta ! How many pro-
mising lads have succumbed to them, wrecking their
own lives and causing bitter grief to their parents ! ' !

Kumodini Babu started. " You surprise me ! I
had no idea that Calcutta was as bad as you paint it.
We must certainly get Nalini married at once. I
wonder whether you know of a likely match for him.
I don't care about money, but "

" That I do," interrupted Kanto Babu. " There's
Sham Babu's daughter, Shaibalini. What a pretty
creature she is ; modest, loving and kind-hearted !
You won't find her equal in this eldqa (lit. jurisdiction).
If you approve, I will gladly be your spokesman with
her family."

8 TALES OF BENGAL

Kumodini Babu mused awhile before answering.
"I know Shaibalini well by reputation, and she is all
you describe her. Sham Babu, too, comes of excellent
lineage, though he is not a Zemindar, and depends on
service. I should not object to marrying Nalini with
his daughter. But wait a bit : what gotra (clan) does
he belong to ? "

"I believe he is a Dakhin Rarhi," answered Kanto
Babu.

"But I am an Uttar Rarhi," remarked Kumodini
Babu. " Is not that a fatal objection ? "

For the benefit of non-Hindu readers I may explain
that Kayasthas are split into clans — probably a sur-
vival of the tribal organisation which preceded the
family almost everywhere. According to tradition, a
King of Bengal named Adisur imported five Brah-
mans, and as many Kayastha servants from Kanauj
in Upper India. From the latter are descended
the Ghosh, Basu, Mitra, Guha, and Datta families.
The first four are generally recognised as Kulin (Angl.,
"aristocratic") Kayasthas, while the Dattas and
seven other families are known as Sindhu Maulik —
"coming of a good stock". Adisur and his com-
panions found 700 Brahmans and the same number
of Kayasthas already established in Bengal. These
are the supposed ancestors of a large number of
Kayastha families still termed Saptasati, " the Seven

THE PEIDB OF KADAMPUE 9

Hundred ". The ancient Greeks reckoned their neigh-
bours beyond the Hellenic pale as "barbarians".
So Brahmans and Kayasthas of Central Bengal
styled their congeners north of the Ganges Bdrh,
or " uncivilised ". The epithet survives in Uttar
(north) and Dakhin (south) Rarhi, but has lost its
offensive meaning. Barendra is another phrase for
the inhabitants of a tract north of the Ganges, which
answers to the modern districts of Rajshahi, Pabna,
and Bogra.

Kanto Babu was evidently perplexed ; but after re-
flecting for a short time he asked, " Now why should
such a trifling matter cause any trouble whatever ?
The time has long since passed away when arbitrary
difference of clan was considered a bar to marriage
among Kayasthas."

"You are quite right," was Kumodini Babu's re-
ply, "and personally I am above these old-fashioned
prejudices. My daughter-in-law may be Dakhin
Karhi, Banga-ja, or Barendri for all I care, provided
she be comely, well-mannered and come of good
stock. But will Sham Babu be equally tolerant ? "

"That I can't say until I have, consulted him,"
answered Kanto Babu. " One thing more I must
know. What is your idea of Dend Pdona (a word
answering to our ' settlements ')?•"

" Ram, Ram ! " exclaimed Kumodini Babu. " Am

10 TALES OF BENGAL

I the man to sell my son for filthy lucre ? I hear that
Calcutta folks occasionally do so, but I am quite
opposed to the custom. Should Sham Babu agree
to this match, I will make no stipulations whatever
as to a money payment. He is in very moderate
circumstances, and may give whatever he chooses.
Please see him at once and let me have his decision."

Kanto Babu promised to do so and withdrew,
inwardly chuckling over his diplomacy.

Sham Babu called on him the same evening to
learn its issue. He was delighted to find that Kumo-
dini Babu was not averse to the match, but his face
fell pn hearing of the difference of clan. Observing
his agitation, Kanto Babu observed gently, "I don't
see why a matter, which is not even mentioned in
our Shastras (holy books), should cause one moment's
hesitation. Pluck up your courage, man, and all will
go well."

" Perhaps so," murmured Sham Babu. " But I do
stand in awe of the Samaj " (a caste-assembly which
pronounces excommunication for breaches of custom).

" That's all nonsense ! Look at our friend Kunjalal
Babu who has just married his son to a Barendri
girl. Is he an outcast ? Certainly not. It is true
that the ultra-orthodox kicked a bit at first ; but they
all came round, and joined in the ceremony with
zest. I can quote scores of similar instances to

THE PKIDE OF KADAMPUB 11

prove that this prejudice against marrying into a
different clan is quite out of date."

Sham Babu had nothing to urge in opposition to
these weighty arguments. He promised to let Kanto
Babu have a definite reply on the morrow and kept
his word. Having endured a curtain lecture from
his wife, who proved to him that an alliance with the
Basu family offered advantages far outweighing the
slight risk there was of excommunication, he
authorised Kanto Babu to assure Kumodini Babu
that the proposed match had his hearty approval.
Once preliminaries were satisfactorily settled, all
other arrangements proceeded apace. The Paka
Dekha is a solemn visit paid by males of the future
bridegroom's family to that of his betrothed, during
which they are feasted and decide all details regard-
ing the marriage ceremonies. It passed off without
a hitch, and the purohit (family priest) fixed Sr van
17th as an auspicious day for consummating the
union. Thenceforward preparations were made for
celebrating it in a manner worthy of the esteem in
which both families were held.

Kumodini Babu issued invitations to all his rela-
tives. Chief amongst these was a younger brother,
Ghaneshyam Basu by name, who practised as a
pleader (advocate) at Ghoria, where he had built a
house after disposing of his interest in the family

12 TALES OF BENGAL

estate to Kumodini Babu. This important person
was asked to supervise the ceremonies, inasmuch
as Kumodini Babu's increasing age and infirmities
rendered him unfit to do so efficiently, while his eldest
son, yclept Jadu Babu, had barely reached man's
estate. The letter of invitation referred incidentally
to the difference of clan as a matter of no importance.
Kumodini Babu's disappointment may be conceived
when he got an answer from his younger brother, ex-
pressing strong disapproval of the match and ending
with a threat to sever all connection with the family
if it were persisted in ! The recipient at first thought
of running up to Ghoria, in view of softening Ghane-
shyam Babu's heart by a personal appeal, but the
anger caused by his want of brotherly feeling pre-
vailed. Kumodini Babu and his wife agreed that
matters had gone too far to admit of the marriage
being broken off. If Ghaneshyam did not choose to
take part in it, so much the worse for him !

Soon after dusk on Sravan 17th, Nalini entered his
palanquin, arrayed in a beautiful costume of Benares
silk. The wedding procession set out forthwith, amid
a mighty blowing of conch-shells and beating of
drums. At 8 p.m. it reached the bride's abode, where
her family, with Sham Babu at the head, were ready
to receive them. An hour later Nalini was conducted
to the inner apartments, where the marriage ceremony

THE PEIDE OF KADAMPUR 13

began. It lasted until nearly eleven o'clock, when
the young couple were taken to the Basarghar, or
nuptial apartment. During these rites the men-folk
were perhaps more pleasantly engaged in doing ample
justice to a repast provided for them in the outer
rooms. Then they chewed betels in blissful rum-
ination, before separating with emphatic acknowledg-
ments of the hospitality they had enjoyed.

On the following afternoon both bridegroom and
bride were taken in palanquins to Kumodini Babu's
house, where she instantaneously won every heart by
her grace and beauty. Two days later the Bau-Bhat
ceremony was held. This is a feast in the course of
which the bride (bait) distributes cooked rice (bhdt)
with her own hands to bidden guests, in token of her
reception into her husband's family and clan. Kumo-
dini Babu had requisitioned an immense supply of
dainties from local godlas (dairymen) and moiras (con-
fectioners) with a view to eclipsing all previous
festivals of the kind.

Early in the morning of the Bau-Bhat day a palan-
quin was carried into Kumodini Babu's courtyard ;
and who should emerge from it but Ghaneshyam
Babu ! He ran up to his brother, who was sitting
with some neighbours in the parlour, and, clasping his
feet, implored forgiveness. Kumodini Babu's heart
leaped for joy. Tenderly did he embrace the penitent,

14 TALES OF BENGAL

who admitted that his peace of mind had fled from
the moment he penned that cruel letter. He now
saw the absurdity of his prejudices, and begged
Kumodini Babu to forget his unbrotherly conduct.
It is needless to add that the prayer was cordially
granted and that Ghaneshyam Babu received a
blessing from his elder brother. Thanks to his super-
vision the Bau-Bhat feast passed off at night without
the slightest contretemps. Ten years later people
still dwelt on the magnificent hospitality they had
received, and held Kumodini Babu up as a model to
fathers-in-law. In order that all classes might rejoice
with, him, he remitted a year's rent to every ryot,
besides lavishing considerable sums on Brahmans and
poor folk. The more enlightened section of Kayas-
thas were unanimous in pronouncing him to be a true
Hindu, on whose descendants the gods on high would
pour down their choicest blessings. There were
others, however, whose malignity found material to
work on in his disregard of caste prejudices.

THE RIVAL MARKETS.

The immediate success of Kumodini Balm's market
caused infinite annoyance to Ramani Babu, who
owned one long established in the neighbourhood.
Hucksters and country-folk found the tolls levied
there so much lighter, that the attendance at Ram-
ani's fell off grievously. It is well known that when
a new market is started, proprietors already in the
field endeavour to break it up with the aid of paid
Idthidls (clubmen). If, as often happens, the daring
speculator be a man of substance, he employs similar
means in his defence. Free fights occur on market-
days, ending in many a broken head — sometimes in
slaughter. The battle is directed by Gomasthas
(bailiffs) on either side, with the full knowledge of
their masters, who keep discreetly aloof from the
fray.

Ramani Babu did not foresee that his property
would be injured by the new venture, and allowed it
to be firmly established without striking a single
blow. Finding a lamentable decrease in his receipts,

15

16 TALES OF BENGAL

he ordered the bailiff to "go ahead," and took an
early train for Calcutta in order to set up an alibi in
case of legal proceedings. A day or two later his
bailiff, attended by six or seven men armed with iron-
shod bamboo staves, assembled at the outskirts of
Kumodini Babu's market, on a spot where four
roads met.

Ere long a cart was descried approaching from
eastwards, whose driver bawled snatches of song
and puffed his hookah between whiles. When it
reached the crossing, the bailiff shouted : —
" Stop ! whither so early, friend?"
",To market," the man replied carelessly.
" Whose market ? "

" The new one, started by Kumodini Babu."
"What have you got in those baskets of yours? "
" Oh, sweet potatoes, brinj&ls (egg-plants), and a lot
of other vegetables."

" Why don't you attend Eamani Babu's market ? "
" Because it does not pay me to go there."
" So you used to take your vegetables to Kamani
Babu's market? "

" Yes ; but there are hardly any customers left.
Now please let me go ; the sun is high up."
" So you won't obey me!"

" No ! " roared the carter, prodding his oxen vici-
ously.

THE RIVAL MARKETS 17

" Stop a minute, I tell you ! Whose ryot (tenant)
are you ? "

" Ramani Babu's."

" What, you are his ryot and yet are acting against
his interests? If he hears of your perfidy he will
certainly turn you out of his estate ! "

"Why should he?" asked the fellow, now thor-
oughly frightened. " I am a very poor man, and
Ramani Babu is my father and mother. He cannot ob-
ject to my selling a few vegetables wherever I please."

" But he does object," rejoined the bailiff sternly.
" What's your name and residence ? "

" Sadhu Sheikh, of Simulgachi."

" Now, do you know who I am ? "

"No-o," replied Sadhu, hesitatingly.

" I am Ramani Babu's new bailiff, sent with these
men to see that his market is well attended."

Sadhu' s tone completely changed. " Salam, Babu,"
he whined. " I did not know who you were. Please
let me pass or I shall be too late."

"Not so fast, friend," shouted the bailiff. "Once
for all, are you going to obey me or not ? "

Sadhu prodded his bullocks into a lumbering

canter ; but the bailiff gave a signal to his clubmen,

who ran after him, dragged him out of the cart, and

thrashed him soundly. Then two of them escorted

him, with his wares, to their master's market, which

9.

18 TALES OF BENGAL

was being held about three miles away. The bailiff
waited at the crossing for new arrivals. They were
not long in coming. A fishwoman, heavily laden,
passed by. He hailed her, and on learning whither
she was bound, ordered his men to drag her to their
master's market, which they did, despite the volume
of abuse which she hurled at their heads. In this
manner some half a dozen deserters were captured
and escorted to the old market.

The story of his tyranny spread like wildfire
through neighbouring villages, with many amplifica-
tions, of course. Kumodini Babu heard that his
rival .had arrested a hundred frequenters of his mar-
ket and was about to destroy the shelters he had
erected for salesmen. This information filled him
with anxiety and, after consulting friends, he lodged
a complaint at the police station. In the remote in-
terior of Bengal policemen are all-powerful. They
usurp authority to which they are not entitled by
law, and use it for private ends. All classes go in
perpetual fear of them; for, by a stroke of the pen,
they can ruin reputations and defeat justice. No one
has recourse to their dreaded agency who can avoid
doing so or has the means of gratifying their greed.
By giving a handsome douceur to the Sub-Inspector,
Kumodini Babu obtained a promise of support, which
he was simple enough to rely upon.

THE KIVAL MAEKETS 19

Meantime Eamani Babu's market bailiff was not
idle. Knowing that he had acted illegally, he resolved
to " square " the executive. So, one evening, he per-
suaded his master to accompany him to the police
station, provided with a bundle of ten-rupee currency
notes. After discussing commonplaces with the
Sub-Inspector, they adjourned to an inner room,
where they induced him to take their side — for very
weighty reasons.

Matters now began to look ugly for Kumodini
Babu. Every vendor who approached his market was
intercepted. He implored the help of the Sub-In-
spector, who, however, observed a strict neutrality,
hinting that the complainant was at liberty to defend
himself with the aid of clubmen. But Kumodini
Babu was a man of peace, and finding the policeman
something less than lukewarm, he resigned himself
to the inevitable.

His evil star continued to prevail, for, soon after

these untoward events, it brought him into collision

with the police. In consequence of an understanding

with Bamani Babu, the Sub-Inspector took to buying

provisions from the few shopkeepers who still attended

Kumodini Babu's market and referring them to him

for payment. His constables, too, helped themselves

freely to rice and vegetables without even asking the

price, and had their shoes blacked gratis by Kumodini

2*

20 TALES OF BENGAL

Babu's muchis (leather-dressers). His bailiff put up
with their vagaries, until the shopkeepers came in a
body to say that unless they were stopped, the market
would be entirely deserted. The luckless Zemindar
was staggered by the tale of oppression. He paid for
every article extorted by the police, but strictly forbade
the vendors to give any further credit. The Sub-
Inspector was deeply incensed in finding this source
of illicit profit cut off, and his vengeance was per-
petrated under the pretence of law.

One evening, while Kumodini Babu was conning
the Mahdbhdrata (an ancient epic) in his parlour,
the Sub-Inspector came in, armed with a search
warrant issued by the Deputy Magistrate of Ghoria,
which he showed the astonished master of the house.
A charge of receiving stolen property brought against
him was indeed a bolt from the blue ; but when
Kumodini Babu regained his scattered wits, he told
the Sub-Inspector scornfully that he might search
every hole and corner of his house. For half an hour
the police were occupied in turning his furniture and
boxes topsy-turvy ; and at last the Sub-Inspector
went alone into a lumber-room, while his head con-
stable kept Kumodini's attention fixed on the contents
of an almeira (ward-robe) which he was searching.
Shouting, "I have found the property ! " he emerged
from the room with a box containing various articles

THE RIVAL MARKETS 21

of gold and silver, which he said were hidden under
some straw. On comparing them with a list in his
possession he declared that they exactly tallied with
property reported as part of the spoils of a burglary in
the neighbouring village. In vain Kumodini Babu
protested his entire innocence and asked whether he,
a respectable Zemindar, was likely to be a receiver of
stolen goods. He was handcuffed and taken to the
police station on foot, while the Sub-Inspector followed
in a palanquin. Kumodini Babu's women-folk filled
the house with their lamentations ; and his eldest son,
Jadu Nath, was the first to recover from the prostra-
tion caused by sudden misfortune. He had a pony
saddled and galloped to the railway station, whence he
telegraphed to his uncle, Ghaneshyam Babu, the
pleader, "Father arrested: charge receiving stolen
goods ". Ghaneshyam arrived by the next train, and
after hearing the facts returned to Ghoria, where he
applied to the Deputy Magistrate for bail. There was
a strong disinclination to grant it, owing to the gravity
of the charge ; but finally an order was issued, re-
leasing the prisoner on personal recognisance of
Rs. 10,000 and two sureties of Rs. 5,000. The neces-
sary security was immediately forthcoming, and
Kumodini Babu found himself temporarily a free
man, after enduring nearly forty-eight hours of un-
speakable misery in the station lock-up.

22 TALES OF BENGAL

In due course his case came on for hearing before
the Deputy Magistrate. Ghaneshyam Babu secured
the services of a fighting member of the Calcutta bar
and was indefatigable in his efforts to unearth the
nefarious plot against his brother. Proceedings
lasted for four days in a court packed with spectators.
The Sub-Inspector and his accomplices told their story
speciously enough. A burglary had really been com-
mitted and the jewellery found in Kumodini Babu's
outhouse was proved to have been part of the stolen
goods. The issue was — who placed them there ?
On this point the Sub-Inspector's evidence was not
by any means satisfactory. He finally broke down
under rigorous cross-examination, and was forced to
admit that it was quite possible that some one acting
on his behalf had hidden the property in Kumodini
Babu's lumber-room. The battle of the markets was
related in all its dramatic details. Shopkeepers and
ryots alike, seeing that justice was likely to prevail,
came forward to depose to acts of tyranny by
Ramani Babu's servants and their allies, the police,
Evidence of the prisoner's high character was forth-
coming, while his age and dignified bearing spoke
strongly in his favour. The Magistrate saw that
he had been the victim of an abominable conspiracy
and released him amid the suppressed plaudits of
the audience. His reasons for discharge contained

THE EIVAL MARKETS 23

severe strictures on the local police, and even sug-
gested their prosecution. Thus, after weeks of agonis-
ing suspense and an expenditure on legal fees running
into thousands of rupees, Kumodini Babu was de-
clared innocent. He took the humiliation so much
to heart, that he meditated retiring to that refuge
for storm-tossed souls, Benares. But Ghaneshyam
Babu strongly dissuaded him from abandoning the
struggle, at least until he had turned the tables
on his enemies. So Kumodini Babu moved the
District Magistrate to issue process against Ramani
Babu and the Sub-Inspector. He met with a refusal,
however, probably because the higher authorities
thought fit to hush up a glaring scandal which might
" get into the papers," and discredit the administra-
tion. Ramani Babu, therefore, was not molested,
but his accomplice was departmentally censured,
and transferred to an unhealthy district. Kumodini
Babu also thought of discontinuing the market which
had been the fount and origin of his misfortunes.
Here again his brother objected that such a course
would be taken to indicate weakness and encourage
further attacks. His advice was followed. The new
market throve amazingly, while Ramani Babu's was
quite deserted.

A FOUL CONSPIRACY.

On a certain morning in February Ramani Babu
sprung a mine on his tenants by circulating a notice
among them to the effect that they would have to pay
up every pice of rent on or before the 10th prox.
Some hastened to discharge their liabilities, while
others ran about asking for loans or sat with down-
cast eyes, unable to decide what course to take. The
English reader is perhaps unaware that every Bengal
landowner is required to pay revenue to Government
four times a year, viz., on the 28th January, March,
June and September. Any one failing to do so be-
fore sunset on these dates becomes a defaulter, and his
estate is put up to auction in order to satisfy the de-
mand, however small it may be. Property worth
many thousands of rupees has often been sold for
arrears of eight annas (a shilling) or even less. The
near approach of these hist (rent) days is of course a
period of great anxiety to landlords ; some of whom
are forced to borrow the necessary amount on the

security of their wives' ornaments.

24

A FOUL CONSPIRACY 25

On March 28th, 18 — , Ramani Babu had to pay
about Rs. 10,000 as land revenue ; but his ryots' crops
had failed, owing to want of rain, and by the end of
February he had been able to realise only Rs. 1,000,
the greater portion by threats of force. The Indian
peasant's lot is not a happy one. He depends solely
on the produce of the soil, which yields little or noth-
ing if the annual rains should fail, or there be an ex-
cess of moisture. Millions of cultivators never know
what it is to have a good, solid meal. In order to
meet the landlord's demands they have recourse to a
Mahdjan (moneylender) whose exactions leave them a
slender margin for subsistence. But religion and ages
of slavery render them submissive creatures. They
murmur only when very hard pressed.

Sadhu Sheikh, of Simulgachi, lived by raising vege-
tables for sale in Kumodini Babu's market, until
he was forbidden to do so by Ramani Babu's clubmen.
Failing this resource, he abandoned the little trade ;
and thus got deeper into the books of his money-
lender. At this crisis he received a written notice
ordering him to attend Ramani Babu's kacheri (office)
on 17th March without fail. A visit to the local
moneylender was fruitless and only led to a hint that
old scores must be cleared off. So Sadhu returned
home crestfallen and determined to abide by his fate.
On obeying the summons, he found Ramani Babu

26 TALES OF BENGAL

sitting in his office to receive rent, which was brought
him by a crowd of dejected-looking ryots. A great
hubbub was going on ; one Bemani insisting that he
had paid up to date while Ramani Babu's gomastha
(bailiff) stoutly denied the assertion and called on the
objector to produce his receipt. This was not forth-
coming for the simple reason that Bemani had mis-
laid it. He asked the bailiff to show him the ledger
account, and after spelling through the items labori-
ously be found that not a pice stood to his credit,
although he had paid nearly sixty rupees since the
last hist (rent) day. There are few who understand
the value of the ddkhilas (rent receipts) which land-
lords are compelled by law to give them. The little
slips of paper are lost or destroyed, with the result
that many ryots have had to pay twice over. Bemani
vainly invoked Allah to witness that he had discharged
his dues ; the bailiff ordered him to pay within twenty-
four hours on pain of severe punishment. Goaded
to fury by this palpable injustice the poor man de-
clined to do anything of the kind. At this stage
Ramani Babu intervened : —

" You son of a pig, are you going to obey my orders
or not?"

"No, I have paid once, and I won't pay again,"
yelled Bemani, thoroughly roused.

Ramani Babu beckoned to a stalwart doorkeeper

A FOUL CONSPIKACY 27

from the Upper Provinces, who was standing
near.

" Sarbeshwar, give this rascal a taste of your
Shamchand (cane) ! "

He was zealously obeyed and poor Bemani was
thrashed until he lay writhing in agony on the
ground. After taking his punishment he rose, and
looking defiantly at Eamani Babu said : —

"You have treated me cruelly; but you will find
that there is a God who watches all our actions. He
will certainly deal out retribution to you ! ' He then
turned to go.

"I see you are not yet cured," exclaimed Eamani
Babu. " Let him have another dose of Shamchand."

"Yes, go on ! " roared Bemani, "beat me as much
as you please ; you'll have reason to repent sooner
or later ! " With this remark he stood erect, looking
fearlessly at his tormentors. Sarbeshwar adminis-
tered another welting, which drew blood at every
stroke but was borne without sound or movement.
When the doorkeeper stopped for want of breath,
Bemani cast a look of scorn at Ramani Babu and
strode out of the house in silence, -full of rage.

Presently another disturbance was heard. One of
the ryots had paid his rent in full but declined to
add the usual commission exacted by the bailiffs, who
fell on him in a body and pummelled him severely.

28 TALES OF BENGAL

Sadhu witnessed these horrors from a corner of
the room and inwardly besought Allah to save him
from the clutches of those demons. But Srikrishna,
who was the bailiff of his circle, happened to see him
and asked whether he had brought his rent. Sadhu
got up, salamed humbly, and replied, " Babuji, you
know my present circumstances well". "Answer
yes or no," thundered Srikrishna, "I have no time
to listen to your excuses."

" Your servant is a very poor man," continued
Sadhu, shaking from head to foot.

"Who is this person?" inquired Ramani Babu.

"This is Sadhu Sheikh, of Simulgachi," was the
bailiff's reply, "the very same rascal who gave evi-
dence against your honour in that faujdari (criminal)
case."

"Is that so?" roared Ramani Babu. "And the
son of a pig owes me rent ? "

"Now, please, do not abuse me, Babuji," protested
Sadhu, " only listen to my tale for one minute ! "

" What, you dare to bandy words with me, har-
amzddd (bastard)?" shouted Ramani Babu, rising
from his seat. " Doorkeeper, let him have fifty cuts,
laid on hard ! "

Swish, swish, swish, sounded the nimble cane, and
made a grey pattern on Sadhu's naked flesh. His
screams and prayers for mercy were mocked by the

A FOUL CONSPIKACY 29

obsequious crowd, and at length he fell senseless on
the floor.

" Look, he is shamming," observed Bamani Babu ;
"dra^ him outside and souse him with water until
he comes to." The command was obeyed, and when
Sadhu was able to sit up he was brought back to the
dreaded presence. Again his arrears of rent were de-
manded, and once more he feebly protested that he
could not discharge them. Thereon Bamani Babu
ordered him to be hung up. Forthwith, a dozen
eager hands were laid on him, a rope was passed under
his armpits, and the free end thrown over a rafter of
the office. By this means he was hauled from the
ground and swung suspended, a butt of sarcasm
and abuse for Bamani Babu's myrmidons. After
enduring this humiliation for an hour or so, he was
let down and a final demand made on him for the
arrears of rent. On his again asserting inability
Bamani Babu ordered his hut to be levelled with the
ground and pulse to be sown on its site, as a punish-
ment for his disobedience. He was then allowed to
leave the scene of his misery.

On reaching home he found Bemani seated in the
porch, in expectation of his arrival. His fellow-
victim said that he had lodged an information against
Bamani Babu and his servants at the police station
and intended going to Ghoria, next day, to complain

30 TALES OF BENGAL

to the Deputy Magistrate. Would Sadhu help him
by giving evidence? he asked. "That I will," was
the reply, " but I must first consult Jadunath Babu,
who, I am sure, will help me." After Bemani's de-
parture Sadhu went to his protector and told the
story of his sufferings in full. Jadunath Babu bade him
be of good cheer ; for he would do all in his power to
bring Kamani Babu to justice. Sadhu was comforted
by this promise. He returned home and soon forgot
all his sorrows in sleep.

About midnight he was aroused by voices in his
yard, and, sallying forth, discovered a gang of club-
men employed by Kamani Babu, in the act of tearing
the roof from his hut. Remonstrance was met by
jeering and threats of violence ; so the luckless man
stood helplessly under a neighbouring tamarind tree,
while his house was reduced to a heap of bamboos and
thatch. The material was taken away in carts, the
site dug up, and pulse sown thereon. Thus not a trace
of Sadhu's home was left. He passed the remaining
hours of the night under the tree ; and early next
morning he called on Jadu Babu, to whom he un-
folded the story of this latest outrage. His patron
boiled over with indignation. He sent Sadhu to the
police station, in order to lay an information against
his persecutors, promising to give him a house and
land to compensate his losses. In less than a fort-

A FOUL CONSPIRACY 31

night, the injured man was installed in a new hut
and in possession of enough land to support him
comfortably. Then he settled down, with heartfelt
prayers for Jadu Babu's long life and prosperity.
He even sent for his wife and a young sister-in-law,
who had been staying with her brother near Calcutta.
Meantime Bemani had taken out a summons for
causing grievous hurt against Ramani Babu and
his servants. When the case came on for hear-
ing before a Deputy Magistrate at Ghoria, all the
accused pleaded " not guilty ". They could not deny
the fact that he had been beaten within an inch of
his life, but alleged provocation on his part, inas-
much as he had fomented a rebellion among the
ryots. Jadu Babu was not idle. He provided the
complainant with first-rate legal advice and paid all
the expenses of adducing witnesses. Emboldened by
his support, at least a dozen of Ramani Babu's ryots
who were present while he was being thrashed, came
forward to give evidence of the brutal treatment he
had received and to deny the counter charge brought
by the defendants. Thus the case ended in the con-
viction of Ramani Babu and three of his servants,
who were sentenced to fines aggregating Rs. 200.
Then the charges preferred by Sadhu were taken up
by the Deputy Magistrate. As they were of a far
graver character, the barrister brought from Calcutta

32 TALES OF BENGAL

by Ramani Babu obtained a week's adjournment in
order to procure rebutting evidence.

At this time the Muharram festival was in full
swing. Sadhu was too busy in getting up his case
to take part in it ; but he sent his wife to some rela-
tives at Ghoria, while his young sister-in-law, who
was suffering from, fever, remained at home. He
was aroused one night by loud screams coming from
the hut occupied by this girl. On running out to see
what was the matter, he fell into the arms of a
stranger who was crossing his yard in a desperate
hurry. A struggle ensued, but the intruder managed
to escape, not before Sadhu had recognised him as a
ryot of Ramani Babu, named Karim. On asking
his sister-in-law what had happened, the poor girl
told him with many sobs that a man had broken
into the hut, and awakened her by seizing her throat,
but had been scared away by her screams. As soon
as day dawned, Sadhu ran to the house of Karim's
uncle, in the hope of finding him there. The uncle,
however, declared that Karim had been absent since
the previous evening, and on learning the grave
charge preferred by Sadhu, he begged with folded
hands that the scandal might be stifled, at any cost,
for the sake of both families. Sadhu would promise
nothing, but for obvious reasons he laid no informa-
tion against Karim.

A FOUL CONSPIRACY 33

Two days later he was engaged on his evening
meal, when a Sub-Inspector appeared. After asking
whether his name was Sadhu, the policeman slipped
a pair of handcuffs on his wrists and turned a deaf
ear to his bewildered request for information as to
the charge preferred against him. Thus he was ig-
nominiously taken to the station lock-up, followed by
a crowd, whom he begged to inform Jadu Babu
of his trouble. The latter was speedily fetched by a
compassionate neighbour, and, after conversing with
the police officer, he told Sadhu that he was actually
charged with murder ! Karim's uncle had informed
the police that, his nephew having disappeared since
the day of the alleged trespass, he suspected Sadhu
of foul play. An inquiry followed which led to Sadhu' s
transfer to the district jail.

Jadu Babu was certain that his enemy had in-
stigated the charge, and knew that he was quite
capable of suppressing Karim in order to get Sadhu
into trouble. He was advised by friends whom he
consulted not to poke his nose into so ugly an affair :
but his sense of justice prevailed. He went to
Ghaneshyam Babu, whom he> told the whole
story related by Sadhu. On learning that Eamani
Babu was implicated, the pleader saw an opportunity
of wreaking vengeance on the persecutor of his brother.

Gladly did he undertake the prisoner's defence.

3

34 TALES OF BENGAL

In due course the charge preferred by Sadhu against
Raniani Babu was heard by a Deputy Magistrate.
With Ghaneshyam Babu's aid, the complainant proved
it up to the hilt, and all concerned were heavily fined.
Soon afterwards Sadhu himself appeared before the
Deputy Magistrate to answer a charge of murder. The
circumstantial evidence against him was so strong
that he was committed to the Sessions Court. When
brought up for trial there, he astounded his backers
by pleading guilty and offering to point out the
spot where he had buried Karim's corpse. The case
was forthwith adjourned for a local inquiry ; and the
European District Superintendent of Police took
Sadhu to the place indicated, where he had the soil
turned up in all directions without result. Sadhu
admitted that he was mistaken and piloted the police
to another spot, where they again failed to discover
any trace of the missing man. On these facts being
reported to the judge, he fixed the morrow for final
hearing.

At 11 a.m. he took his seat on the bench in a Court
packed with eager spectators, and was reading a
charge to the jury, strongly adverse to the prisoner,
when an uproar was heard outside. Proceedings
were suspended while the judge sent an usher to
ascertain the cause ; but ere he returned, half a dozen
men burst into the courtroom crying Dohai I (justice !).

A FOUL CONSPIKACY 35

Jadu Babu, who was one of the intruders, signalled
the others to be silent, and thus addressed the judge
with folded hands : —

" Your Honour, the dead has come to life ! Here
is Karim, who was supposed to have been murdered ! ' :

There was a tremendous sensation in Court. When
it subsided the judge thrust aside his papers and asked
for evidence as to Karim's identity, which was soon
forthcoming on oath. Then he ordered him to be
sworn, and recorded the following deposition : —

" Incarnation of Justice ! I will make a full con-
fession, whatever may happen to me. I was sent
for about a month ago by my landlord Kamani Babu,
who ordered me to insult some woman of Sadhu's
household, in order that he might be excommuni-
cated. In fear of my life I consented to do so, and
that very night I broke into the hut where Sadhu's
sister-in-law lay asleep. Her cries attracted Sadhu,
who grappled with me in his yard. However, I
managed to escape, and on reporting my failure to
Eamani Babu, he sent me in charge of a Barkand&z
(guard) to Paliti, which is ten coss (20 miles) away.
There I was confined in a Kacheri (office building)
until yesterday, when I got away after nightfall. I
had to pass through Ghoria Bazar, on my way home
this morning, and there I ran up against Jadu Babu,

who stopped and questioned me closelv about my

3*

36 TALES OF BENGAL

movements. . There was nothing for me but to make
a clean breast of everything. He took me to a babu's
house where he was staying, and thence brought me
to your honour's presence."

Karim's confession took every one by surprise, and
it was corroborated by Jadu Babu in the witness-
box. The judge then asked Sadhu why he pleaded
guilty.

" Incarnation of Justice," was the reply, " it was
the Daroga Babu (Sub-Inspector of Police) who
frightened me into making a confession. He told
me again and again that he had quite enough evi-
dence to hang me, and advised me to escape death
by admitting the charge of murdering Karim.
While I was shut up alone in jail, I had no one to
consult or rely on. Through fear, my wits en-
tirely left me and I resolved to obtain mercy by
making a false confession."

These circumstances, strange as they may appear
to the Western reader, were no novelty to the Sessions
Judge. In charging the jury, he commented severely
on the conduct of the station police and directed
them to return a verdict of not guilty, which they
promptly did.

Ghaneshyam Babu did not let the matter drop. He
moved the District Magistrate to prosecute Eamani
Babu and his bailiff, Srikrishna, for conspiring to

A FOUL CONSPIEACY 37

charge an innocent man with murder. Both were
brought to trial and, despite the advocacy of a Cal-
cutta barrister, they each received a sentence of
six months' rigorous imprisonment. Justice, lame-
footed as she is, at length overtook a pair of notorious
evil-doers.

THE BITEK BITTEN.

Babu Chandra Mohan Eai, or Chandra Babu, as
he was usually called, was a rich banker with many
obsequious customers. He was a short choleric man,
very fond of his hookah, without which he was rarely
seen in public. He had no family, except a wife who
served . him uncomplainingly, and never received a
letter or was known to write one except in the course
of business. His birthplace, nay his caste, were mys-
teries. But wealth conceals every defect, and no
one troubled to inquire into Chandra Babu's antece-
dents. This much was known — that he had come
to Kadampur fifteen years before my tale opens with
a brass drinking-pot and blanket, and obtained a
humbly-paid office as a clerk under a local Zemindar.
In this capacity he made such good use of the means
it offered of extorting money that he was able to set
up as a moneylender at Simulgachi, close to Kad-
ampur. When people learnt that a new Shylock
was at their service, they nocked to him in times of
stress. His usual rate of interest being only 5 per

38

THE BITEK BITTEN 39

cent, per mensem, he cut into the business of other
moneylenders, and in four or five years had no seri-
ous competitor within a radius of four miles from
Kadampur itself. Once master of the situation he
drew in his horns, lending money only to people who
could give ample security in land, government papers,
or jewellery. He also started a tcj&rati business
(loans of rice, for seed and maintenance during the
" slack " months, repaid in kind, with heavy interest,
after the harvest). Although few Khdtaks (customers)
were able to extricate their property from his clutches
or clear off their debit balances, Chandra Babu con-
tinued to be in great request. He was heard to
boast that every family in or near Kadampur, except
the Basus, were on his books. The rapid growth of
his dealings compelled him to engage a gomastha
(manager) in the person of Santi Priya Das, who had
been a village schoolmaster notorious for cruelty.
The duties of his new office were entirely to Santi
Priya's liking, and he performed them to Chandra
Babu's unqualified approval.

On a certain morning in late August, Chandra
Babu sat in his office to receive applications for
money or grain. One of his customers named Karim
Sheikh came in and squatted close to the door, after
salaming profoundly. On seeing him Chandra Babu
at once remembered that his bond had run out on

40 TALES OF BENGAL

15th July, and that he owed nearly Rs. 100, principal
and interest. He therefore addressed the newcomer
in accents of wrath. " What do you want here, you
son of a pig? "

"Babuji," pleaded Karim, "my stars are un-
lucky. You know how wretched the rice harvest
has been."

" Yes, we know all that," replied Santi, who sat
near his master. " It's the old story, when people
who can pay won't pay. Have you brought the
money, eh ? "

Karim was obliged to confess he had not.

" Then why have you come here ? " roared Chandra
Babu. "To show your face, I suppose. "We see
hundreds of better-looking fellows than you daily.
You have got to pay up at once, you badm&sh
(rascal)."

Karim's wrath was stirred by this expression. He
replied, " Now, Babu, don't be abusive ; I won't stand
it".

" What, do you want to teach me manners, Maulvie
Saheb (doctor learned in Mohammadan law) ? " asked
Chandra Babu sarcastically.

An exchange of compliments followed which were
not altogether to Shylock's advantage, and at length
he roared, "Get out of this office, you rascal, and look
out for squalls ! I'll sell you up ! " Karim left in

THE BITER BITTEN 41

high dudgeon, inviting Chandra Babu to do his worst,
and the latter forthwith concocted a scheme of ven-
geance with his manager.

Next day Santi obtained a summons against Karim
from the Munsiff (civil judge of first instance) of
Ghoria and, by bribing the court process-server, in-
duced him to make a false return of service. In due
course the suit came on for hearing, and as the de-
fendant was of course absent, it was decreed against
him ex parte. Execution being also granted, Santi ac-
companied the court bailiff to Karim's house, where
they seized all his movable property and carried it
off to the Court, leaving him in bewilderment and
tears. He was unable to tear himself away from his
gutted home but sat for hours under a tree hard by,
pondering on his ill-fortune. Not until the sun had
set and village cattle began to file in from pasture, did
he cast one lingering look on the scene of his child-
hood and walk away with a sigh, whither no one
cared to inquire.

A week later, however, Karim strode into Chandra
Babu's office attended by two friends, and counted
out ten ten-rupee notes, which he handed to the
moneylender, with a peremptory request to release his
chattels at once. Chandra Babu was greatly surprised
by the turn matters had taken, but he was not the
man to let property slip from his clutches. So he

42 TALES OF BENGAL

asked Santi whether the debtor did not owe a bill
of costs. The manager referred to his books and
declared that Es. 33 8. 0. were still due. Karim
planked down the money without further ado and
asked for a receipt, which Santi reluctantly gave him.
Then he again demanded the immediate release of his
property. On receiving an evasive answer, he re-
marked that Chandra Babu would hear from him
shortly and left the office.

About a month later, Chandra Babu was aroused
from sleep in the dead of night by shouts coming from
his inner courtyard. He jumped up and popped his
head out of the window, but withdrew it hastily on
seeing twenty or thirty men running about his
premises, with lighted torches, and shouting — " Loot !
loot ! ' Paralysed by fear, he crawled under the bed
and lay in breathless expectation of further develop-
ments. Presently the door was forced open, and a
crowd poured into the room. Chandra Babu's hid-
ing place was soon discovered by the dacoits (gang
robbers), who dragged him out by the legs and de-
manded his "keys on pain of instant death. Seeing a
rusty talwdr (sword) flourished within an inch of
his throat, the unhappy man at once produced them,
whereon the dacoits opened his safe and took out
several bags of rupees. Then at a signal from their
sardar (leader), they bound Chandra Babu hand and

THE BITEE BITTEN 43

foot and squatted round him in a circle. The sardar
thus addressed him : —

" Babuji, do you know us ? "

"How can I know you?" groaned their victim.
"Your faces are blackened and concealed by your
turbans. Gentlemen, I implore you to spare my life !
I never injured any of you."

"Indeed!" replied the sardar sarcastically; "you
have been the ruin of us all. Look you, Chandra
Babu, we are all Khdtaks (customers) of yours whom
you have fleeced by levying exorbitant interest on
loans and falsifying our accounts. It's no use going
to law for our rights; you are hand in glove with
the civil court amla (clerks) and peons (menials) and
can get them to do whatever you wish. So we have
determined to take the law into our own hands. We
have made up our accounts and find that you have ex-
torted from us Es. 5,000, over and above advances of
rice and cash with reasonable interest. Now we're
going to help ourselves to that sum, besides damages
at four annas in the rupee (twenty-five per cent.).
This makes just Es. 6,250 you owe us."

Thereon the dacoits counted out cash to that
amount and no more, which was placed in bags con-
taining Es. 1,000 each, ready for removal. Chandra
Babu heaved a sigh of relief, thinking that he had
got off rather cheaply, bat his troubles were not

44 TALES OF BENGAL

at an end. The sardar came close to him and
asked : —

" Look at me carefully : do you know me? "

"No baba, but you are my son. Pray, spare my
life ! See, I am half dead already and ruined as
well ! "

" I am Karim Sheikh," said the sardar impressively.

" So you are," replied Chandra Babu, after recover-
ing from his intense surprise; "but why have you
turned dacoit? "

"It was owing to your oppression, which drove
me from my house, and deprived me of the means
of livelihood. All my companions here have been
beggared by you, and scores of other families too.

i

The whole of Kadampur and Simulgachi are clamour-
ing for your blood, and Allah has appointed me to
be the minister of his vengeance. Time was when
I had to cringe to you, just as you are doing to me,
but never did I receive mercy from you. Now the
tables are turned. I might kill you, and who would
dare to inform the police folk ? " (Here Karim made
a vicious prod with his talwar, which passed within
half an inch of the terror-stricken victim's throat.)
" I might put you out of caste by slaying one of your
cows and forcing you to eat its flesh. You deserve
all this and more — but we will be merciful. Swear
by your goddesses Kali and Durga that you will

THE BITEE BITTEN 45

never in future demand more than four annas in the
rupee yearly for loans of money or rice. Swear that
you will never again bribe the amla or peons of the
Courts ; swear that you will never again falsify the
accounts of your Khataks."

Chandra Babu took the oaths demanded with an
appearance of unction and then implored his captors
to release him.

"Wait a minute," was Karim's reply, "we must
collect our belongings."

So saying he ordered the dacoits to extinguish
their torches and follow him with the bags of money.
He led them to a ravine on the river bank, about a coss
(two miles) distant, where the spoil was equitably
divided according to a list of names and amounts
due in Karim's possession. Then after arranging for
alibis in case of criminal proceedings, the band dis-
persed, well satisfied with their night's work.

Chandra Babu's neighbours made no sign until the
dacoits were well out of hearing, when they nocked
in to unloose his bonds and offer hypocritical condol-
ences. The village Chaukidar (watchman) was sent
off to the police station, and next day arrived the
Sub-Inspector with a posse of constables to investigate
the dacoity. After recording the complainant's state-
ment, they endeavoured to secure additional evidence,
but Chandra Babu was so cordially disliked, and the

46 TALES OF BENGAL

dacoits' vengeance so dreaded, that not a soul came
forward to corroborate his story. Karim was arrested,
with half a dozen accomplices named by Chandra
Babu. They had no difficulty in proving that they
were attending a wedding ceremony five miles away
on the night of the alleged dacoity. So the case was
reported to headquarters as false ; and Chandra Babu
escaped prosecution for deceiving the police, by giving
a heavy bribe to the Sub-Inspector.

His evil star continued in the ascendant. About
a week afterwards, he discovered a heavy deficit in his
cash book, kept by Santi Priya, which that rascal
failed to explain, and next day the trusty manager did
not attend office. Indeed he has never been heard
of since. This new calamity was Chandra Babu's
"last straw". He hastened to realise outstanding
debts and left the village, bag and baggage, to the
intense relief of its inhabitants, who celebrated his
exit by offering pujd or namaz (Mohammadan prayers)
according to the religion they severally professed.

ALL'S WELL THAT END'S WELL.

Every good Hindu feels bound to get his daughter
or sister, as the case may be, married before she at-
tains puberty. Rich people find little difficulty in
securing suitable matches for their girls ; but Babu
Jadunath Basu, widely known as " Jadu Babu," was
not blessed with a large share of this world's goods ;
and his sister Basumati was close on her teens. The
marriage-broker had certainly suggested more than
one aspirant for her hand, but they were not to Jadu
Babu's liking. As years rolled by, his anxiety
deepened into despair. A match was at length of-
fered which was passably good, although it did not
answer Jadu Babu's expectations. He learnt from
private inquiry that the boy proposed bore a good
character, never mixed with doubtful associates, and
had no constitutional defect. Hindu parents are
very careful to ascertain the health of a suitor, and
should they suspect any inherited disease, such as
consumption, they reject him remorselessly. It must

not be supposed that such lads are always doomed to

47

48 TALES OF BENGAL

celibacy, for their unsoundness may be hidden or
counterbalanced by a substantial money payment.

Jadu Babu found out that the boy had matriculated
at Calcutta and was attending the second year class
at a Metropolitan College ; more important still, his
father, Amarendra Babu, had money invested in Gov-
ernment paper, besides a substantial brick house —
qualifications which augured well for his sister's
wedded happiness. The next step was to invite his
own father, Kumodini Babu, to come from Benares
and help him to clinch matters. The old man
pleaded that he had done with the world and all its
vanities ; so Jadu Babu had to make a pilgrimage to
the Holy City, where he induced Kumodini Babu to
return home with him. Three days later the pair
went to Calcutta with two friends, in order to make
the suitor's acquaintance. They were welcomed by
Amarendra Babu, who at once sent for his son. The
boy came in with eyes fixed on the ground and shyly
took a seat near Kumodini Babu. He underwent a
severe scrutiny, and at last the old man broke silence
by asking the lad his name. Being informed that
it was Samarendra Nath, he inquired the names of
his father and grandfather, which were promptly
given.

"Good boy," observed Kumodini Babu, "the
times are so completely out of joint that youths are

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL 49

ashamed to utter their father's name, let alone their
grandfather's. Where are you studying ? "

"At the Metropolitan Institution," was the reply.

" An excellent college," said Kumodini Babu ; then
after a whispered consultation with Jadu Babu, he
said, "I am delighted with Samarendra's modesty
and good manners, and have no objection whatever
to giving my daughter to him in marriage — provided
Prajapati (the Lord of All) causes no hitch ". Samar-
endra thought that his ordeal was over, but he was
mistaken. One of Kumodini Babu's friends, who
happened to be a Calcutta B.A., would not lose the
opportunity of airing his superior learning.

" What are your English text-books? " he asked.

"Blackie's Self-culture, Helps' Essays, Milton's
Paradise Lost, and Tennyson's Enoch Arden" gabbled
Samarendra in one breath.

"Very good, now please fetch your Paradise Lost."

The boy disappeared, returning shortly with a
well-thumbed volume, which the B.A. opened and
selected Satan's famous apostrophe to the Sun for ex-
planation. Samarendra was speechless. After wait-
ing for a minute, the B.A. asked what text-book he
studied in physics and was told that it was Ganot's
Natural Philosophy. He asked Samarendra to describe
an electrophone, whereon the lad began to tremble

violently. Kumodini Babu had pity on his confusion

4

50 TALES OF BENGAL

and told him to run away. Needless to say he was
promptly obeyed.

It has become a Calcutta custom for possible
fathers-in-law to cross-examine suitors on their text-
books ; but few boys are able to satisfy the test, how-
ever brilliant their acquirements may be. Poor Sam-
arendra was too overwhelmed with the strangeness
of his position to do himself justice.

When the elder folks were quite alone they plunged
into business. Kumodini Babu sounded his host as
to dena paona (settlements) on either side ; but the
latter courteously left them entirely to his discretion.
It was settled that Basumati's pdkkd dekhd (betrothal)
should be celebrated on 12th November at Kumo-
dini Babu's, and that of Samarendra's at his father's,
two days later.

Basumati being an only daughter, Kumodini Babu
determined to conduct her marriage on a magnificent
scale. In anticipation of the betrothal feast, he
brought three Brahman cooks from Calcutta to pre-
pare curries, pillaos and sweetmeats under the super-
vision of the ladies of his household.

At length the auspicious day came round. At
5 p.m. Amarendra Babu, with half a dozen friends,
arrived at Kumodini Babu's house from Calcutta.
They were received with great courtesy and con-
ducted to seats, where a plentiful supply of tobacco

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL 51

and betel awaited them. At half-past seven, Jadu
Babu presented the bride-elect to her future family.
She looked charming in a Parsi shawl and Victoria
jacket, decked out with glittering jewels, and sat
down near Amarendra Babu, after saluting him re-
spectfully. He took up some dhdn, durba and chan-
dan (paddy, bent grass and sandal-wood paste) and
blessed her, presenting her at the same time with
a gold chur (bracelet). After again saluting him,
the timid girl was led back to the inner apartments.
Then the guests were taken to a large hall where
supper was ready for their delectation. Full justice
was done to the repast ; and after it was over, they
washed their hands in the yard and smoked or
chewed betel in perfect bliss until half-past ten.
Then Amarendra Babu asked leave to return by the
last train, declining hospitality for the night on the
plea of previous engagements. While saying "good-
bye " he called Jadu Babu aside and thrust Es. 30
into his hands, to be distributed among the guru
(spiritual guide), purohit (family priest), and servants.
Two days afterwards, Kumodini Babu and his son
went to Calcutta for the boy's betrothal. He blessed
Samarendra, presenting him with a gold mohur (an
obsolete coin worth sixteen rupees) besides Es. 50
for the priest and servants of his household. A feast

followed on the same scale as the previous one.

4*

52 TALES OF BENGAL

Kumodini Babu's family priest decided that X.sar
28th would be a lucky day for the wedding, which
was to be held at the bride's great-uncle's house in
Calcutta. Early on the 26th, the Gaihalud (turmeric
smearing) ceremony took place. Amarendra Babu
rubbed his son's body with a mixture of turmeric
and oil and despatched a supply to Kumodini Babu
by his own barber, with injunctions to have it applied
to his daughter's person before 9 a.m., because sub-
sequent hours would be inauspicious. On the
barber's arrival, the ladies of Kumodini Babu's
household anointed Basumati with turmeric and oil
and clad her in a gorgeous wrapper. Then they con-
ducted her to another room where a jdnti (instru-
ment for cracking betel-nuts) was given her and
certain nitkits (minor ceremonies) were performed.

At 11 a.m. the presents given on the occasion of
the turmeric-smearing (gaihalud) were brought by
twenty servants who were regaled with a feast made
ready in anticipation of their arrival. After partak-
ing of it they were dismissed with a largesse of one
rupee each. During the next two days presents con-
tinued to pour in from relatives of both families.

At length the fateful 28th Asar dawned, bringing
a mighty commotion in the respective houses.
Shouts and laughter echoed from every side. Amar-
endra Babu had resolved to marry his son in a style

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL 53

which, sooth to say, was far above his means, hoping
to recoup himself from the large cash payment which
he expected from Kumodini Babu. On his side the
latter had consulted relatives as to the proper dowr}'.
All agreed that Es. 2,000 worth of ornaments ; Es.
1,001 in cash ; Es. 500 for Barabharan (gifts to a bride-
groom) ; and Es. 500 for Phulsajya (lit. a bed of
flowers) would be sufficient. Thus Kumodini Babu
provided Es. 4,001 and imagined that he was acting
generously.

At 7.30 p.m. the bridegroom's procession was
formed. A Sub-Inspector of Police and three con-
stables led the way, followed by a band of music.
Next came a carriage and four conveying Samarendra,
his younger brother, and the family priest. Carriages
belonging to Amarendra Babu's friends, and some
hired ones full of invited guests, brought up the rear.
When a start was made, the little police force hustled
vehicles out of the way and even stopped tram-cars
when necessary ; while the band tortured selections
from Handel and Beethoven to the intense delight of
passers-by, many of whom paused to criticise short-
comings in the procession among themselves. In
about an hour it reached its destination, where
Kumodini Babu's uncle received the guests. The
family barber carried Samarendra in his arms to a
chair which had been provided for him. There he

54 TALES OF BENGAL

sat with eyes fixed steadily on the ground, while his
friends squatted round and cracked jokes at his ex-
pense. He smiled, but modestly implored them not
to put him out of countenance. The Lagna (auspici-
ous time) was determined to be 9.30 ; meanwhile the
guests sat on carpets or chairs, beguiling the delay
with hookahs.

While mirth was at its height, strange things were
happening in a private room adjoining. Soon after
arriving, Amarendra Babu asked Kumodini Babu and
Jadunath to display the presents destined for the
young couple. They took him into a room where all
were set forth to the best advantage. After examin-
ing them in silence awhile, Amarendra Babu kicked
the nearest contemptuously aside, remarking that
they were " mere rubbish ". In point of fact he fully
expected Kumodini Babu to give Es. 4,000 in cash,
Es. 2,000 in respect of Barabharan and Phulsajya and
Ks. 4,000 worth of jewellery— Es. 10,000 in all. To
judge by the ornaments shown him, the total dowry
would be barely half as much and he could not help
expressing disappointment. On asking Kumodini
Babu what he intended paying down in cash, and
learning that Es. 1,001 was all he could afford, Amar-
endra Babu's indignation knew no bounds. He de-
manded Es. 5,000, declaring that if it were not paid
on the nail, he would take his son away ! The

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL 55

wretched father implored twelve hours' delay, but
was told in as many words that his promise could
not be relied on. The deadlock soon got wind, and
Amarendra Babu's action was severely commented
on by the guests, but he remained obdurate. Ku-
modini Babu's uncle ran to a wealthy acquaintance
for a loan of Rs. 4,000, but was told that so large a
sum was not available at short notice. On his return,
Amarendra Babu delivered his ultimatum — Rs. 4,000
cash to be paid forthwith ; and finding that it was
hopeless to expect so much, he hailed a cab, hurried
Samarendra into it, and drove home in high dudgeon,
followed by all his relatives and friends. This unex-
pected calamity brought mourning into a house of
mirth ; people spoke in whispers ; and anguish left its
mark on every face.

Sham Babu was supervising the Haluikars (con-
fectioners) when the awful news reached his ears.
For a few minutes he stood transfixed to the spot ;
but ere long a happy thought struck him. He clapped
his hands in silent glee, and ran to an inner room,
where Kumodini Babu lay groaning on the bare floor,
guarded by his son who feared that he would do some-
thing rash.

" Mahasay," he said soothingly. " Do not take on
like this ! God's ways are inscrutable ; perchance He
has broken the match off for your daughter's good."

56 TALES OF BENGAL

" Yes, God's will be done," replied Kumodini Babu
in sepulchral tones. " We are but His instruments."
Then after a pause he added, "What I dread most
is loss of caste".

" Who will dare to excommunicate you for such a
trifle ? " asked Sham Babu indignantly.

" Alas, you know too well that my family's posi-
tion in society is terribly compromised. A marriage
postponed is a marriage lost ! " groaned Kumodini
Babu.

"But why should it be postponed?" was Sham
Babu's eager question. " I have a proposal to make,
if you will only give it a moment's thought."

Kumodini Babu looked up, and a ray of hope dried
his tears ; he waited anxiously for further particulars.

"You know my son Susil, I suppose? He is just
sixteen and has passed the Entrance Examination."

"Yes, yes," answered Kumodini Babu. "He is a
fine lad, obedient and well-mannered. But what has
he got to do with our present fix ? "

" Will you give your daughter to him in marriage ?
I will not ask a single pice as dowry."

Kumodini Babu sprang to his feet and embraced
Sham Babu with fervour, saying, " You have saved
my life. Personally, I should be delighted to have
Susil as a son-in-law, but you must let me consult
my son and wife."

ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL 57

He ran to the inner apartments, and communicated
Sham Babu's offer to his near relatives. This unex-
pected solution of the dilemma filled them with sur-
prise ; and a loud clamour of voices echoed through
the house. Finally all, without exception, agreed that
the match would be an excellent one. Kumodini
Babu brought news of its acceptance to Sham Babu,
and it spread among the wedding guests, who were
loud in their praises of his true Hindu spirit.

Sham Babu went into the courtyard where Susil
sat talking with some other boys about the astound-
ing piece of good fortune which awaited him. That
he, the son of a humble clerk, should espouse the
daughter of a Zemindar was more than his wildest
dreams had anticipated. He joyfully accompanied
Sham Babu to a room, where he was clad in silken
attire, and thence to the hall, where he was solemnly
inducted into the empty bridegroom's chair amid
the acclamations of the assembled guests. As the
Lagna (auspicious time) had not run out the actual
marriage ceremony began forthwith. Basumati was
given away by her father ; while the ladies performed
Satpdk (lit. going round seven times — a ceremony
without which a Hindu marriage is not binding) and
other minor ceremonies with zest. After all had been
well and duly gone through, the bride and bride-
groom were conducted to an inner apartment, Susil

58 TALES OF BENGAL

underwent the customary "chaff" from the ladies,
which he bore with great good humour and was at
last left alone with his young companion for life ;
while some of the fair guests sang wedding songs
to the intense delight of their friends. Nor were the
men-folk idle. They sat down to a sumptuous feast
prepared for the recreant bridegroom's family, nor
did they separate till daybreak.

At 3 p.m. on the morrow Sham Babu took Susil and
Basumati to his own home, where the Bau-Bhdt cere-
mony was performed in grand style. It was attended
by all their caste-fellows, who were loud in extolling
his magnanimity. Sham Babu accepted their praises
meekly, remarking that he had done nothing more
than his duty, by neglecting which he would have
rendered himself accountable to God.

AN OUTKAGEOUS SWINDLE.

Amarendea Babu had expected Kumodini Babu to
run after him, with entreaties to return and the
promise of a note of hand for Bs. 4,000. Disappoint-
ment became downright wrath when he heard that
his son's prospective bride had been forthwith
married to another boy. After pondering awhile on
this grievance, he sent an anonymous letter to Sham
Babu's employers, to the effect that their clerk was
robbing them right and left and running a business
of his own with their money, under a fictitious name.
They had implicit confidence in his honesty, and the
only action they took was to hand the scrawl to him
with a remark that they hoped he would discover and
prosecute the writer.

Meanwhile Amarendra Babu cast about him for a
suitable match for his son. Hearing of a likely girl
from the marriage-broker, he visited her parents, who
accepted his overtures with alacrity. The young
lady's father, Jogesh by name, was a commission
agent, whose regular earnings did not exceed thirty

59

60 TALES OF BENGAL

rupees a month ; but he lived in such style that
his neighbours believed him to be comfortably off.
Amarendra Babu, too, was deceived by appearances,
while the girl, who was exhibited to him, seemed in-
telligent and pretty. On his side, Jogesh knew his
visitor to be a house-owner of some means ; and
learning from him that his son was a second-year
student, he gladly consented to the match. The pair
next broached a delicate question, that of dowry.
Amarendra Babu had learnt by bitter experience of
the folly of pitching expectations too high. He told
Jogesh that he should be quite satisfied with
Rs. 4,001, viz., ornaments 2,000, barabharan and phul-
sajya Us. 500 each, and cash Rs. 1,001. On Jogesh's
expressing willingness to provide that amount, the
purohit (family priest) was sent for who, after re-
ferring to a panjiha (almanac), announced that Sraban
20th would be an auspicious day for the marriage.
They then separated with many protestations of
mutual good-will.

Meantime Jogesh made minute inquiries as to
Amarendra Babu's position and the health of his
son. Their result was satisfactory enough ; not so
the fiasco related in my last chapter, which reached
him with amplification, and made him resolve that
Amarendra Babu should not play such tricks on him.
He ordered no ornaments for his daughter, because

AN OUTRAGEOUS SWINDLE 61

he had little cash or credit, but simply borrowed
Rs. 300 to meet absolutely necessary expenses. On
the afternoon of Sraban 20th he called in half a dozen
city roughs, armed them with thick sticks, and plied
them with spirits, telling them on no account to
appear in the public apartments of his house until
they received a signal agreed on.

At seven o'clock Amarendra Babu, with his son
and an uncle named Rashbehari, arrived at Jogesh's
house in a second-class cab. No procession attended
them, partly because the last had cost so much money,
partly owing to the fear that another hitch might
cover them with ridicule. After exchanging hearty
salutations with Jogesh, they asked him to exhibit
the ornaments prepared for the bride-elect. He took
them to a side room and left them there a while, pre-
sently introducing a well-dressed man as his family
goldsmith. The latter unlocked a tin box which he
was carrying and took out a number of glittering
gold trinkets, one by one. After examining them
carefully, Amarendra Babu asked him to weigh them,
which he did, proving that their weight exceeded 120
bhdris (forty-eight ounces), and their total value, at
Rs. 20 per bhdri, no less than Rs. 2,400. This was
far more than he had bargained for, and Amarendra
Babu was highly delighted ; but his uncle insisted on
sending for his own goldsmith to weigh the ornaments.

62 TALES OF BENGAL

Jogesh at once fell in with the suggestion, and this
tradesman, on arrival, valued them at Bs. 2,700.

Eashbehari Babu's scepticism vanished, and he as-
sented to his nephew's whispered hint that they need
not ask Jogesh to produce the barabharan. He, how-
ever, insisted on satisfying them as to its worth and
placed in their hands a heavy gold watch by McCabe,
with an albert chain, equally ponderous ; and assured
them that he had paid Bs. 800 for the two. Amar-
endra's joy was perhaps excessive, and when the
lagna (auspicious time) came round, he permitted the
marriage to be celebrated. Every ceremony went
off without a hitch, and the evening closed in feasting
and mirth.

On the following afternoon Amarendra Babu took
the bridegroom and bride with the box of ornaments
to his own home, while Bashbehari Babu remained
behind at Jogesh's to receive the cash. On mention-
ing this little formality he was assured that the sum
of Bs. 1,001 had been duly counted out to his nephew ;
so he took his leave. When he reached home, he
discovered the dirty trick that had been played by
Jogesh. Amarendra stoutly denied having received
any cash ; and the tin box was proved to contain
only fragments of brick neatly wrapped in paper,
and covered with pink cotton wool.

The pair of dupes hurried to Jogesh's house for an

AN OUTEAGEOUS SWINDLE 63

explanation. He sat in the parlour, in evident ex-
pectation of their arrival, and asked with an air of
unconcern what was the matter.

"You son of a pig!" roared Amarendra Babu,
shaking his clenched fist close to Jogesh's nose. " Tell
me where are the ornaments — where is the cash? "

" Why, did you not take away a box full of
trinkets? and you must admit that the Es. 1,001
were handed you in a cotton bag."

This impudence was too much. Both uncle and
nephew fell upon Jogesh and belaboured him sorely
with their shoes. He did not retaliate, but consoled
himself with the thought that he had done his duty,
to God and society, by marrying his daughter, what-
ever fate might await him. After vowing to bring a
suit against the swindler, Amarendra Babu and his
uncle left the premises and did what they would
have done much earlier had they not been in such a
desperate hurry to marry the lad. They made in-
quiries as to Jogesh's position and soon discovered
that he was a man of straw, quite unworthy of powder
and shot. They learned, too, that he had hired Es.
3,000 worth of trinkets for one night from a goldsmith,
who never let them out of his possession. From a
wealthy neighbour he had borrowed a McCabe's watch
and chain, also for one night only. His arrangements
made with a gang of city roughs, in order to prevent

64 TALES OF BENGAL

the marriage being broken off, also came to light.
Amarendra Babu saw that he had been dealing with
a cunning and desperate man and prudently deter-
mined to give him a wide berth in future. But his
daughter was in Amarendra Babu's clutches, and she
was forced to expiate the sins of her father. The
luckless girl was kept on very short commons and
locked into a dark room when she was not engaged in
rough household work. Contrary to custom, she was
not sent to her father's house three days after the
marriage ; nor was the Bau-Bhdt ceremony performed.
But Jogesh was on the alert ; he managed to com-
municate with her by bribing a maid-servant, and
one morning Amarendra Babu's household discovered
that the half-starved bird had flown.

A year passed away without news of the truants ;
but, one evening, Amarendra Babu was sitting in his
parlour, spelling out a spicy leader in the Indian Mirror,
when, to his unqualified amazement, Jogesh stepped
in and unbidden took a seat. Amarendra Babu's
first impulse was to shout for help and eject the in-
truder with every species of ignominy, but second
thoughts are proverbially peaceful.

" This Jogesh," he reflected, " must be a very
smart fellow, or he would never have taken us all in
as he did. It is better to be on the side of the sacri-
ficial knife than the goat that awaits its stroke.

AN OUTRAGEOUS SWINDLE 65

Why should I not hear what he has to say ? He
would not have come here without some excellent
reason — perhaps he wants to pay up part of his debt
to me, or maybe he has some scheme with money in
it to unfold. He'll certainly try to overreach me
again ; but then once bitten twice shy. I'll be on my
guard." Then with an attempt at irony he asked: —

" What brings you of all people to my house ? Have
you got another daughter to marry ? "

Had Amarendra Babu observed the gleam which
shot from Jogesh's shifty eyes, he would have kicked
him out at once, but he waited for a reply, which
came in honeyed accents : —

" Now, Babuji, please don't rake up old stories ;
what is done cannot be undone. You, as a father,
ought to excuse little subterfuges, contrived in order
to get a daughter off one's hands. I was so anxious
to ally myself with your distinguished family that I
did sail rather near the wind. But I have come to
offer you some amends by putting you on a really
good thing."

Amarendra Babu's cupidity was excited by these
words. He asked with apparent indifference : " Well,
let me hear more of your famous plans, and mean-
time I'll call for a hookah ".

Jogesh was overjoyed by the success of his ma-
noeuvres. He answered, punctuating his sentences

5

66 TALES OF BENGAL

by inhaling fragrant Bhilsi, " You have heard of
Campbell & Co., the big cooly recruiters of Azimganj ?
Well, they have an agency in Calcutta for supplying
emigrants to Mauritius, Trinidad, and other outland-
ish places ; and it is run by one Ganesh Sen who is a
close friend of mine. He tells me that a number of
sub-contracts will be given out to-morrow, and I have
made up my mind to apply for one. Ganesh Babu is
sure to come to terms with me ; and I know a very
smart sarddr (ganger) who will supply me with any
number of coolies I want. But I shall take care to
keep a large margin between the rate per head, at
which they will be delivered to Campbell & Co., and
that which my sardar will receive. All this will be
clear profit."

" It seems a good speculation," said Amarendra
Babu musingly, "but I should like to have further
particulars. What do you expect to make per head
delivered; and what capital will be required?" Jo-
gesh pulled out a paper covered with calculations,
and proved to his host's satisfaction that as much
as B.S. 5 might be expected on each cooly. As for
capital, a few hundreds would be needed in the first
instance as an advance to the sardar, and other sums
later, to provide outfits for the coolies according to
law. Campbell & Co. settled the accounts of sub-
contractors monthly, s.o that Amarendra would not

AN OUTRAGEOUS SWINDLE 67

have to wait long for his money. Jogesh con-
cluded by urging his baibdhik (father of a son-in-law)
to call with him on Messrs. Campbell & Co.'s Cal-
cutta manager, who would corroborate his statements.
Amarendra Babu thought that there would be no
harm in going into matters further. He fixed 4 p.m.
on the following day for a visit to 809 Strand, where
Campbell & Co.'s branch offices were said to be
located.

On arriving there punctually, he was met by
Jogesh, who took him through a courtyard where
twenty or thirty coolies were squatting, shepherded
by a stalwart Mohammadan, wearing a blue turban,
who was introduced as Salim Sardar, his ganger.
Pushing through the little crowd, they entered a
well-furnished office, where several clerks sat writing
busily. One of them looked up when Jogesh said :
" Ganesh Babu, I have brought you my baibdhik,
who is thinking of joining me in a sub-contract".

The manager, for such he was, received Amarendra

Babu politely and said that he would gladly come

to terms with them. He then produced a written

contract in duplicate on stamped paper, by which

the partners agreed to furnish at least 1,000 coolies

monthly, during the emigration season, at rates which

left a net profit of Rs. 5 per head, to be shared equally

between them. After reading both documents over

5*

68 TALES OF BENGAL

twice, Amarendra Babu executed them, as did Jogesh ;
and the former took possession of his copy. On re-
turning home with his new partner, he entered on a
discussion as to ways and means. It was agreed that
he should advance Bs. 5,000 for preliminaries, which
he did a week later, raising the amount on a mortgage
of his Calcutta house property. Everything went
swimmingly at first ; Jogesh calling daily to report
progress ; and a month later he burst into Amarendra
Babu's parlour, with a cash-book and bundle of cur-
rency notes. The latter learnt to his intense delight
that his share of the profits amounted to Bs. 1268 12.
4. which was promptly paid him. Two or three
days afterwards Jogesh again called to tell him that
an opportunity of making Bs. 10,000 net had occurred
owing to the pressing demand for cooly freight from
a ship which was lying half-empty, and costing large
sums for demurrage. Bs. 10,000 must be forthcoming
at once for advances and perhaps special railway
trucks, but Amarendra Babu might calculate on re-
ceiving 100 per cent, in three weeks at the latest.
Such a chance of money-making was not to be lost.
Amarendra Babu rushed off to his broker and sold
nearly all his Government paper for Bs. 10,000 in
cash, which he handed to Jogesh, against a formal
acknowledgment.

Seeing nothing of his partner for several days,

AN OUTKAGEOUS SWINDLE 69

Amarendra called to inquire how the new contract
fared and was thunderstruck to find Jogesh's house
locked up. Hastening to Campbell & Co.'s Strand
offices, he saw a notice " to let " exhibited there.
This spectacle confirmed his worst fears — he had
been twice swindled outrageously. His only hope
lay in the scoundrel's arrest ; so he laid an informa-
tion at the police station, and a clever detective was
told off to investigate the charge. Strange was the
story which came to light. No such firm as " Camp-
bell & Co." existed; Ganesh Babu and Salim Sardar
were both accomplices of Jogesh, who had rented an
office on the Strand for one month at Es. 300 which
was never paid. He had also engaged twenty or
thirty loafers at 4 annas (4d.) a head to personate
coolies for a couple of hours. This part of the in-
quiry was satisfactory enough — for the police ; not
so the efforts they made to trace Jogesh and his ac-
complices. From that day to this nothing has been
heard of them.

Amarendra Babu never recovered from this crush-
ing blow. The loss of nearly Es. 14,000 is a very
serious matter for any one of moderate means ; to
him it was doubly grievous, for he worshipped money
and valued nothing but success. By constantly
brooding on his misfortunes and folly he developed
symptoms of madness and was at times so violent

70 TALES OF BENGAL

that his relatives were obliged to confine him in a
dark room. One afternoon he eluded their vigilance
and hurried to the office of "Campbell & Co." on
the Strand. After gazing for several minutes at the
empty building, he heaved a deep sigh, ran across
the road, and sprang into the Eiver Hughli. The
undercurrent sucked his body in, and it was never
recovered. Perhaps Mother Ganges was loath to
keep a carcase so tainted in her bosom, and so
whirled it southwards to the ocean.

THE VIBTUE OF ECONOMY.

Sham Babu was a clerk of nearly thirty years' stand-
ing, and the approach of old age made him anxious to
escape from the daily grind of business. He asked per-
mission to resign, which was reluctantly granted ; his
employers signifying their appreciation of his faithful
service by granting him a pension of Es. 30 a month
and offering to provide for any of his relatives who
might be fit for clerical work. Sham Babu thanked
them warmly and retired to his native village, with
the intention of passing the evening of life in peace.
He had always lived well within his means. People
who were thrice as rich could not imagine how he
contrived to bring up a family on the salary which
he was known to enjoy. Some folks insinuated that
he had made money by giving his son in marriage to
Kumodini Babu's daughter, never remembering that
a dowry is reserved for the bride's benefit, while the
cash payment made to a father-in-law barely suffices
to meet the expenses of elaborate nuptial ceremonies.

Others hinted that he had waxed rich on illicit com-

71

72 TALES OF BENGAL

missions — another charge which was quite without
foundation. Sham Babu was strictly honest, and
besides, the opportunities within the reach of clerks
employed by a private firm are not worth men-
tioning.

After settling down at Kadampur he cudgelled his
brains for some means of increasing his slender
resources. Friends advised him to try farming,
or start a business in lending grain to cultivators.
Neither trade was to his liking. Clerks are of little
use outside their own sphere ; and Sham Babu was
too soft-hearted to succeed as a village Shylock. A
matter of pressing importance was to establish his
son Susil, who had passed the First Arts examination
and was hanging about the Government offices at
Ghoria, in the hope of securing a post. Sham Babu
took advantage of his late employer's offer and sent
the young man off to Calcutta armed with a sheaf of
certificates. To his great delight, Susil was appointed
clerk on Rs. 25 — a magnificent start, which relieved
his father's most pressing anxiety.

Sham Babu had begun life with a small patrimony
which was slowly increased by savings from his
monthly pay. He was worth nearly Rs. 10,000, the
whole of which was lent by him to a trader named
Gopal Datta, certified by Sham Babu's brother-in-law
Hari to be thoroughly trustworthy. This Gopal

THE VIKTUE OF ECONOMY 73

dealt in jute ; and being a man of great daring, he
speculated so successfully with Sham Babu's money
that, within three or four years, he amassed a fortune
of two lakhs (£13,333). He paid 12 per cent, inter-
est on the loan regularly, which made a comfortable
addition to Sham Babu's pension.

It was the latter's habit to visit his Calcutta rela-
tives at least once a month. So, one day in June,
18 — , he went to Hari Babu's house with the inten-
tion of passing the night there. His brother-in-law
was absent and not expected till the morrow ; but Sham
Babu was welcomed by the ladies of the family, who
made all arrangements for his comfort. In the
evening he sat in the Baitakhana (parlour) reading
the Bhagavat Gita (a mystical poem). A carriage drove
up to the door whence alighted Kamanath Babu,
who was Gopal's younger brother. After the usual
compliments had been exchanged, Sham Babu asked
what business his visitor was engaged in.

"I have started as a broker in jute and oil-seeds,"
was the reply.

" I hope you will do as well as Gopal," said Sham
Babu, " but I suppose you have joined him? "

"Certainly not," replied Ramanath impulsively;
then he checked himself, as though he had said too
much.

Sham Babu was astonished by the tone adopted by

74 TALES OF BENGAL

his visitor. He asked, " Why, what's the matter with
Gopal, nothing wrong I hope and trust ? "

" No, not exactly ; hut I'm in a hurry to-day, you
must excuse my taking leave."

Sham Babu, however, would not be put off with
vague insinuations. He said, " I must ask you, Rama-
nath, to be more precise. .You know your brother has
borrowed Es. 10,000 from me on a mere note of
hand, and I am naturally very anxious to learn the
truth."

Earnanath Babu paused for a few seconds before
replying. " It is a fact that my brother's speculations
have been unfortunate of late. He certainly made
a good deal of money at one time, but sunk the bulk
of it in bricks and mortar, which you know are not
easily turned into liquid capital. You, as a large
creditor, ought to be told how the land lies."

" This is the first I have heard of Gopal's diffi-
culties," groaned Sham Babu.

"Yes, because no one troubled himself to tell you
the truth ; but I can assure you that Gopal's liabilities
are something awful, and it is quite possible that he
may have to take insolvency proceedings."

" You don't say so ! What shall I do ? If Gopal
becomes bankrupt, I shall be utterly ruined."

" Well, I cannot advise you fully," replied Eamanath
Babu, " but forewarned is forearmed. If I were in your

THE VIKTUE OF ECONOMY 75

shoes I would certainly call in my loan." Thereon he
took leave.

Sham Babu passed a restless night, dreaming of
the debtor's jail and a starving family. On Hari
Babu's return, next morning, he related the purport
of his conversation with Bamanath. His host said :
" You should not attach too much importance to such
tittle-tattle. Bamanath has had a quarrel with his
brother about family matters, and he is not at all
averse to doing him a bad turn." Sham Babu was
not satisfied with this explanation. He answered : —
" I can hardly believe Bamanath capable of telling
deliberate lies, which must inevitably be detected."

" Perhaps not. It is quite possible that Gopal may
be in temporary straits. But can you point to a
single merchant among your acquaintances whose
career has been uniformly prosperous? There are
ups and downs in commerce, which no one can avoid.
Mark my words, Gopal will soon pull himself together
again ! "

Sham Babu was by no means convinced by his
brother-in-law's optimism. He remarked, "In any
case I ought not to allow my loan to stand without
some tangible security. Gopal has house property
in Calcutta, I believe? "

"To be sure he has. There is his new house at
Entally, which must have cost Bs. 20,000; and

76 TALES OF BENGAL

another in Barabazar, letting at Rs. 3,000. Just cal-
culate what this property must be worth. If I
doubted Gopal's solvency, do you suppose I would
have lent him Es. 20,000 on his note of hand ? "

Sham Babu was quite reassured. He came to the
conclusion that Ramanath had attempted to injure
his own brother, and returned home with a firm
resolve to disregard such scandalous talk in future.

About three months afterwards he met Ramanath
Babu quite casually in Harrison Road and, in the
course of conversation, the latter asked whether he
had called in his loan to Gopal.

"I have done nothing of the kind," was the curt
reply. ," My brother-in-law tells me that he is quite
solvent."

" It was just like him to say so — the selfish fellow !
I am sorry to say that my brother has lost heavily
by speculating in jute and is, in fact, a ruined man.
If you don't believe me, ask Hari Babu again and
you will see what tune he sings. Perhaps you don't
know that he has called in his loan of Rs. 20,000?"

"That is certainly strange," replied Sham Babu
with tears in his voice. " He never breathed a word
of any such intention to me."

" Hari Babu is your brother-in-law," continued
Ramanath, " but Gopal is my own brother. Is it
likely that I would injure his reputation gratuitously ?

THE VIETUE OF ECONOMY 77

No ; you are an old friend whom I cannot allow to
be ruined without a word of warning. If you do not
choose to act upon it, so much the worse for you."

Sham Babu was now convinced that no time was
to be lost in demanding proper security for the loan.
He went straight to his brother-in-law, to whom he
repeated the information which he had received.

Hari Babu shook his head sadly. "Yes," he said,
" I am afraid there is some truth in it. Gopal is in
temporary difficulties ; but you need not be anxious.
I will get him to give you a mortgage on landed pro-
perty worth much more than his debt to you."

Sham Babu felt somewhat reassured, but there was
a point to be cleared up.

"One word more," he said, "have you called in
your loan of Es. 20,000?"

Hari Babu looked at him suspiciously. " Who told
you so? "

" I heard it from a reliable source."

"It must have been Bamanath, who is always
seeking to make mischief. Well, yes, I did ask Gopal
to repay me, not that I distrusted him but because I
wanted to invest the money in land."

Sham Babu felt indignant at the man's gross sel-
fishness, but he concealed his feelings and merely
remarked that he would not leave Calcutta till the
mortgage was settled. Next morning he insisted on

78 TALES OF BENGAL

Hari Babu accompanying him to GopaTs house at
Entally. They found the debtor apparently in high
spirits, although he admitted that certain speculations
had turned out badly. When pressed by Sham Babu
to repay the loan, he asked for time, pleading that
his whole capital was locked up. Sham Babu, how-
ever, was obdurate, and with his brother-in-law's help
he brought such pressure to bear on Gopal that the
latter sulkily agreed to give him a mortgage on an
ancestral estate in the Mufassil (interior of Bengal).
Sham Babu stuck closely to him until the bargain
had been fulfilled, and managed matters so ex-
peditiously that the mortgage deed was drawn up,
executed, and registered in a week. Though he had
now something tangible to rely on in case of accidents
still he was not happy, for Gopal discontinued pay-
ing interest on the loan and he did not dare to
press him, lest he should precipitate a crash.

Misfortunes never come singly. Soon after settling
this unpleasant affair, Sham Babu was laid low by
fever ; and doctor's bills trenched sadly on his slender
resources. Susil, too, the hope of the family, caught
a mysterious disease and was absent from office so
long that his employers were obliged to replace him.
For the first time in his life, the poor old father felt
the pinch of want, but he bore up bravely hoping for
better times, When he was able to crawl about

THE VIKTUE OF ECONOMY 79

again, he applied to his old employers for work of any
kind, but learnt to his sorrow that they intended
winding up the business and were not able to increase
their establishment. Sham Babu scanned the ad-
vertisement columns of the daily paper and answered
many offers of employment, learning, on each occasion,
that he was far too old to fill the coveted post.

One evening he sat in his parlour brooding over the
many misfortunes which encompassed him. A dis-
tant connection named Srish Babu came in and,
hearing that his host sorely needed work, said : —

" I am going to start a business in country produce
and shall want several experienced clerks. I must
provide for relatives first and strangers afterwards.
Now, would you be inclined to come to me as manager,
on Rs. 75 a month to begin with?"

Sham Babu jumped at the offer, which would re-
store him to comparative affluence, and it was agreed
that he should enter on his new duties in three weeks.
A month passed by without news from his relative,
and meantime Sham Babu received a tempting offer
of employment. Before deciding what to do he
wrote to Srish Babu, informing him of the fact and
asking whether he could rely on him. A reply came
to the effect that he might do as he pleased, but that
the business in country produce, which he was to
manage, would positively be started in. a, fortnight.

80 TALES OF BENGAL

After another month of suspense, Sham Babu learnt
that Srish's bubble had been pricked, and that he
had levanted, no one knew whither, to escape a swarm
of creditors.

The poor old man was now on his beam-ends.
The only course open to him was to sue Gopal for
arrears of interest and foreclose his mortgage. After
a year and a half's attendance in divers civil courts
and spending his last rupee on lawyers' fees, he ob-
tained a decree. When, however, he tried to exe-
cute it, it turned out that the estate on which he had
a lien was a joint family possession, with the shares
so inextricably mixed up that he could neither trace
the property mortgaged to him nor discover who was
liable for the proportion of profit derived from it. As
well poke one's fingers into a hornet's nest as into a
joint family estate ! Sham Babu was glad to accept
an offer of Es. 5,000 from Gopal's co-sharers, in re-
turn for a surrender of his claims. Despite his heavy
loss, enough remained to preserve him from penury ;
and he was even able to start Susil in a small way of
business. Great is the virtue of economy !

A PEACEMAKEE.

Young Samarendra Dass of Calcutta hoped to enter
Government service as a Sub-Deputy Magistrate ; but
this ambition was thwarted by the sudden decease of
his father, who left a widow and two sons entirely
unprovided for. After dutifully performing the srddh
(funeral rites), he waited on the dead man's uncle,
Eashbehari Babu by name, with a request that he
would support the little family until the sons were in
a position to do so. No good Hindu in comfortable
circumstances ever turns a deaf ear to such appeals.
Eashbehari Babu at once invited the trio to take up
their abode with him. Having no nearer relatives, he
had resolved to leave his whole fortune to Samarendra
and his brother Nagendra ; and long before his
nephew's death he had executed a will to that effect,
which for obvious reasons was kept a profound secret.
The young men were, therefore, ignorant of the bril-
liant prospects in store for them, and worked hard to
prepare themselves for earning a livelihood. Sama-
rendra was soon provided with a post as clerk, which

81 6

82 TALES OF BENGAL

yielded enough to provide the cost of his father's
funeral ceremony and also enabled him to pay
Nagendra's school fees.

One evening Bashbehari Babu went to bed supper-
less, complaining of indisposition. At midnight,
Samarendra was awakened by his groans and found
him writhing in agony on the floor. A doctor was
summoned in hot haste ; but ere his arrival the poor
old man had expired in Samarendra's arms. His case
was diagnosed as one of failure of the heart's action.

Samarendra and his mother were prostrated by
this sudden calamity ; but there is no time to be lost
in hot weather. Calling in three or four neighbours,
they h'ad the body carried to Nimtala Ghat for cre-
mation. Sufficient money was given to the Muchis
(low-caste men who serve as undertakers) for pur-
chasing an abundant supply of fuel and ghi (clarified
butter) with which a chilla (pyre) was constructed.
After the corpse had been laid reverently thereon,
Samarendra performed Mukhagni ("putting fire in
its mouth," the duty of the eldest son or nearest
relative). Fire was then applied on four sides, and
when the body had been reduced to ashes, Sama-
rendra bathed in the Ganges with his companions,
and returned home with wet clothes, shouting
" Haribol ! " (a cry used at funerals).

Next day Samarendra discovered the dead man's

A PEACEMAKER 83

keys, one of which opened a drawer where Rashbehari
Babu kept his private papers. Among them was a
will, which made himself and his brother sole heirs
to the deceased's estate. He ran with the glad news
to his mother, who, in the exuberance of her joy, vowed
to offer a sumptuous pujd at Kali Ghat temple after
the srddh had been duly performed.

Rashbehari Babu left landed property yielding an
annual income of Rs. 1,200, besides Rs. 10,000 depos-
ited in a Calcutta bank, and a substantial house.
His estate was worth not less than Rs. 40,000 — a
lucky windfall for the penniless brothers. It is need-
less to add that the testator's srddh was celebrated
with great pomp, which over, Samarendra applied for
and obtained probate of the will. A sudden change
from dependence to comparative wealth is trying
to the best-balanced character. Samarendra's head
was turned by the accession of fortune ; he began to
give himself airs in dealing with acquaintances, and
was not over-kind to his mother, who bore her suffer-
ings patiently.

A landed proprietor holds service in contempt.
Samarendra at once resigned his post and settled
down at Ratnapur, where Rashbehari Babu had
owned a house and the bulk of his estate was situ-
ated. Soon afterwards he yielded to the repeated

advice of his mother by marrying the daughter of a

6*

84 TALES OF BENGAL

caste-fellow, endowed with goods on a par with her
husband's new position.

His brother Nagendra passed the Entrance Ex-
amination, but failed to secure a First Arts certificate.
This rebuff so disheartened him that he gave up all
idea of continuing the University course and returned
to Ratnapur with the intention of living in idleness
on his property. In vain did Samarendra point out
the advantages of a degree. Nagendra declared that
such distinctions were beyond his reach. Sudden
wealth, in fact, was injurious to both of them.

Two uneventful years passed away. Samarendra's
wife was the mother of an idolised boy and was her-
self adored by her mother-in-law, who never allowed
her to do any manner of household work. The result
was that her temper changed for the worse. "When
the old lady fell ill, the young one made horrible
messes of her curry and rice. If her husband ventured
to remonstrate, she silenced him with abuse, and even
emphasised her remarks with a broomstick.

Samarendra, in fact, was completely under his
wife's thumb. Her word was law in the household ;
her mother-in-law a mere cypher, who found both
husband and wife perpetually leagued against her.
Shortly after his arrival at Ratnapur, Nagendra es-
poused the daughter of Kanto Babu, a Zemindar
residing in the neighbourhood. At first Samarendra's

A PEACEMAKEE 85

wife received the new-comer graciously enough ; but
finding that she was of a submissive disposition, she
soon began to lord it over her sister-in-law. Nagendra
sympathised heartily with his young wife, but had
such a horror of family quarrels that he was very
loath to intervene on her behalf. One evening, how-
ever, he ventured on a word of reproof, which was
received with angry words and threats of his eldest
brother's vengeance.

Next day Samarendra called him into the parlour,
and, after they were seated, said : " I hear you have
been rude to Barabau (the elder wife). Is that so ? "

Nagendra raised his hands in wonder. " No,
brother, it was she who showed disrespect to me,
simply because I objected to her bullying my wife."

"Do you mean to say that Barabau has lied?"
thundered Samarendra. His brother was nettled by
the tone adopted. He replied hotly, " Yes, she has
lied!"

" What !" asked Samarendra beside himself with
indignation. "Is my wife a liar and are you a
Judisthir?" (the elder of the five Pandav brothers,
heroes of the Mahabharata). "You are a creature
without shame ! " So saying, he shook his fist at Na-
gendra who started from his seat as if to attack him.
Luckily a respectable neighbour came in at the very
nick of time and separated the would-be combatants,

86 TALES OF BENGAL

On the morrow, Nagendra told his brother curtly
that these perpetual bickerings must be avoided at
all cost, and that the only course open to them was
to separate. Samarendra raised not the slightest
objection, and from that day forward two distinct
establishments were set up in the same house. It
only remained to divide the estates equally, and as a
preliminary step Nagendra asked for accounts dur-
ing the last three years. They were furnished in a
few weeks, and he spent several nights in examining
them carefully, taking lists of defaulters in order to
verify them by independent inquiry.

While returning home, one evening, from supper at
a frierid's house, he met a Mohammadan ryot who,
according to the accounts, was heavily in arrears of
rent. He paused and, after acknowledging the man's
salam, remarked that he ought to make an effort to
pay a part at least of what was due. The ryot stood
aghast with surprise, but invoked Allah to witness
that he had paid up every pice, adding that he
held Ddkhilas (rent receipts) from Bara Babu (the elder
brother) which would prove his assertion. Nagendra
asked him to call next day with the receipts in
question.

When the man presented himself, Nagendra, in his
brother's presence, asked for the arrears of rent shown
in the jamti iv&sil bdqi (accounts). Again the ryot

A PEACEMAKER 87

affirmed that he owned nothing and appealed to the
Bara Babu for corroboration. Samarendra was taken
aback.

" Yes," he stammered, " you did pay me something
about a month ago."

" Why do you say ' something,' Babu? You know
quite well that I discharged my rent in full ; and what
is more I have receipts." So saying he untied a knot
in his gamcha (wrapper) and extracted some greasy
papers, which he nourished in Samarendra's face,
shouting, " Will you swear by your gods that these
are not in your writing?"

Nagendra took the receipts, which bore his brother's
signature. The latter looked somewhat sheepish as
he answered : " My memory failed me ; I now re-
collect receiving our rent from you ".

Nagendra turned sharply on his brother with the
question : " Then why did you not enter these re-
ceipts in your karcha (cash-book) ? "

" I'm sure I don't know," was the reply ; " probably
I forgot to do so."

Though Nagendra said nothing at the time, his
doubts of Samarendra's probity became certainties.
From that day onward he was indefatigable in study-
ing the copy of the siah (rent-roll) furnished him,
the cash-book, and statement of arrears. Figures set
down in these accounts were checked by private

88 TALES OF BENGAL

inquiries among the ryots themselves. Then the truth
dawned on Nagendra, that his brother had misappro-
priated large sums, which should have been paid to
him, and concealed his fraud by falsifying the Zem-
indari papers. After preparing a list of defalcations,
he showed it to his brother and asked for an explana-
tion. None was forthcoming ; nay, Samarendra made
his case worse by flying into a passion and ordering
him out of the room. He went straight to Kanto
Babu for advice, and was told that the only course
open to him was to sue his brother for recovery of
the amount wrongfully appropriated. He resolved
to do so forthwith.

On the self-same night his wife, after discussing
household affairs with him as usual, asked casually
why he had paid her father a visit. He told her
everything that occurred without reserve. The
young lady listened with breathless attention, but
heaved a deep sigh on learning that he intended suing
his elder brother. Nagendra paused and asked what
was on her mind.

"My lord," was her reply, "I am only a woman,
knowing nothing of the world except things within
my sphere. Any attempt on my part to meddle in
business matters may seem extremely presumptuous.
But this is such a grave and risky matter that I can-
not help speaking out. If you file a suit against your

A PEACEMAKEB 89

brother, he will of course defend himself ; for to lose
it would ruin him in purse and honour. It will drag
on for months. If you get a decree, the defendant
will appeal to the Sub-Judge, and eventually to the
High Court. To fight your way step by step will
cost a fortune ; and even should you win all along
the line, the lawyers will not leave you enough to
keep body and soul together. How can a small
estate like yours bear the costs of both sides ? So in
my humble opinion it would be much better to allow
your brother to enjoy his ill-gotten gains. Make up
your mind, from this day forward, to look carefully
after your interests, and you may rest assured that
your brother will never try any such tricks again."

Nagendra listened with open mouth to this dis-
course, and when his wife had done speaking, he em-
braced her fondly again and again, murmuring : —

" My dearest love, I never knew your real worth
till now. The Goddess of Wisdom has chosen you
as her messenger and has convinced me that law-
suits are luxuries which only the rich folk can enjoy
— not people in my position. I will certainly see
your father to-morrow and tell him my resolve to
take no steps whatever against Samarendra."

A Hindu wife is her husband's truest friend ; ever
eager to share his sorrows and to proffer sound ad-
vice in times of difficulty. Yet these sweet, unselfish

90 TALES OF BENGAL

creatures are systematically libelled by men who
owe everything to them. It was soon noised abroad
that Nagendra's wife had saved him from inevitable
ruin. Everyone praised her common-sense — not
excepting Samarendra and his wife, who thencefor-
ward treated her with more consideration. Nagendra,
therefore, began to hope that peace and unity would
again rule the family.

A BEAHMAN'S CUKSE.

Despite his lack of training Samarendra Babu had

great capacities for business, and seldom lost a

chance of profit-making. He saw that people around

him stood in constant need of funds to defray the

cost of religious and family rites, and were ready to

pay 60 per cent, for loans — at least they undertook

to do so. It occurred to him that if he lent money

on unimpeachable security at something under the

market rates, he could not fail to make a large fortune.

Soon after he had set up as a banker, the neighbours

flocked to him for advances, which he granted only

to such as could offer substantial security ; his

charges by way of interest being 30 to 40 per cent.

He also started a business in lending ryots rice for

their seed-grain and support till the harvest should

be reaped. It is needless to add that his clients paid

heavily for this accommodation. So rapidly did his

dealings increase that he sought an agent to represent

him at the district headquarters ; and particularly

to buy up defaulters' estates at the auctions which

91

92 TALES OF BENGAL

are held periodically under Government auspices.
His choice fell upon one Bipinbehari Bhur, who had
a widespread reputation for acuteness. It was not
belied. In less than a year Bipin had secured for
his master estates yielding a net income of nearly
Us. 1,200, which had cost a mere song at auction.
Samarendra Babu never failed to reward him for
such bargains. On one occasion he had such a slice
of luck that it is worth while to narrate it in some
detail.

He had just retired to rest for the night, when a
servant knocked at the door to say that Bipin had
come on very urgent business. Samarendra Babu
went- downstairs to his parlour, clad in a wrapper,
to find his agent pacing up and down in evident
agitation. After the usual compliments had been
exchanged, he asked why Bipin had called so
late.

" I have bad news for you, Mahasay," was the reply.
" You remember buying the Shibprakash estate at
last auction ? Well, that property may slip through
your fingers." He paused to watch the effect of the
announcement on his master, and then went on :
" The late proprietor has lodged an objection to its
sale, on the ground that no arrears were due, produc-
ing a receipt to substantiate his contention. The
Collector has just called on us to show cause against

A BRAHMAN'S CURSE 93

the cancellation of the sale and will take the case
up the day after to-morrow."

Samarendra was thunderstruck by this informa-
tion, the Shibprakash estate being one of the best
bargains he had ever got. After pondering a while,
he asked, " What would you advise me to do? I am
afraid it is hopeless to contend against a receipt in
full!"

Bipin was not so easily disheartened. He replied,
" Let us consult our pleader, Asu Babu, who is sure
to have some plan for upholding the sale. He
won't ask more than Es. 100, which is not a tenth
of the annual profits for Shibprakash." This course
commended itself to Samarendra, who sent his head-
man back to Ghoria, promising to follow next day,
with the necessary sinews of war. He arrived be-
times at Bipin's house there, and took him to the Bar
Library, where Asu Babu was sure to be found when
not engaged in Court. A few minutes later the limb
of the law came in, and asked what business brought
Samarendra to Ghoria.

After hearing the story of Shibprakash and its
vicissitudes of ownership, he asked: —

" How much will you pay me if I win your
case?"

Glancing at Bipin, Samarendra answered hesitat-
ingly, " Well, I might go as far as fifty rupees ".

94 TALES OF BENGAL

"Nonsense," was the rejoinder. "I won't take
a pice less than Es. 100." After several minutes
wasted on haggling, it was agreed that Asu Babu
should be paid Es. 40 on the nail and Es. 35 more
if he won the suit. The pleader pocketed this first
instalment, and assured Samarendra that he would
prove the sale to have been perfectly valid. Then
the trio separated, Samarendra returning to Bipin's
house where they passed the day in forming plans for
further purchases.

At 10.30 on the morrow, both attended at the
Collectorate and found that the Shibprakash objec-
tion stood first for hearing. It was opened by the
appellant's pleader, who rose armed with a huge ac-
count book and bundle of receipts, in order to prove
that his client owed nothing to Government, and that
the sale proceedings were a blunder from beginning
to end. Asu Babu waited till his turn came, and then
informed the Collector that he would find, on ex-
amining his books, that the appellant was Rs. 1 11. 0.
in arrears at the date of the sale. The Collector
ordered his head clerk to produce the ledger account
of payments on account of the Shibprakash estates,
and, sure enough, they showed a short payment of
the amount stated. This was a thunderbolt for the
appellant, whose pleader vainly tried to pick holes
in the accounts, but was at last obliged to confess

A BRAHMAN'S CURSE 95

that a mistake had been made. The only course open
to him was to sue for mercy. The Collector, however,
was inexorable, and indeed he had no power to miti-
gate the Draconian law of sale. That of Shibprakash
was duly confirmed, and its new owner adjourned to
the bar library to settle matters with his pleader. The
meeting was joyful indeed. After congratulating Asu
Babu on his unexpected success, Samarendra asked
how he had managed it. The pleader at first refused
to gratify his curiosity, but yielded to entreaty. " The
tiger has a jackal," he said, " and I, who cannot stoop
to dirty tricks myself, have a certain mukhtidr (the
lowest grade of advocates) who is hand-in-glove with
all the amlas (clerks) and can twist them round his
finger — for a consideration. I gave him Rs. 10 out of
the advance money and promised as much more if
he could persuade the Collectorate clerks to cook the
appellant's accounts, so as to show a short payment.
You see how well he has succeeded, and now I think
the least you can do is to refund the douceur to me."
Samarendra agreed and handed Asu Babu Rs. 55,
prophesying that he would have a brilliant career at
the bar.

He had to stop for a fortnight or 1 so at Ghoria, in
order to get possession of his purchase from the Collect-
orate ndzir (bailiff) who, according to custom, planted
a bamboo thereon, as a symbol of its transfer. While

96 TALES OF BENGAL

waiting for this formality he attended another sale
for arrears of revenue, in the hope of picking up some
profitable bargains. He was not disappointed. The
last lot was the whole of Jayrampur, a small village
quite close to his house, inhabited by hardworking
and submissive ryots, who paid their rent punctually.
Samarendra was all agog when the nazir read out
the names of its proprietors, the amount of arrears,
and the boundaries, calling on the crowd to bid. A
dead silence followed, which was at last broken by a
timid offer of Ks. 1,000. Samarendra promptly bid
Ks. 6,000, which he knew was hardly three years'
purchase of the net rental, and the rise was so tre-
mendous that it choked off all competition. Jayram-
pur was knocked down to him ; but his exultation
was tempered by the discovery that he had not nearly
enough to meet the amount of earnest money which
had to be paid down at once. A mukhtidr came to
his aid by whispering offers of a loan, and the requisite
amount was forthcoming in five minutes, on Sama-
rendra's giving his note of hand with a bonus of 10
per cent, payable next day.

His star continued to be in the eleventh heaven ;
for this was one of a series of profitable purchases.
In seven or eight years he owned estates yielding an
income of Es. 8,000, while his dealings in grain pro-
duced half as much again.

A BRAHMAN'S CURSE 97

Samarendra's ambition rose with growing prosper-
ity. Visions of a title hovered in his brain, and being
a man of resource, he hit upon an ingenious method
of converting them into realities. Close to his house
there was an extensive bil (marsh) peopled in season
by swarms of wild-duck, teal and snipe. It was
visited occasionally by Europeans from Calcutta, who
are always on the alert for a day's sport, but they
were inconvenienced by the total lack of accom-
modation. So Samarendra built a neat bungalow,
equipped it with European furniture, and placed an old
Khdnsdmd (Mohammadan butler) in charge, who was
versed in all the customs of Sdheb-log (Englishmen).
This menial had orders to report the arrival of white
visitors and offer them hospitality. His courtesy
was highly appreciated, and there was scarcely a
Sunday during the cold weather which did not bring
a couple of sportsmen to the bungalow. Samarendra
attended personally to their comforts, thus making
many friends. Through their influence he secured
carte blanche in the matter of guns and ammunition—
a boon which seldom falls to the lot of middle-class In-
dians. At their request he subscribed to various Euro-
pean clubs, winning the reputation of being " not half
a bad sort of fellow ". All this hospitality, however,
was terribly expensive, and it soon exceeded Sama-
rendra's income. But he went on spending money

7

98 TALES OF BENGAL

like water, in the assurance that one day it would
yield a golden return.

On a bright morning, in January, 18 — , he was sit-
ting in his bungalow, in the hope of welcoming guests,
when a European entered it, attended by two order-
lies ; and seeing a well-dressed Indian, was about
to retire. Samarendra introduced himself as the
local Zemindar and offered to send a shikari (game-
keeper) with the visitor in order to show him some
sport. His overtures were gratefully received, and
the European, on returning at noon with a heavy bag,
was delighted to find an appetising tiffin ready for his
acceptance. Samarendra kept out of the way until
it was' finished, and then asked whether his guest
had enjoyed himself. The latter was profuse in
thanks and, ere leaving for the neighbouring railway
station, asked whether he could be of any service,
tendering a card inscribed, "Mr. Charles Bernardson,
Indian Civil Service ". He was none other than the
Chief Secretary to Government.

Such an acquaintance was not to be lost sight of. A
week later Samarendra went to Calcutta and called
on Mr. Bernardson at his chambers in the United
Service Club. He was received, so to speak, with open
arms, questioned about crops, crime, sport, and other
commonplace topics, and again assured that Mr.
Bernardson would serve him in any way within his

A BEAHMAN'S CUESE 99

power. The latter hint was promptly taken. On re-
ceiving permission to quit the great man's presence
he timidly suggested that he would like to be an
Honorary Magistrate. Mr. Bernardson took note of
the wish, and a few weeks later the Gazette announced
Samarendra's nomination to the Ghoria Independent
Bench, with power to try cases singly.

The next point was to attract the attention of the dis-
trict authorities. Samarendra pored over the Penal
and Procedure Codes, took lessons in law from Asu
Babu, and soon mastered the routine of a petty Court
of Justice. He never missed any sitting of the Bench
and signalised himself by a rigorous interpretation of
the law. Offenders had short shrift from him ; and the
police moved heaven and earth to get their cases dis-
posed of in his Court. His percentage of convictions
was larger than that of any honorary magistrate. Such
zeal deserved a suitable reward, and it soon attracted
the attention of the authorities. On New Year's Day,
189 — , the Calcutta Gazette came out with its usual list
of honours, amongst which was seen a Eai Bahadur-
ship for Samarendra. This dignity answers to the
English knighthood, and it is usually made an excuse
for rejoicings shared by all classes. Samarendra,
however, thought it unnecessary to waste money on
junketings. He preferred subscribing to movements
favoured by the " little tin gods " of Darjiling.

100 TALES OF BENGAL

Towards the end of the same year, he was accosted,
while leaving Court one afternoon, by a chuprdssi
(orderly) attached to the magistrate-collector's person,
who salamed obsequiously and said that the Bara
Saheb wished to see him at once. Hastening to the
district chief's bungalow he was graciously received,
and in the course of conversation a remark fell
from the great man's lips, which made the blood
course wildly through his veins. It seemed that a
fund had been started in Calcutta for the purpose of
erecting some permanent memorial to the late Vice-
roy, and a hint was thrown out that if Samarendra
subscribed liberally, he might possibly find himself
gazetted a " Raja Bahadur ". He assured the magis-
trate that the Memorial Fund would receive a hand-
some donation from him and asked for a few days in
order to decide the amount.

On returning home, he made a rough calculation of
his assets and liabilities. The latter amounted to
nearly a lakh of rupees (£6,666), or about five times
his net annual income. Common prudence suggested
that he ought not to increase the burden ; but ambi-
tion prevailed, and the only question which Samar-
endra set himself was, " What is the least amount
I can decently give?" After thinking over pros and
cons for a whole night, he decided that Rs. 10,000
would be enough ; raised that sum at 12 per cent, by

A BEAHMAN'S CURSE 101

mortgaging some landed property, and sent it with
a flowery letter to the District Magistrate, as a
humble donation to the Viceroy's Memorial Fund.

A few days later Samarendra was preparing for a
visit to his favourite rest-house, in the vague hope that
Mr. Bernardson might turn up again, when a strange
Brahman entered the courtyard and thus addressed
him : —

" Sir, you are an Amir, and I am a beggar. I have
a request to make."

" Cut it short," replied Samarendra testily. " Come
to the point — what do you want ? "

" Sir, I have a grown-up daughter who positively
must be married ; but I cannot raise a sufficient
dowry. Will your honour give me a trifle towards
making one up? "

" No, I won't ; if you belonged to this village you
would know that I cannot afford to fling money about.
My expenses are enormous ! "

"Now, please, don't refuse me, Rai Bahadur;
surely you can spare a couple of rupees to a poor
Brahman ! "

Samarendra was exasperated by the man's impor-
tunity. He replied sharply, " You and your kind seem
to think that I am Kuver (the God of Wealth) incar-
nate, who is able to satisfy every human need ! I
won't give you anything ! "

102 TALES OF BENGAL

" Only one rupee, Bai Bahadur," pleaded the Brah-
man with folded hands.

"No! no! Get out of my house at once!" bel-
lowed Samarendra ; then turning to his doorkeeper,
he ordered him to " run the fellow out of the yard by
the neck ".

The Brahman was deeply incensed. Drawing
himself up to his full height, he looked scornfully at
Samarendra, and said : —

" Babu, you dare to order me, a Brahman, to be
ejected with violence from your house. Is there no
religion left in this world? Mark my words, a
day is coming when you will be poorer even than
myself. I have spoken." Then he strode out of
the courtyard in high dudgeon. Samarendra merely
laughed aloud and hurled mocking epithets after
his retreating figure, to which no reply was vouch-
safed.

Next morning he received a letter from the District
Magistrate which filled him with mingled joy and
terror. It contained a curt request to call at once
on a matter of great importance. He drove to the
great man's bungalow arrayed in his best, but was
kept waiting for nearly a quarter of an hour in the
porch. When he was ushered into the magistrate's
study he saw intuitively that something was wrong.
His salam was returned by a mere inclination of

A BEAHMAN'S CUESE 103

the head and a request to be seated. Then the
Magistrate spoke in tones of chilling politeness : —

" Eai Bahadur, I've sent for you to say that a sub-
scription of Es. 10,000 is wholly unworthy of your
position. If you wish, I will send it to the Secretary
of the Memorial Fund ; but I warn you plainly that
the most you can expect in return is an expression of
the Lieutenant-Governor's thanks in the Gazette. I
could not possibly recommend you for a title for such
a paltry sum."

Poor Samarendra's heart beat more loudly than the
clock on the magistrate's mantelpiece. He stam-
mered out: "I need only assure your honour that I
have given as much as I could afford ; but if your
honour thinks the amount insufficient — er — er — er —
I am quite willing to give — twice as much". So
saying he awaited a reply in trembling apprehension.
It was satisfactory.

" Now, Eai Bahadur, you are talking sense. Send
me Es. 10,000 more for the fund and I'll undertake
to submit your name to Government for a Eajaship.
It will be just in time for the New Year's Gazette.
Now you may take leave."

Samarendra bowed himself out with precipitation
and, on returning home, sent for his factotum, Bipin,
to whom he related this momentous interview, with
an injunction to raise Es. 10,000 more by hook or by

104 TALES OF BENGAL

crook. Bipin shook his head ominously and feared
that no moneylender would advance any consider-
able sum on estates already over-burdened. However,
he promised to do his best and negotiated so success-
fully that Rs. 10,000 were procured at 24 per cent, in
less than a week. This additional subscription was
gracefully acknowledged by the District Magistrate,
and a fortnight later Samarendra's drooping spirits
were revived by the appearance of a notification in the
Gazette thanking him warmly for his " munificence
and public spirit ". There was nothing for it but to
count the days of the expiring year.

On 31st December, 189 — , his impatience could
brook no further delay. Hurrying to Calcutta by train,
he sent a trusty servant to the Government printing-
office with orders to obtain the earliest copy of the
Gazette at any price. He slept not a wink on that
fateful night and rose betimes to intercept the mes-
senger.

At last the bulky document was thrust into his
hands. He unfolded it with trembling fingers and
glanced downwards through an interminable list of
newly-made Maharajas, Nawab Bahadurs, Raja
Bahadurs, and Rajas — in the hope of finding his own
name. Alas, it was conspicuous by its absence. Oh,
the pangs of hope deferred and wounded pride !
Death seemed to Samarendra preferable to a life of

A BKAHMAN'S CUBSE 105

poverty and despair. He returned home crestfallen
and nursed his disappointment until it landed him in
a severe attack of brain fever. As soon as he felt
strong enough to leave the house, he drove to the
magistrate's house for explanation and comfort. He
was courteously received, but the Chief hinted that
there might be a hitch about the title, as he himself
had enemies in the Secretariat, who would be glad
of an opportunity of placing him in a false position.
He counselled patience and expressed a conviction
that the birthday Gazette would contain the notifica-
tion so ardently desired.

This was comforting, but Samarendra resolved to
push his own interests. He remembered the pro-
mises made by Mr. Bernardson and took the next
train to Calcutta in order to secure his influence. On
reaching the Secretariat he learnt, with deep annoy-
ance, that Mr. Bernardson had taken sick leave to
England and was not likely to return. So the only
course open was to wait for 24th May. Again he
was disappointed, the list of birthday honours ignor-
ing him completely. Samarendra had not even the
resource of consulting the official who had lured him
into extravagant expenditure. I'he District Magis-
trate was transferred to a distant and unhealthy part
of the province, and his successor disclaimed all know-
ledge of the bargain.

106 TALES OF BENGAL

Samarendra's long suspense and repeated disap-
pointments told severely on his health. He neglected
business, leaving everything in the hands of Bipin, who
was more anxious to feather his own nest than ex-
tricate his master from difficulties ; so the interest in
mortgages fell into arrears. One creditor bolder than
the rest sued him and foreclosed ; then others were
encouraged to attack the ruined man. In less than a
year, Samarendra was stripped of every bigha (one-
third of an acre) of land he once possessed, and at-
tachments galore were issued against his moveable
property. Too late did he see the depths of folly
into which he had fallen.

Grief and despair brought on a second attack of
brain fever, which exhausted his failing strength.
After tossing for several weeks in delirium he regained
sense only to feel assured that the end of all worldly
ambition was fast approaching. Then he remem-
bered the Brahman's curse, and knowing that it was
the cause of all his misfortunes he endeavoured to
make some reparation ; but the holy man was not to
be found. One evening he fell into a deep slumber
from which he never awoke, leaving a wife and several
helpless children in comparative penury. Then a
hush fell on the land, and people whispered that
Brahmateja (the power of Brahmans) was by no
means extinct.

A ROLAND FOR HIS OLIVER.

Nagendra's soul was not haunted by any such am-
bitions. He was content with the surplus profits
from his landed estates, which he did not invest in
trade or even Government paper, but hoarded in a
safe. By slow degrees he amassed a small fortune,
and when Samarendra's growing impecuniosity
forced him to ask his brother for a loan of Rs. 2,000,
it was readily granted on a mere note of hand. In
less than six months the borrower died and, after
waiting as long, Nagendra pressed his sister-in-law
for payment of the debt. She referred him to her
brother, Priyanath Guha, who, she said, was manager
of what property she had left. This man was a
scoundrel of the deepest dye, and Samarendra, who
was fully aware of the fact, never allowed him inside
the house. After his death Priya made himself so
useful to the widow that she invited him to live in
her house and trusted him implicitly. When the
neighbours learnt this arrangement they whispered
that the poor woman would inevitably be reduced to
beggary.

107

108 TALES OF BENGAL

Nagendra reluctantly applied to Priya for a refund
of the loan, producing Samarendra's note of hand,
which was about a year overdue. After examining
it, Priya said : — ■

" The matter is simple enough. My sister must
repay you ; but you know the muddle in which her
husband's affairs were left, and I'm sure you won't
refuse to renew the bond."

Nagendra replied that he would gladly give his
sister any reasonable time to discharge her debt.

" Very well," rejoined Priya. " What do you say to
my renewing this note of hand for six months, with
12 per cent, interest ? "

"I have no objection," said Nagendra, "but you
must satisfy me first that you hold a general power
of attorney to act for her."

" Oh, you doubt my word," sneered Priya,
"but I don't blame you; such is the way of the
world."

So saying he took a registered power of attorney
out of his sister's strong box, which Nagendra saw
entitled him to transact any business whatever re-
lating to her estate. He handed the bond to Priya
and asked him to endorse the conditions agreed on.
While doing so Priya looked up. "Have you any
objection," he asked, " to my antedating the renewal a
week or so. The fact is, Baisakh 12th has always

A ROLAND FOE HIS OLIVER 109

been a lucky day in my family and I should like to
date my endorsement then."

"Just as you like," answered Nagendra indiffer-
ently; and after reading the endorsement through
very carefully he took the note of hand away without
saluting Priya.

Not hearing from him when the note matured,
Nagendra called at his sister's house and pressed
Priya, whom he found there, for payment of the Rs.
2,000 and interest.

Priya gazed at him with feigned astonishment.
" What loan are you talking about? " he asked.

Nagendra attempted to jog his memory, but he
stoutly denied having renewed any note of hand
which purported to have been executed by Samar-
endra. When the document was shown him, he
boldly declared that the endorsement was a forgery,
and further that the handwriting on the note of hand
itself was not Samarendra's. Nagendra stood aghast
for awhile and, on regaining his wits, he said, "I
ought to have known better than trust a haramzddd
like you ! "

" Now don't descend to personalities," rejoined
Priya. " I can prove that the endorsement could
not have been executed by me ; and the whole trans-
action looks fishy."

This was too much for Nagendra, who lost his

110 TALES OF BENGAL

temper and abused the scoundrel roundly. They
separated with threats of mutual vengeance.

On the morrow, Nagendra instructed a pleader to
file a suit against his sister for recovery of the prin-
cipal and interest due on the promissory note.
When it came on for hearing before the Subordinate
Judge, Nagendra Babu was dumbfoundered by hear-
ing the defendant's pleader aver that the endorse-
ment could not possibly be genuine, inasmuch as
his client was fifteen hundred miles from Katnapur
at the alleged date of execution. He then placed
Priya in the box, to swear that, on Baisakh 12th, he
was at Lahore, in order to give evidence in a civil suit.
All doubt vanished in the Sub Judge's mind when
the pleader handed him a document bearing the seal
of the Chief Court of the Punjab, certifying that
Priya had been in attendance on that day. He dis-
missed the suit with costs against Nagendra, and
remarked that this palpable forgery cast discredit
on the whole transaction.

It was a wise man who said that we hate our
enemies less for the harm they have done us than for
the harm we have done them. Priya was not con-
tent with depriving Nagendra of his dues ; he resolved
to injure him more materially. About a month after
his unlucky lawsuit, Nagendra learnt quite by accident
that one of his estates named Lakhimpur had been

A ROLAND FOR HIS OLIVER 111

notified for sale for arrears of land revenue amounting
to Rs. 197 odd. The Naib (manager), on being asked
to account for this, laid all the blame on the ryots,
who, he said, would not be made to pay their rent
and thus deprived him of the means of satisfying the
Government demand. Nagendra rebuked him for
gross negligence and failing to report the matter, for,
he added, the arrears would have been paid from his
own pocket. He at once dismissed the Naib from
his employ and hastened to Ghoria, where he in-
structed a pleader named Asu Babu to petition the
collector for leave to make good the arrears on Lak-
himpur. The request was perforce rejected. Lak-
himpur was put up for sale and Nagendra ascertained
that the purchaser was a man of straw representing
Priya himself. He endured the loss of a valuable
property, resolving to be even some day with his
enemy.

On the following night he was about to retire to
bed, when the Lakhimpur Naib burst into the parlour
and clasped his master's feet which he bedewed with
tears. Nagendra shook him off roughly and asked
how he dared to intrude upon him.

"Mahasay," whined the Naib, "I want to make
a clean breast of my misdeeds. It was Priya who
persuaded me to withhold the revenue due on Lak-
himpur, by promising me a reward of Rs. 2,000 if

112 TALES OF BENGAL

the estate was auctioned. Now that he has got pos-
session of it, he refuses to carry out his bargain and
actually offers me Rs. 20, saying that I deserved no
more. The black-hearted villain ! Now I am come to
implore forgiveness of my sin and to make amends
for it."

Nagendra was amazed by the fellow's villainy and
impudence. He reflected, however, that nothing was
to be gained by kicking him out of the house, while
his offer of reparation was not to be despised. He
replied, "You have been faithless to your salt; but
I will pardon you on one condition that you help me
to regain my estate, lost through your treachery".

" That I will," protested the Naib. " Only let me
have Rs. 300 in currency notes of one hundred rupees
each, previously recording the numbers. I swear by
Mother Kali, not only to pay the arrears of revenue
but to get the sale quashed." Nagendra at first
thought that to do so would be only throwing good
money after bad ; but the man was terribly in earnest,
and evidently hostile to their common enemy. He
opened his safe and handed the Naib the amount
he asked, after carefully taking the numbers of the
notes.

At the same hour on the morrow, the Naib returned
in high glee to say that the business had been satis-
factorily concluded. All Nagendra had to do was to

A ROLAND FOR HIS OLIVER 113

file a petition praying for the cancellation of the sale,
and it could not fail to be granted. On being asked
how he had contrived to evade the law, the Naib
went on : —

" I will tell you the whole truth, Mahasay, only
concealing names ; for the people, who helped me ex-
tracted an oath that I would keep them a profound
secret. I went straight from your house last night
to that of an office tout, who is a precious rascal, but
tolerated because he is in some way related to the
Collectorate head clerk. On hearing my story he said
he thought the matter could be settled, and asked me
to meet him at 1 p.m. under a Nim tree north of the
Collectorate, when he would bring a man to me who
was able to do all we wished. I was punctual to the
minute, and sure enough the tout came with one of
the Collectorate clerks. I asked him whether it
would not be possible so to manipulate the accounts
of Lakhimpur, as to show that all Government revenue
had been paid prior to the alleged default. The clerk
at first refused to have hand in such a transaction, as
it would be too risky ; but when I produced my cur-
rency notes he thought the job might be attempted,
and added that some of the Treasury amlas (clerks)
would have to be squared as well as himself. I there-
upon handed him Rs. 300, saying that it was enough

to discharge the revenue due on Lakhimpur and

8

114 TALES OF BENGAL

leave more than Bs. 100 to divide as bakshish (gra-
tuity). He said that he would do his best and made
me swear never to divulge his name. We then
separated, and only two hours ago the tout came to
my house with the news that the accounts had been
corrected."

Nagendra was delighted on hearing these clever
tactics and straightway ordered his pleader, Asutosh
Sen, widely known as Asu Babu, to file a petition
praying for the cancellation of the sale. It came in
due course before the Collector for hearing. He
called for the accounts, which fully substantiated the
petitioner's statements. After hearing the arguments
of Priya's representative the Collector said that he
was fully satisfied that a mistake had been made, and
called on the head clerk to explain the non-entry of
a payment made before the due date. That officer
laid the whole blame on an unfortunate apprentice,
who was promptly dismissed. The sale was declared
null and void, and Nagendra regained his own to the
intense disgust of the rascally Priya.

KAMDA.

Nagendra Babu was now the wealthiest man in
Ratnapur. Puffed up by worldly success, he began
to treat his neighbours arrogantly and, with one ex-
ception, they did not dare to pay him back in his
own coin. Ramdas Ghosal, known far and wide as
Ramda, flattered or feared no one. Having a little
rent-free and inherited land, he was quite indepen-
dent of patronage. Ramda was " everyone's grand-
father," a friend of the poor, whose joys and sorrows
he shared. He watched by sick-beds, helped to carry
dead bodies to the burning-ghat, in short did every-
thing in his power for others, refusing remuneration
in any shape. He was consequently loved and re-
spected by all classes. Ramda was the consistent
enemy of hypocrisy and oppression — qualities which
became conspicuous in Nagendra Babu's nature under
the deteriorating influence of wealth. He met the
great man's studied insolence with a volley of chaff,
which is particularly galling to vain people because

they are incapable of understanding it.

115 8*

116 TALES OF BENGAL

Nagendra Babu did not forget the Brahman's pre-
sumption and determined to teach him a lesson. So,
one day, he sent him a written notice demanding the
immediate payment of arrears of rent due for a few
bighas (one-third of an acre) of land which Ranida
held on a heritable lease. As luck would have it the
crops had failed miserably, and Ramda was unable to
discharge his debts. On receiving a more peremptory
demand seven days later, he called on Nagendra Babu,
whom he thus addressed : —

" Why, Nagen, what's the matter with you? You
are plaguing me to death with notices, yet you must
be aware that I can't pay you a pice at present."

" Thakur," replied Nagendra Babu in stern accents,
" I will listen to none of your excuses. Do you mean
to tell me that you decline to discharge your arrears ? '

"I never said that," protested Ramda; "but you
must really wait till the beginning of next year. My
cold weather crops are looking well ; and "

" No, that won't do at all. If you do not pay up
in a week, I will certainly have recourse to the civil
court."

"Do so by all means if your sense of religion
permits," rejoined Ramda, leaving the parlour in
smothered wrath.

When the week of grace had expired, Nagendra
Babu filed a suit in the local MunsifFs Court against

EAMDA 117

his defaulter. As soon as the fact was bruited abroad
a universal protest was roused against Nagendra
Babu's harshness. Some of the village elders remon-
strated with him, but were told to mind their own
business ; whereon they laid their heads together and
subscribed the small sum due from the Brahman. A
deputation of five waited on him with entreaties to
accept it, but he refused to take the money on any
other footing than a loan. So Kamda paid his ar-
rears and costs into Court, to the plaintiff's intense
annoyance.

Samarendra Babu had left his wife and children
in comparatively poor circumstances ; for, after dis-
charging his debts, they had barety Es. 300 a year to
live on. The widow declined to seek Nagendra
Babu's help, even if she were reduced to beg in the
streets. After her brother's imprisonment, she had
no one to manage her little property which, as a
Purdanashin (lit. "one sitting behind the veil"), she
was unable to do herself. After mature reflection
she sent for Ramda, who had known her from infancy.
He obeyed the summons with alacrity and gave the
poor woman sound advice regarding the direction
of the Zemindary. By acting on it she was able
to increase her income and live in tolerable com-
fort. Observing that Ramda was a frequent visitor,
Nagendra Babu hinted to his sister-in-law that, if

118 TALES OF BENGAL

she cared for her reputation, she would not be so
thick with him. She flared up instantly. " I will
talk to any of my friends I please," said she, " and
you shan't poke your nose into my affairs ! ' :

"Very well," replied Nagendra angrily, "but you
may rely on my making it hot for that old scoundrel
shortly ! "

This threat was of course repeated to Bamda, who
merely laughed. As far as he was concerned Nagen-
dra might act as he pleased.

A few days afterwards the bailiff of Nagendra Babu's
estate, known as Lakhimpur, called on Bamda with a
verbal request that he should surrender his ancestral
tenure and, meeting with a curt refusal, left the house
threatening all sorts of evil consequences. Next day,
indeed, Bamda received a notice from Nagendra Babu,
calling on him to show cause against the cancellation
of his lease on the ground that, by mismanaging the
land, he had rendered it unfit for cultivation. Bamda
called some of his neighbours together, to whom he
exhibited the document. They expressed the greatest
indignation and assured him that they would spend
their last rupee in defending his interests. Bamda
gave them a heartfelt blessing and promised a divine
reward for their sympathy.

Calling on Samarendra's widow the same day, he
was distressed to find that she had received a similar

EAMDA 119

notice, which aimed at robbing her of a small estate,
on the ground that it had been surrendered by her
husband in part payment of his debt to Nagendra
Babu. She knew nothing of any such arrangement
and assured Kamda that, if the property was lost, her
income would fall to little more than Es. 100, mean-
ing starvation for herself and little ones. Her trusty
counsellor told her not to lose heart, for she might
rely on his help.

In due course the suit against Bamda came on for
hearing before the Miinsiff. His pleader established
by documentary evidence that the tenure was one
without any condition whatever ; while the neigh-
bours came forward to prove that the land in dispute
had been admirably tilled. The plaintiff, therefore,
was non-suited, with costs. The very same result
attended Nagendra Babu's action against his sister-
in-law, whose case excited universal sympathy. He
lost heavily in purse and left the Court with a ruined
reputation. It was natural that a man so evil-
minded should regard Kamda as the author of mis-
fortunes due to his own wicked nature. He plotted
the poor Brahman's destruction, but no effectual
means of compassing it suggested itself.

As days and weeks wore on, his despondency be-
came deeper and, one evening, while sitting with
the Lakhimpur bailiff, he asked whether there was

120 TALES OF BENGAL

any remedy which would restore his peace of mind.
The cunning rascal said nothing at the time ; but at
a late hour on the morrow he came to Nagendra
Babu's house with a large bottle hidden under his
wrapper. It contained some light brown fluid, which
the bailiff poured into a tumbler. Then adding a
small quantity of water, he invited his master to
swallow the mixture. A few minutes after doing so,
the patient was delighted to find that gloomy thoughts
disappeared as if by magic. An unwonted elation of
spirits succeeded ; he broke into snatches of song, to
the iutense surprise of the household ! His amateur
physician left the bottle, advising him to take a
similar dose every night ; and Nagendra Babu fol-
lowed the prescription punctiliously, with the best
effect on his views of life. After finishing the bottle
he asked for another, which was brought to him
secretly. It had a showy label reading, " Exshaw
No. 1 Cognac ". Nagendra Babu's conscience accused
him of disobeying the Shastras ; but the die was cast.
He could no longer exist without a daily dose of the
subtle poison ; and gradually increased it to a tumbler-
ful, forgetting to add water.

His faithful wife did her best to wean him from
the fatal habit. She even ventured to abstract his
brandy bottle and dilute its contents. On being de-
tected, she underwent a personal correction which

KAMDA 121

was not soon forgotten. The poor creature, indeed,
underwent every sort of humiliation from her worth-
less husband, which she bore in silence, hoping that
time would bring him to his senses.

Drunken men are proverbially cunning. After
brooding long over his supposed grievances Nagendra
matured a scheme of revenge. He intercepted Eamda,
one afternoon, on his way to visit Samarendra's widow,
and, affecting sincere penitence for the injury he had
endeavoured to work, he invited the unsuspecting
Brahman into his sitting-room. Once inside, he sud-
denly thrust a brass vessel into his visitor's hand and
dragged him into the yard, shouting " Thief ! thief ! "
The Lakhimpur bailiff, who was sitting on the veran-
dah, also laid hands on Eamda and, with the aid of
two up-country servants, he was dragged to the police
station, too bewildered to resist. On their way thither
they met one of Nagendra's neighbours named Harish
Chandra Pal, who stopped them and asked what was
the matter. On learning particulars of the charge,
he saw how the land lay, and resolved to defeat an
infamous plot. So waiting till the little crowd was
out of sight, he ran back to Nagendra's house and
whispered to him that the bailiff had sent for more
property, in order that the case against Eamda might
look blacker. Nagendra handed him a fine muslin
shawl and loin-cloth, and a set of gold buttons, adding

122 TALES OF BENGAL

that he would follow in half an hour in order to
depose against the thief. On reaching the police
station, Harish found the Sub-Inspector recording the
statements of the witnesses. He looked on in silence
until Nagendra arrived. Then he asked the Sub-
Inspector : " Do these people mean to say that the
brass vessel belongs to Nagendra Babu ? "

" Certainly," was the reply. " Here are three wit-
nesses who have identified it."

" Well, that's strange," said Harish ; then producing
the shawl and loin-cloth he said : " These are mine,
but if you ask Nagen Babu he will tell you a different
story ".

"But they are mine!" roared Nagendra, "and
part of the stolen property."

"Dear me," said Harish, "perhaps you will say
that these buttons are yours too? "

" Of course they are," was the rejoinder.

"Now, Sub-Inspector Babu," said Harish, "you
must see that Nagendra Babu is subject to strange
hallucinations since he has taken to drink. He fancies
that he is the god of wealth personified, and that
everything belongs to him. I am quite certain that
Ramda has been falsely charged with stealing a brass
vessel which is his own property."

The Sub-Inspector evidently thought so too. He
called the prosecutor into an inner room. What passed

KAMDA 123

between them there was never known ; but presently
the Sub-Inspector returned to the office and ordered
the prisoner to be at once released. Eamda was truly-
grateful to Harish Pal for having so cleverly saved hirn
from ruin, and the whole story soon became common
property. Nagendra overheard his neighbours whis-
pering and pointing to him significantly, and village
boys called him ill-natured nicknames in the street.
His irritation was increased by recourse to the brandy
bottle, and he vented it on his luckless wife. She
suffered so terribly that, one morning, Nagendra found
her hanging from a rafter in his cowshed. This
suicide was the last straw. Nagendra saved himself
from prosecution for murder by a heavy bribe, and
got leave from the police to burn his wife's body.
But so universally was he execrated that not a man
in the village would help him to take her body to the
burning-ghat. In dire despair he humbled himself
so far as to implore Bamda's assistance. The mag-
nanimous Brahman forgot his wrongs and cheerfully
consented to bear a hand. Others followed his ex-
ample, and thus Nagendra was able to fulfil the rites
prescribed by religion. The lesson was not altogether
lost on him. The scales fell from his eyes ; he dis-
missed the rascally servant, who had led him from
the path of duty, and foreswore his brandy bottle.

A RIFT IN THE LUTE.

Nalini Chandra Basu worked hard for the B.L.
degree, not to fill his pockets by juggling with other
people's interests, but in order to help the poor, who
are so often victims of moneyed oppression. After
securing the coveted distinction, he was enrolled as
a pleader of the Calcutta High Court and began to
practise there, making it a rule to accept no fees from
an impoverished client. But two years of constant
attendance at Court convinced Nalini that Calcutta
had far too many lawyers already. He therefore re-
moved to Ghoria, knowing that he would find plenty
of wrongs to redress there. About a month after his
arrival, a Zemindar of Kadampur, named Debendra
Chandra Mitra, sued one of his ryots for ejectment
in the local Munsiff's Court. Nalini espoused the
defendant's cause and showed so stout a fight that
the case was dismissed with costs. Debendra Babu
was deeply offended with the young pleader, and de-
termined to do him a bad turn if possible.

About a week later Nalini got a telegram from

124

A EIFT IN THE LUTE 125

Benares announcing his mother's death. He promptly
donned the customary Kacha (mourning-cloth) and
hurried home, only to find his brother, Jadunath
Babu, already in possession of the sad news ; and
they went to Benares to comfort their stricken
father.

After the customary month of mourning Jadu
Babu made preparations for celebrating the srddh on
a grand scale, by giving presents to distinguished
Brahmans, feasting his relatives, and distributing
alms to the poor. No money was spared in order to
keep his mother's memory green. The family's posi-
tion would have been most enviable, but for a slight
unpleasantness which was created by some of the
villagers. Debendra Babu, who had been waiting
for an opportunity of revenge, went from house to
house urging his neighbours not to participate in the
srddh, on the score that Nalini had married into
a strange clan and was ipso facto an outcast. Jadu
Babu was stung to the quick on learning these ma-
chinations. He consulted Nalini as to the best
method of parrying them, and was consoled by his
brother's assurance that it would be quite easy to
win over his opponents except, perhaps, Debendra
Babu himself.

When the time for distributing Samajik (gifts)
came round, Jadu Babu sent one to every caste-fellow

126 TALES OF BENGAL

in the village, but all returned them without a word
of explanation. Nalini was not so much distressed
as he by the rebuff. He advised an attempt to pacify
Debendra Babu ; which failing, he would put his
scheme into execution. The two brothers, therefore,
called on their enemy, and falling at his feet, im-
plored him to say how they had offended him.

"You are much better off than I am," replied
Debendra Babu sarcastically ; " it would be pre-
sumptuous for me to consort with such people. You
remember the old fable of the earthen pot and brass
vessel?"

" Mahasay," pleaded Jadu Babu, "we are young
enough to be your sons. If we have unwittingly
caused you offence, we beg to be forgiven."

" You have learnt how to talk sweetly enough,"
rejoined Debendra Babu. "Nalini fancies himself a
Ldt (lord) or bddshdh at the very least. What times
we live in ! The young have no respect whatever
for their seniors ! "

" Nalini is hardly more than a boy," said Jadu
Babu with folded hands. " I am sure he had not the
slightest intention of hurting your feelings."

"What's the use of talking nonsense?" growled
Debendra Babu. " Go away ! " and he pointed to the
door.

The brothers did not stir ; but Jadu Babu asked,

A RIFT IN THE LUTE 127

" So you won't overlook our faults, or even tell us
what they are? "

" Well, if you will have it," replied Debendra Babu
in measured accents, " Nalini is an outcast ; and no
respectable Kayastha can take part in your mother's
srddh."

Jadu Babu fairly lost his temper. He exclaimed :
" If there is a flaw in my sister-in-law's pedigree, what
is to be said of people who visit women of alien re-
ligions, take food from their hands, and tipple strong
liquor with them ? "

This was a home thrust. Debendra Babu was well-
known to be carrying on an intrigue with a Moham-
madan woman, named Seraji, but as he was well-to-
do, no one had dared to propose his excommunica-
tion. He started from his feet in an outburst of
fury.

"What! you have the audacity to lecture me — a
wretched brat like you? Leave my house at once."
So saying he flounced into his inner apartments ;
while the brothers went away rather crestfallen.

After returning home Nalini disclosed his famous
scheme for circumventing the boycott, which Jadu
Babu heartily approved. To every Samajik they
added an envelope containing a new ten-rupee note
and sent them round to their caste-fellows. The
sight of money banished prejudices ; one and all

128 TALES OF BENGAL

received the gifts, and some were so shameless as to
hint that similar largesse would be acceptable to their
uncles or cousins.

Debendra Babu was deeply annoyed by the success
of the strategy. He swore a mighty oath not to rest
until he had destroyed the Basu family root and
branch. After a good deal of thought he matured a
plan which was to be executed through a notorious
widow belonging to the village. This creature, Hira-
mani by name, had passed middle life and lived on a
little money left by her husband, in a hut close to De-
bendra's residence. People used to say that God had
created her a female by oversight, for she had every
bad quality which a man could possess. She was noted
for the fact that misfortune invariably fell on a house
which she honoured with her intimacy. People were
very shy indeed of inviting her.

One bright afternoon Hiramani called at the Basus
and started a conversation with the wives of Jadu and
Nalini by inquiring about their household affairs, and
offering advice which is generally acceptable if seldom
acted on. While they sat talking Jadu Babu's eldest
boy came to his mother, whimpering : —

" Chota Kdkd (my young uncle) has whipped me
because an inkpot of his slipped from my hand, while
I was playing with it, and got broken ! "

"He served you rightly, naughty boy ! " observed

A EIFT IN THE LUTE 129

his mother administering a sharp slap which sent
the child off bellowing loudly.

Hiramani remarked, " You ought not to beat him
for so trivial a fault".

" That's a terrible boy," explained the mother.
" He is up to all manner of tricks, and if he is not
checked, he will grow up a regular Badmdsh."

" God forbid ! " remarked Hiramani ; " but has he
not been too cruelly used by his uncle ? You must
have noticed the welts on his naked back. I
counted five as broad as my forefinger. How could
a grown-up man torture a child like that?" — and
she looked meaningly at her hostess.

The mother was evidently impressed by these
words. She undertook to speak to Nalini about his
treatment of her son. Hiramani was delighted to
see that the poison was beginning to work. She went
straight from the Basils' house to Debendra Babu and
reported her success. He praised her warmly, pre-
sented her with a rupee, and offered further instruc-
tions.

Hiramani soon became a regular visitor of the Basu
ladies. She lost no opportunity , of poisoning the
mind of Jadu Babu's wife, by retailing Nalini's ini-
quities. At the outset her insinuations were disre-
garded ; but in time the elder wife fell so completely

under Hiramani's influence as to accept her stories as

9

130 TALES OF BENGAL

gospel truth. One day, indeed, she ventured to ask
her husband to separate from his brother and, on
meeting with a peremptory refusal, declared that she
would take no food while Nalini remained in the
house. Finding that she really meant to carry out
this awful threat, Jadu Babu apparently yielded, pro-
mising to eject his brother. When the villagers saw
Hiramani so thick with the Basu ladies, they pro-
phesied ill-luck for the family, and on learning Jadu
Babu's resolve they remarked that the old woman
had not belied her reputation. As for Nalini, he
knew that something was in the wind, but care-
fully avoided broaching the subject to his brother,
lest he should widen the breach. Like a sacrificial
goat, he waited for the stroke to fall on his devoted
head. Shortly afterwards, Jadu Babu told his wife
to make arrangements for setting up a separate es-
tablishment. Her heart leapt for joy. She cooked
twice the number of dishes usually prepared for her
husband's midday meal, and anxiously waited for him
in her kitchen.

Jadu Babu went about his duties as usual, never
mentioning the coming separation to Nalini. After
bathing at 11 A.M. he took Nalini into the latter's
kitchen, and asked his sister-in-law to give them some-
thing to eat. The pair sat down to a hastily-prepared
repast, Jadu Babu chatting and joking with his

A RIFT IN THE LUTE 131

brother according to his wont. After dinner he
took his betel box and adjourned to the parlour
for rumination and a siesta. Nalini and his wife
were surprised by Jadu Babu's behaviour. They
dared not ask him why he had invited himself to
eat with them, but waited anxiously for further
developments.

Meanwhile the elder wife was eating her heart with
vexation and forming resolutions to give her hus-
band a curtain lecture. But he slept that night in
the parlour and on the morrow took both meals with
Nalini. When a woman fails to gain her object she
is apt to take refuge in tears, which are generally
enough to force a mere man to bend to her wishes.
Jadu's wife watched for an opportunity of having it
out with her husband. On finding him alone, she
burst into lamentations, beating her heart and praying
that God would put an end to her wretched life. He
calmly asked what was the matter and, on receiving
no reply, went to bed. Presently she asked, " What
has induced you to put me to shame?" Jadu
Babu pretended ignorance, and thus made her only
the more angry.

"Oh, you Neka" (buffoon), she groaned, "didn't

you swear to separate from Nalini, and have you not

taken all your meals with him ever since ? Is that

the action of a truthful man ? "

9 *

132 TALES OF BENGAL

" Well, I should like to know how Nalini has
injured rne? "

" I say that he is your enemy ! "

" Tut, tut, you ought to be ashamed of yourself !
Where could I find a brother so faithful and obedient
as he ? You wish to live apart from him ? Very well ;
I have made separate arrangements for you." Then
in dispassionate tones Jadu Babu pointed out the
treachery of Debendra and his parasite. The
woman's eyes were opened. She fell at her husband's
feet and implored his pardon. Then she suddenly
rose, went across the courtyard to Nalini's room, and
knocked at his door. He came out and, seeing his
sister-in-law there at an unusual hour, asked anxi-
ously whether Jadu was ill. She reassured him and
took him by the hand to his brother, in whose pre-
sence she asked him to forgive and forget the offence.
Nalini was nothing loth ; and harmony was soon re-
stored in the family.

Meanwhile old Hiramani had not failed to report
progress to her patron daily. He was delighted to
think that the rift in the Basu lute was widening,
and promised her a handsome reward when the
estrangement should take place.

On learning the failure of the plot, he paid Hiramani
a surprise visit, abused her roundly, and, when she re-
torted in the like strain, he administered a wholesome

A EIFT IN THE LUTE 133

correction with his shoe. On his departure she ran to
Jadu Babu's house intending to have it out with his
wife for her breach of faith . The doorkeeper, however,
roughly denied her entrance ; and when she threatened
to report him to his mistress, he ran her out by the
neck. Hiramani went home in a state of impatient
anger and despair, and for several days she dared not
show her face in the village. The spell cast by her
malice was broken.

DEBENDEA BABU IN TROUBLE.

One chilly morning in February a Mohammadan
neighbour of Nalini's named Sadhu Sheikh burst
into his parlour crying, " Chota Babu, Chota Babu
(lit. ' little babu,' used for younger brother, to dis-
tinguish him from the elder, styled ' bara babu '),
Siraji is dying ! "

" Who is she ? " asked Nalini looking up from a law
book which he was studying.

" Surely you know my sister, Chota Babu ? "
" Yes, of course, what's the matter with her ? ' :
" She has been ill for three days, with excruciating
internal pains ; what am I to do, Babuji ? "
"Who is treating her?" asked Nalini.
" Abdullah has been giving her the usual remedies."
" Why, he is a peasant and knows nothing of medi-
cine. You should not have called him in."

" Sir, we are poor folk. Abdullah is very clever
and his fee is a mere trifle."

" What drugs has he been administering? "
" Homopotik (homoeopathic), they are called."

134

DEBENDEA BABU IN TKOUBLE 135

" Now you had better return home at once to find
out how she is progressing. Let me know if she
grows worse and I will send Hriday Doctor. Don't
trouble about his fees ; I will pay them myself. Why
did you not come to me earlier? "

Sadhu muttered some words, which Nalini could not
distinguish, and left the room hurriedly. After wait-
ing for an hour for news, Nalini threw a wrapper
over his shoulders and went to Siraji's cottage. On
nearing it he learnt from Sadhu's loud lamentations
that she was beyond the reach of medicine ; so, after
a few words of sympathy, he went home.

Presently Sadhu sallied forth to ask the neighbours'

help in carrying the dead body to burial. One and

all refused to lay a hand on it because, they said,

she had lived with an unbeliever. In dire distress

Sadhu again appealed to Nalini, who summoned the

chief inhabitants of the Musalmanpara (Mohammadan

quarter) to his house and ordered them to take Siraji's

body to the burial ground. They reluctantly agreed

to do so, and assembled at Sadhu's cottage ; but at

the last moment all of them refused to touch the

corpse. Nalini was puzzled by their behaviour. He

asked for an explanation, whereon the Mohammadans

whispered together and nudged a grey-beard, who

became their spokesman.

"Mahasay," he said, " the fact is Siraji lived with

136 TALES OF BENGAL

Debendra Babu and was actually made enceinte by
him. In order to save himself from exposure and
shame, Debendra Babu got Abdullah to administer
powerful drugs to the woman. After taking these
she was attacked by violent pains in the abdomen
and vomiting, which ended in her death. The Chau-
kidar (village watchman) knows all the facts, and he
is sure to give information to the police. You know,
sir, that no one would dare to touch a corpse with-
out their permission, if there is any suspicion of foul

play."

Nalini was greatly surprised ; he asked Sadhu
whether the old man's words were true and, getting
no reply except a significant silence, said: "You
may now go about your business, but mind I shall
expect you all to assemble here and carry Siraji to
the burial ground as soon as the police give you leave
to do so".

There was a chorus of assent, and the crowd dis-
persed. Nalini was about to return home too, when
the Chaukidar came in and told him that he had re-
ported Siraji's death to the Sub-Inspector of police,
who had ordered him not to permit the corpse to be
touched by any one until his arrival.

About three o'clock on the same day Nalini heard
that the police had come to investigate the cause of
Siraji's death. He went at once to Sadhu's house,

DEBENDKA BABU IN TKOUBLE 137

where the Sub-Inspector was recording the state-
ments of eye-witnesses. When Abdullah's turn came,
the police officer surveyed him from head to foot,
saying : —

" I have heard of you before ; what is your occupa-
tion ? "

" Sir, I am a Hakim (doctor)."

"Anything else? "

" Yes, sir, I have a little cultivation and sometimes
lend money."

"Did you attend the deceased woman?"

" Yes, I was called in by Sadhu a week ago, and
treated her for fever."

" A nice mess you have made of the case too !
Swear on the Quran that you gave her no poison or
drug!"

" Sir, I am ready to declare in the name of God
and His Prophet that I gave her nothing but homo-
potik, only nuxo bomicka (mix vomica) in doses which
would not have harmed a baby."

" Now, remember you are on your oath. Did you
administer anything else ? "

Abdullah's shaking limbs proved that he was ter-
ribly apprehensive of evil consequences to himself.
He muttered, " I gave her a little patal-jmce too ".

" So I thought," said the Sub-Inspector. " Now
all present will follow me." With the assistance of

138 TALES OF BENGAL

his constable and chaukidars, he led them to De-
bendra Babu's house. The latter received them in
his parlour. He affected to be surprised and shocked
by the news of Siraji's death.

" That is strange," retorted the Sub-Inspector.
"Abdullah here has sworn that he poisoned her at
your request."

Debendra Babu became ashen pale, but he soon
regained self-possession. Turning on Abdullah he
shouted : —

" How dare you say that I gave you any such
orders? "

" Babu," whined Abdullah, " I never said so. The
Darogaji is mistaken."

The Sub-Inspector perceived that, all the witnesses
being tenants of Debendra Babu, there was no hope
of getting them to stick to any statement inculpating
him. He sulkily told the Mohammadans present
that they might bury Siraji's corpse, and accompanied
Debendra Babu to his house, where he was royally
entertained till next morning. However, on taking
leave, he hinted that enough evidence had been secured
to warrant his reporting the case as one of causing
abortion by means of drugs, and that the Pulis Saheb
(District Superintendent) would probably order further
investigation. Debendra Babu was seriously alarmed
by the implied threat. Visions of jail — perchance

DEBENDKA BABU IN TROUBLE 139

transportation across the dark ocean — floated in his
sensorium. He resolved to submit the case to an
astrologer.

Gobardhan Chakravarti was an old Brahman
neighbour who lived by casting nativities, giving
weather and crop forecasts, and prophesying good or
evil things in proportion to the fee he received. De-
bendra Babu paid him a visit next morning and was
received with the servile courtesy due to a wealthy
client. After beating about the bush for a while he
said: "My fate just now seems very unpropitious ;
when may I expect better times ? ' '

Gobardhan covered a slate with mysterious calcu-
lations and, after poring over them for ten or fifteen
minutes, he looked up with the remark : —

" Your luck is really atrocious and has been so for
more than three months."

" Quite true, but what I want to know is — how
long is this going to last ? "

" I am afraid that you may expect one misfortune
after another ; I can't quite see the end of your evil
destiny."

" Goodness gracious ! what shall I do ? Are there
no means of conjuring it away ? "

"Certainly, the Shastras prescribe certain Grahas-
anti (propitiation of planets) processes, which will en-
able you to counteract the influence of malign stars."

140 TALES OF BENGAL

The cunning bait was swallowed by Debendra
Babu, who asked: "How much would these cere-
monies cost? "

After thinking out the maximum amount he could
decently demand, the astrologer said : " About one
hundred rupees ".

" Oh, that's far too much," was the reply. " Do
you want to ruin me ? Can't you do it for less ? "

" Not a pice less. I could perform a jog (sacri-
fice) for as little as ten rupees ; but such maimed
rites are quite contrary to the Shastras."

" Will you guarantee definite results for Rs. 100? "
asked Debendra Babu anxiously.

i

" I promise nothing ; if you have faith in my cere-
monies, you must pay me my own price ; if not — I
leave you to Fate."

" I have implicit faith in you," groaned Debendra
Babu, who was now terribly alarmed, " and will pay
you Rs. 100 to-morrow, but please don't delay ; the
matter is very pressing."

Gobardhan agreed to the proposal ; but seeing that
his client was loth to go and evidently had some-
thing on his mind, he remarked : —

" When a wise man consults a physician, he always
discloses his symptoms. You must be quite frank
and tell me how your affairs have been progressing
lately, in order that I may address my incantations

DEBENDRA BABU IN TROUBLE 141

to the proper quarter. Be sure that I will divulge
nothing."

Thus encouraged Debendra Babu revealed his
relations with Siraji, confessed that he had bribed
Abdullah to administer a powerful drug to her, and
expatiated on the very awkward predicament in which
her sudden death had placed him.

Gobardhan listened with breathless attention and
then remarked: "You have acted rightly in telling
me the whole truth. I will perform a homa (burnt
sacrifice) and verily believe that it will have the de-
sired effect. Let me have Rs. 200 and I will set about
it at once."

Debendra Babu groaned inwardly at the thought
of so heavy an expenditure ; but after all, the pro-
spect of escaping deadly peril was well worth Rs.
200. So he returned home and thence despatched
the amount in currency notes to Gobardhan.

The astrologer spent about Rs. 5 on ghi (clarified
butter), rice, and plantains for his homa sacrifice, and
completed it in three days. Then he called on the
police Sub-Inspector, who received him cordially.
After the usual compliments had been exchanged,
Gobardhan asked how his host was faring.

" Things are not going well with me," was the re-
ply. " Most of the people in these parts are miserably
poor ; and what I can extract from the well-to-do

142 TALES OF BENGAL

hardly suffices for my horse-keep. Thdkurji (a term
used in addressing Brahmans), I want you to examine
my palm and say when good times are coming for
me."

After poring over the proffered hand for fully a
minute, muttering and shaking his head the while,
Gobardhan said : " I am delighted to tell you that
your good star is in the ascendant. Very soon you
will make something handsome."

" I wish I could think so ! " observed the policeman,
" but it is impossible. I have only one likely case on
my file, and prospects are not brilliant even in that
quarter."

Then, in answer to leading questions from Gobard-
han, he told the story of Siraji's death — adding that he
had decided to send Debendra Babu and Abdullah
up for trial, but doubted whether he could adduce
sufficient evidence to convict them of murder or any-
thing like it.

Gobardhan asked: "Now, why should you lose
such a splendid opportunity of making money ? " and
seeing the policeman's eyes twinkle, he went on, " Oh,
you need not appear in this transaction yourself. I
will do the needful. Tell me frankly — how much
money would satisfy you?"

"I could not run the risk of reporting the case as.
false for less than Rs. 100."

DEBENDRA BABU IN TROUBLE 143

" That is too much," was the wily astrologer's
reply. " Mention a reasonable sum, and I will see
what can be done."

" Well, I will take Rs. 75, and not a pice less ; and
understand, if the money is not paid before this even-
ing, I will send Debendra Babu up for trial."

" Very good ; I will call on him at once and frighten
him into paying up ; but I must have something for
myself."

" Certainly, if you can get Rs. 75 from the defendant
you may keep Rs. 15 as commission."

Gobardhan returned home, took the required
amount from the Rs. 200 paid him by Debendra
Babu, and handed it privately to the Sub-Inspector,
who swore by all the gods that he would take no
further steps against the inculpated men.

Knowing well that the policeman would keep faith
with a Brahman, Gobardhan went straight to De-
bendra Babu with the glad news that the homa sacri-
fice had been completely successful, and not a hair of
his head would be injured. Debendra felt as though
a mountain was lifted from his heart ; he stooped to
wipe the dust from Gobardhan 's feet.

On learning a few days later that the case had been
reported to headquarters as false, he was firmly con-
vinced that Gobardhan's magical rites had saved him
from ruin, and presented him with a bonus of Rs. 50.

144 TALES OF BENGAL

Nalini Babu was not long in ascertaining how
the land lay. He was exasperated by the sordid
wrong-doing which reached his ears and resolved
to report it to the District Magistrate. But in the
end he kept silent, because Sadhu came to hirn with
tearful eyes, saying that he had already suffered deep
humiliation; and if old scandals were raked up, the
community would certainly excommunicate him.

TEUE TO HIS SALT.

Hiramani did not forget the thrashing given her by
Debendra Babu for failing to cause a rupture between
the Basu brothers. She took a vow of vengeance
and laid in wait for an opportunity of fulfilling it.
Meeting him one day in the village street, she asked
with an air of mystery : —

" Have you heard the news ? "

" What's that ? " replied Debendra Babu carelessly.

"It concerns the woman Siraji," she whispered.

All Debendra Babu's fears revived ; he exclaimed :
" Speak plainly, what is the matter? "

" The matter stands thus. You know that her
case was hushed up by the police ? Well, I hear on
good authority that the District Magistrate has re-
ceived an anonymous letter relating the real cause of
her death and has ordered a fresh investigation. So
I am afraid you will soon be in hot water again. As
I am your well-wisher in spite of the cruel treatment
I have received, I think it my duty to warn you of

this new danger."

145 10

146 TALES OF BENGAL

Hiraniani spoke in faltering accents and wiped
away an imaginary tear with the corner of her cloth.
"How did you learn all this?" asked Debendra
Babu in deep anxiety.

"I got the news only last night from the wife of
the new Sub-Inspector who has come here on trans-
fer. On paying my respects to her, I was told in
confidence that her husband had orders to make a
searching inquiry into the cause of Siraji's death."

Debendra Babu saw that his secret was at the
woman's discretion. He answered in an apologetic
tone: "It was certainly foolish of me to lose my
temper with you, but I had some provocation. For-
give me, and let bye-gones be bye-gones. Whom do
you suspect of sending the anonymous letter?"

Hiramani bit her lips ; she knew the author, who
was none other than herself, and replied : " It might
have been written by Jadu Babu ; but I suspect his
brother Nalini, who is as venomous as a snake and
hates you mortally".

Debendra Babu stamped his foot in annoyance
and, after musing awhile, asked, " What would you
advise me to do? "

Hiramani wagged her head sententiously. " Babuji,
I am afraid you are in a serious scrape. The matter
has gone too far to be hushed up a second time. You
cannot do anything directly without increasing the

TKUE TO HIS SALT 147

suspicion which attaches to you ; but I will watch
events and keep you informed of all that happens
at the police station. You know I have friends
there."

Debendra Babu was profuse in his thanks. He
pressed a couple of rupees into the old woman's will-
ing palm, saying: " Hiramani, I see that you are
really my well-wisher. Come to my house as often as
you like ; and if you have anything particular to say
to me, I shall always be glad to hear it — and grateful
too."

Then the pair separated, and Hiramani took advan-
tage of the Babu's invitation by visiting his daughter
Kamini that very evening.

She was made welcome in the inner apartment
and sat down for a long chat, in the course of which
she asked after Kamini's husband.

" He has gone out for a stroll," her hostess replied,
" but I expect him back every minute."

The words were hardly out of her mouth ere a
young man came in hurriedly and, not noticing Hir-
amani who sat in the shade, asked for a drink of
water. Hiramani doubted not that he was Debendra
Babu's son-in-law, Pulin by name, who had lately
come to live with his wife's family. She introduced
herself as a friend of his father-in-law's and, being

very witty when she chose to exert herself, soon

10*

148 TALES OF BENGAL

managed to make a favourable impression on the
young man. He asked her to come again whenever
she pleased, adding that he was generally at home
after sunset.

Hiramani had prepared the ground for a further
attack. She left the house with a certainty that she
had made a good impression.

Thenceforward hardly a day passed without at
least one visit to Debendra Babu's. Hiramani
wormed all Kamini's little harmless secrets out of
her and obtained enough knowledge of the girl's
tastes and habits to serve her own designs.

One day, finding herself alone with Pulin, she
threw out dark hints against his wife's character.
The young man's suspicion was excited. He pressed
for more explicit information, but Hiramani shook
her head mysteriously without replying. Pulin in-
sisted on being told the truth, whereon Hiramani
poured out a whispered story of Kamini's intrigues,
mentioning names of male relatives who were known
to frequent the house. Pulin was stung to the quick.
Regardless of a stranger's presence, he called Kamini
into the room, abused her roundly, and declared that
he would never live with her again. Then gathering
up a few belongings in a bundle, he quitted the house,
leaving his wife in a flood of tears. Hiramani was
overjoyed by the results of her machinations. She

TRUE TO HIS SALT 149

affected sympathy with the deserted wife, who was too
young and innocent to suspect her of having caused
the quarrel.

Debendra Babu had a servant, Earn Harak by
name, who had been in the family for nearly forty
years and was treated as one of them. He had
watched the growing intimacy between Hiramani and
the young couple and, knowing the old woman's
character well, endeavoured to counteract her evil in-
fluence. Finding this impossible he sought Debendra
Babu in the parlour, salamed profoundly, and stood
erect, without uttering a word. His master asked,
with some surprise, what he wanted.

" Mahasay," replied Ram Harak, "have I not
served you for two-score years with obedience and
fidelity? Have you ever found me untrue to my
salt?"

" Certainly not ; I know you are a good and faithful
servant."

" Then, Mahasay, you ought to protect me against
enemies of your house. That odious hag, Hiramani,
has abused me foully."

"Now, Ram Harak, it is you who are abusive.
What have you done to offend her? "

"You are my father and mother," replied Ram
Harak with his eyes full of tears. " Let me explain
fully. I have long since suspected Hiramani of

150 TALES OF BENGAL

making mischief in this house, and have kept a close
watch on her movements. The very day of Pulin
Babu's departure I overheard her whispering all
manner of false insinuations against my young mis-
tress. Then came the quarrel between husband and
wife, which ended in Pulin Babu's leaving your house.
After he had gone I ventured to remonstrate with
Hiramani for poisoning jamai (son-in-law) Babu's
mind against his wife; whereon she overwhelmed
me with abuse and actually threatened to get me
dismissed ! I want to know whether this woman is
mistress of the family? Am I to have no redress? "

" Leave all this to me, Earn Harak, and go to your
work. I'll speak to Hiramani myself."

" Babuji, you are treating the matter far too lightly.
I would never have complained on my own account,
but I cannot bear to see her plotting against your
daughter's happiness, which she has, perhaps, de-
stroyed for ever ! "

Debendra Babu went into his inner apartments
and, seeing Hiramani engaged in close conversation
with his daughter, he asked her why she had used
bad language to Ram Harak. The old woman
beckoned him to come outside ; and after making
sure that no one was listening, she poured into his
ears a long tale of Ram Harak's misdoings. He was
robbing his master, she declared, taking dasturi (com-

TRUE TO HIS SALT 151

mission on purchases) at twice the customary rates.
What was far worse, the "faithful servant" had
spoken freely of Debendra Babu's relations with
Siraji in the village, and it was he who instigated the
anonymous letter which was about to bring the police
down on his master. Though all this was the purest
fiction, Debendra Babu swallowed it greedily. He
shouted for Ram Harak and, on the man's appear-
ance, charged him with fraud and unfaithfulness to
his salt. Ram Harak stood silent with folded hands,
not deigning to exculpate himself, which so enraged
Debendra Babu that he gave the poor old man a
sharp blow on the head with his shoe, bidding him
begone and never to cross his threshold again. Ram
Harak went to his hut, collected his possessions in a
bundle, and left the house where forty years of his
life had been spent. Hiramani's plans of vengeance
were prospering.

Soon after these unpleasant events the new Sub-
Inspector of police arrived at Debendra Babu's house
with a warrant for his arrest, and took him to the
station despite loud protests of innocence. There he
applied for bail, which was of course refused, and he
spent the night in the lock-up. Knowing well that
he had a very bad case, he humbled himself so far as
to send for Nalini, whom he implored with folded
hands to save him from destruction. Nalini was

152 TALES OF BENGAL

deeply moved by his appeal. He heartily despised
the fellow's unutterable baseness, but reflected that
he had been an old friend of his father's. He under-
took the prisoner's defence.

In due course Debendra Babu, with Abdullah, was
brought before the Deputy Magistrate of Ghoria on
various grave charges. The evidence established a
strong prima facie, case against both, and Nalini Babu
reserved his defence. They were committed for
trial. When the case came before the Sessions
Judge the Government Pleader (public prosecutor)
adduced many witnesses proving the prisoner's guilt,
the last of whom was Hiramani, who admitted on
cross-examination that she had caused the anonymous
letter to be sent to headquarters, which led to the
charge being reopened. She protested that she had
done so from a feeling that so great a crime should not
be hushed up. Nalini Babu, in his turn, put forward
some witnesses for the defence ; but their statements
were not of material advantage to the prisoner. It
was, in fact, a losing game, but he played it manfully.
After all evidence had been recorded, the Government
Pleader was about to sum up for the prosecution,
when the Court rose suddenly, as it was past five
o'clock.

Nalini was going homewards in the dusk, when he
felt a hand laid timidly on his shoulder. Turning

TRUE TO HIS SALT 153

sharply round, he saw an old man standing by his
side. On being asked his name and business, the
newcomer whispered some information which must
have interested Nalini greatly for he rubbed his hands,
smiled, and nodded several times. After a few min-
utes' talk the pair went together to a spot where a
palanquin with bearers was waiting. Into it got
Nalini and was carried off at a smart trot, while his
companion hobbled behind.

When the Court assembled next day Nalini thus
addressed the judge : " May it please your honour, I
have, by the greatest good luck, obtained certain evi-
dence which will, I think, place this case in a new
light ". On getting leave to adduce an additional wit-
ness, he beckoned to an old man, standing at the back of
the Court, who entered the witness-box and declared
that his name was Ram Harak and that he was a dis-
missed servant of the prisoner. This was a curious
opening for a witness for the defence, and dead silence
fell on the Court while Earn Harak proceeded to swear
that it was he, and not Debendra Babu, who had been
intimate with the deceased, and that she had poisoned
herself to avoid excommunication.

"Did she tell you so herself?" asked the judge
sharply.

" No, your highness ; I learnt this only yesterday
from Maina Bibi, Karim's own sister; Piyari Bibi,

154 TALES OF BENGAL

Sadhu's daughter ; and Nasiban Bibi, his sister-in-law,
who all lived with the deceased."

The Government Pleader at once objected to this
statement being recorded, as it was hearsay. Nalini,
however, assured the judge that the eye-witnesses
were in attendance, and called them, one by one, to
give evidence. Passing strange was their story. On
the evening of Siraji's death they found her writhing
in agony on the floor and, on being questioned, she
gasped out that she could bear her kinsfolks' tyranny
no longer. They had just told her that she was to
be excommunicated for intriguing with an infidel.
So she had got some yellow arsenic from the domes
(low-caste leather-dressers) and swallowed several
tolas weight of the poison in milk. The other women
were thunderstruck. They sat down beside her and
mingled their lamentations until Siraji's sufferings
ended for ever. They afterwards agreed to say noth-
ing about the cause of her death for fear of the police.
But Bam Harak had come to them privately and
frightened them into promising to tell the whole
truth, by pointing out the awful consequences of an
innocent man's conviction. Their evidence was not
shaken by the Government Pleader's cross-examina-
tion, and it was corroborated by a dome, who swore
that Siraji had got some arsenic from him a few days
before her death, on the pretext that it was wanted in

TRUE TO HIS SALT 155

order to poison some troublesome village dogs. After
consulting with the jury for a few minutes, the judge
informed Nalini that his client was acquitted, and
Debendra Babu left the Court, as the newspapers
say, "without a stain on his character". Seeing
Ram Harak standing near the door with folded
hands, he clasped the good old man to his bosom,
with many protestations of gratitude, and begged
him to forgive the injustice with which he had been
treated.

When Ram Harak found himself alone with his
master at the close of this exciting day, he repeated
the vile insinuations which Hiram ani had made re-
garding the daughter's character. Debendra Babu was
highly indignant and vowed that the scandal-monger
should never cross his threshold again. He then im-
plored Ram Harak to trace his son-in-law, authoris-
ing him to offer any reparation he might ask. The old
man smiled, and left the house, but returned a quarter
of an hour later with a Sanyasi (religious mendi-
cant) who revealed himself as the missing Pulin.
Debendra Babu received him with warm embraces
and many entreaties for pardon ; while Pulin said
modestly that he alone was to blame, for he ought
not to have believed the aspersions cast on his wife by
Hiramani, which led him to quit the house in disgust.
He added that Ram Harak had found him telling his

156 TALES OF BENGAL

beads near a temple, and persuaded him to wait close
at hand until he had opened Debendra Babu's eyes.

Meanwhile the whole house echoed with songs and
laughter. Debendra Babu rewarded Bam Harak's
fidelity with a grant of rent-free land, and publicly
placed a magnificent turban on his head. He resolved
to celebrate his own escape from jail by feasting the
neighbours. The entire arrangements were left in
the hands of the two Basus, who managed matters so
admirably that every one was more than satisfied
and Debendra Babu's fame was spread far and wide.
AVhen things resumed their normal aspect, he held a
confab with the brothers as to the punishment which
should be meted out to Hiramani, and it was unani-
mously resolved to send her to Coventry. They,
therefore, forbade the villagers to admit her into their
houses, and the shopkeepers to supply her wants.
Hiramani soon found Kadampur too hot to hold her
and took her departure for ever, to every one's intense
relief.

A TAME EABBIT.

When a penniless Hindu marries into a wealthy-
family he is sorely tempted to live with, and upon,
his father-in-law. But the ease thus secured is un-
attended by dignity. The gharjamai, "son-in-law of
the house," as he is styled, shocks public opinion,
which holds it disgraceful for an able-bodied man to
eat the bread of idleness. Pulin incurred a certain
degree of opprobrium by quartering himself on De-
bendra Babu ; neighbours treated him with scant
courtesy, and the very household servants made him
feel that he was a person of small importance. He
bore contumely with patience, looking forward to the
time when Debendra Babu's decease would give him
a recognised position. His wife was far more ambi-
tious. She objected strongly to sharing her husband's
loss of social standing and frequently reproached
him with submitting to be her father's annadds (rice-
slave).

So, one morning, he poured his sorrows into Nalini's
sympathetic ear.

157

158 TALES OF BENGAL

"Mahasay," he said, "you know that people
are inclined to blame me for living in idleness, and
I do indeed long to chalk out a career for myself.
But I don't know how to set about it and have no
patron to back me. Do you happen to know of any
job which would give me enough to live on ? Salary
is less an object with me than prospects. I would
gladly accept a mastership in some high school."

" You are quite right in seeking independence,"
replied Nalini, "and I shall be glad to help you-
But lower-grade teachers are miserably paid, and
their prospects are no better. It is only graduates
who can aspire to a head-mastership. Are you one ? "

"No, sir, but I passed the F.A. examination in
1897."

" Ah, then, you are a Diamond Jubilee man — that's
a good omen," rejoined Nalini, with a shade of sar-
casm in his voice. " What were your English text-
books?"

"I read Milton's Absalom and Achitophel, Dryden's
Holy Grail, and many other poems, but I'm not sure
of their titles after all these years."

Nalini suspected that his friend's English lore was
somewhat rusty. In order to test him further, he
asked, " Can you tell me who wrote ' Life is real, life
is earnest,' — that line applies to you ! "

Pulin fidgeted about before answering. " It must

A TAME BABBIT 159

have been Tennyson — or was it Wordsworth ? I
never could keep poetry in my head."

Nalini thought that an F.A. might have remem-
bered Longfellow's Psalm of Life, but he refrained
from airing superior knowledge.

" Do you know any mathematics ? " he inquired.

"Mathematics!" replied Pulin Joyously. "Why,
they're my forte — I am quite at home in arithmetic,
algebra, and geometry. Please ask me any ques-
tion you like."

"Well, let us have Prop. 30, Book I. of Euclid."

Pulin rattled off Proposition 13 of that book, with-
out the aid of a diagram. Nalini now saw that the
young man's mental equipment was of the slenderest
description. He said, "Well, you may call on me
another day, when I may be able to tell you of some
vacancy ".

Pulin, however, would take no denial. He became
so insistent that Nalini reluctantly gave him a letter
of introduction to Babu Kaliprasanna Som, Secretary
of the Eamnagar High School, who, he said, was look-
ing about him for a fourth master. Pulin lost no
time in delivering it and was immediately appointed
to the vacant post.

English education in Bengal is not regarded as a
key which opens the door of a glorious literature, but
simply and solely as a stepping-stone in the path of

160 TALES OF BENGAL

worldly success. The Department seems to aim at
turning out clerks and lawyers in reckless profusion.
Moreover, academic degrees are tariffed in the mar-
riage market. The "F. A." commands a far higher
price than the "entrance-passed," while an M.A.
has his pick of the richest and prettiest girls belong-
ing to his class. Hence parents take a keen interest
in their boys' progress and constantly urge them to
excel in class. With such lessons ringing in his ears,
the Bengali schoolboy is consumed with a desire to
master his text-books. The great difficulty is to tear
him away from them, and insist on his giving suf-
ficient time to manly games. When a new teacher
takes the helm, he is closely watched in order to test
his competence. The older lads take a cruel pleasure
in plying him with questions which they have already
solved from the Dictionary. Pulin did not emerge
from this ordeal with credit, and the boys concocted
a written complaint of his shortcomings, which they
despatched to the Secretary of the School Committee.
The answer was a promise to redress their grievances.
At 10.30 next morning Kaliprasanna Babu entered
Pulin's classroom and stood listening to his method of
teaching English literature. Presently one of the
boys asked him to explain the difference between
" fort " and " fortress ". After scratching his head for
fully half a minute he replied that the first was a

A TAME RABBIT 161

castle defended by men, while the second had a female
garrison ! The Secretary was quite satisfied. He
left the room and sent Pulin a written notice of dis-
missal. The latter was disheartened beyond measure
by this unkind stroke of fortune. He shook the dust
of Ramnagar from his feet and returned home to lay
his sorrows before Nalini, seasoning the story with
remarks highly derogatory to Kaliprasanna Babu's
character. In order to get rid of an importunate
suitor Nalini gave him another letter of introduction,
this time to an old acquaintance named Debnath
Lahiri who was head clerk in the office of Messrs.
Kerr & Dunlop, one of the largest mercantile firms
of Calcutta. Pulin was heartily sick of school-
mastering, and the prospect of making a fortune in
business filled his soul with joy. He borrowed Rs.
30 from Debendra Babu and took the earliest train
for Calcutta. On arriving there he joined a mess of
waifs and strays like himself, who herded in a small
room and clubbed their pice to provide meals. Then
he waited on Debnath Babu, whom he found installed
in a sumptuous office overlooking the river Hughli.
The great man glanced at his credentials and, with
an appearance of cordiality, promised to let him know
in case a vacancy occurred in the office. For nearly
a month Pulin called daily for news at Messrs. Kerr

& Dunlop's, and generally managed to waylay the

11

162 TALES OF BENGAL

head clerk, whose reply was invariably, " I have noth-
ing to suit you at present ".

One morning, however, he was stopped by the dar-
wan (doorkeeper) who told him gruffly that the " Bara
Babu did not like to have outsiders hanging about the
office ". The baffled suitor reflected on his miserable
position. He had just eleven rupees and two pice left,
which he calculated would last him, with strict econ-
omy, for another fortnight. When they were spent, he
would have to return crestfallen to Kadampur. But
could he face the neighbours' sneers, the servants' con-
tumely — worse than all, his wife's bitter tongue ? No,
that was not to be thought of. It were better to
plunge into the river whose turbid waters rolled only
a few feet away.

Pulin was roused from this unpleasant train of
thought by hearing his name pronounced. It came
from a well-dressed man, who was just entering
Messrs. Kerr & Dunlop's office, welcomed by a
salam from the surly doorkeeper. Pulin was de-
lighted to recognise in the stranger a certain Kisari
Mohan Chatterji, who had taught him English in
the General Assembly's College more than a decade
back. In a few words he told his sad story and
learnt that Kisari Babu had taken the same step as
he himself contemplated, with the result that he was
now head clerk in Messrs. Kerr & Dunlop's export

A TAME KABBIT 163

department. This news augured well for his own
ambition, but poor Pulin was disgusted on hearing
that no less than three vacancies had occurred in as
many weeks, and that all had been filled by relatives
of Babu Debnath Lahiri. Kisari Babu added : " A
junior clerk is to be appointed to-morrow. Write out
an application in your very best hand, with copies
of your testimonials, and bring it to me here this
evening at five. I'll see that it reaches our manager,
Henderson Saheb." Pulin punctually followed his
friend's advice, and dreamed all night of wealth be-
yond a miser's utmost ambition.

On arriving at Messrs. Kerr & Dunlop's office
next morning he joined a crowd of twenty or thirty
young men who were bent on a like errand. His
spirits sank to zero, nor were they raised when after
hanging about in the rain for nearly two hours the
aspirants were told that the vacancy had been filled
up. Thereupon the forlorn group dispersed, cursing
their ill-luck and muttering insinuations against Mr.
Henderson and his head clerk. Pulin, however,
lingered behind. By tendering a rupee to the door-
keeper he got a slip of paper and pencil, with which
he indited a piteous appeal to Kisari Babu, and a
promise that it should reach him. Presently his
friend came out in a desperate hurry, with a stylo-
graph behind his ear, and his hands laden with papers,

11 *

164 TALES OF BENGAL

"It's just as I anticipated," he whispered to Pulin.
" The head clerk has persuaded Henderson Saheb to
bestow the post on his wife's nephew. But don't be
disheartened. I will speak to our Saheb about you
this very day. Come here. at five to learn the result."

Pulin did so and was overjoyed to find that he had
been appointed probationary clerk in the export de-
partment on Bs. 20 per mensem, in supersession of
Debnath Babu's nominee.

On the morrow he entered on his new duties with
some trepidation, but Kisari Babu took him under
his wing and spared no pains to "teach him the
ropes ". Pulin spent his evenings in furbishing up
his English and arithmetic, mastered the whole art
of book-keeping, and, being naturally intelligent, he
soon had the office routine at his fingers' ends. He
grasped the fact that a young man who wishes to
succeed in life must make himself indispensable. In
course of time Pulin's industry and trustworthiness
attracted the attention of Mr. Henderson, who con-
firmed him as clerk, with a salary of Bs. 35.

But every cup has its bitter drop ; and Pulin's was
the persistent enmity of the head clerk, who bore him a
grudge for ousting his wife's nephew and seized every
opportunity of annoying him. Leagued with the arch-
enemy were two subordinate clerks, Gyanendra and
Lakshminarain by name, who belonged to Debnath

A TAME BABBIT 165

Babu's gusti (family). This trio so managed matters
that all the hardest and most thankless work fell to
Pulin's lot. He bore their pin-pricks with equanimity,
secure in the constant support of Kisari Babu.

One muggy morning in August he awoke with a
splitting headache, the harbinger of an attack of fever,
and was obliged to inform the head clerk, by means
of a note, of his inability to attend office. An answer
was brought by Gyanendra to the effect that three
days' leave of absence was granted, but that his work
must be carried on by some other clerk. He was,
therefore, ordered to send the key of his desk by
the bearer. For three days the patient endured alter-
nations of heat and cold ; but his malady yielded to
quinine, and on the fourth he was able to resume
work.

Soon after reaching the office, he was accosted by
one of the bearers, named Kamtonu, who told him
that the Bam Saheb wished to see him at once. The
moment he entered the manager's sanctum he saw
that something unpleasant had occurred. Without
wishing him good morning, as usual, Mr. Henderson
handed him a cheque and asked sternly whether he
had filled it up. Pulin examined the document,
which turned out to be an order on the Standard
Bank to pay Tarak Ghose & Co. Rs. 200, signed by
Mr. Henderson. He was obliged to admit that the

166 TALES OF BENGAL

payee's name, as also the amount in words and figures,
seemed to be in his handwriting.

" Yes," rejoined the manager, " and the signature
is very like my own ; but it is a forgery. Do you
hear me, Babu, a Forgery ! "

To Pulin's disordered senses the room, with its
furniture and Mr. Henderson's angry face, seemed to
be turning round. He gasped out, " I'm ill, sir ! "
and sank into a chair. The manager mistook the
remains of fever for a tacit admission of guilt. He
waited till Pulin had regained a share of his wits and
said gravely : " I did not think that one whom I
trusted with my cheque-book would act thus. Now
you will search your books, to see whether they con-
tain a record of any payment of the kind, and return
with them in half an hour. But I must warn }^ou
that if this forgery is traced to you, I shall have to
call in the police."

Pulin staggered back to his room in despair and
observed that Gyanendra and Lakshminarain, who
sat at the next desk, were evidently enjoying his
mental agony. Alas ! the books showed no trace of
any payment to Tarak Ghose & Co. He wrung his
hands in great distress and sat bewildered, until
Ramtonu came to summon him to the manager's
tribunal. In the corridor Ramtonu glanced round,
to make sure that no one was within hearing, and

A TAME BABBIT 1G7

said, " Don't be afraid, Babuji. You did me a good
turn, and I may be able to help you now."

This Kamtonu was an office menial hailing from
the district of Gaya, in Behar. He was an intelligent
man, but rather unlicked, and was the butt of the
younger clerks, who delighted in mocking his uncouth
up-country dialect. Pulin, however, had never joined
in "ragging" him, and, on one occasion, he lent
Kamtonu Us. 7 for his wife, who was about to increase
the population of Gaya. Gratitude for kindness is
a marked trait in the Indian character, and Pulin
bethought him of the old fable of the Lion and Mouse-
He asked: "Why, what do you know about lekha-
para (reading and writing) ? "

" Never mind," rejoined Ramtonu. " We must not
loiter, for we should be suspected of plotting together.
Come to the Saheb's room. I shall be admitted, for
he knows that I don't understand English. All I
ask is that you will clasp your hands as a signal when
I may come forward and tell my story."

A European police officer was seated by Mr. Hender-
son's side, engaged in writing from his dictation-
They looked up, and the manager asked whether
Pulin had found any record of the payment in
dispute.

On receiving a negative answer, he said: "Then
I shall be obliged to hand you over to the police".

168 TALES OF BENGAL

Pulin clasped his hands in a mute appeal for mercy,
whereon Ranitonu stepped forward. Carefully ex-
tracting a folded sheet of foolscap from the pocket of
his chapkan (a tight-fitting garment, worn by nearly
all classes in full dress), he spread it out on the table
and respectfully asked the manager to run his eye
over it.

" By Jove," remarked the latter, with great surprise,
"here's some one has been copying my signature —
and Pulin's writing" too ! "

All eyes were now bent on the incriminating docu-
ment. It was made up of many fragments of paper,
carefully pasted on a sheet of foolscap, and bore the
words,' " Tarak Ghose & Co., two hundred rupees,
200," repeated at least twenty times. Below was
"A. G. Henderson," also multiplied many-fold. The
manager asked where Ranitonu had found the paper,
and received the following answer : —

" Your Highness, Pulin Babu here did not come to
office on Monday ; and for the next few days his work
was done by Gyanendra Babu, who got the keys of
his desk. I knew that he and some other clerks
detested Pulin Babu, so I watched their movements
narrowly, to see whether they would try to get him
into a scrape, and more than once I surprised Gyan-
endra and Lakshminarain whispering together. On
Tuesday neither of them left the office for lunch with

A TAME KABBIT 169

the other clerks, and I seized some pretext for enter-
ing the room where they sit. Gyanendra roughly
bade me begone ; so I went to the verandah outside
and peeped through the jilmils (Venetian blinds) of
a window close to their desk. Lakshminarain was
copying some English words from a paper on his left
side, while the other clerk looked on, nodding and
shaking his head from time to time. After writing
in this fashion for a while, Lakshminarain took a
sheet of notepaper covered with writing and copied
the signature many times, until both babus were satis-
fied with the result. Then I saw Gyanendra unlock
Pulin Babu's desk, take out a cheque-book, and hand
it to the other man, who filled up the counterfoil and
body of one blank cheque, glancing sometimes at the
paper in front of him. He returned it to Gyanendra
who placed it in a pocket-book. After tearing up
the papers they had used and throwing them into the
waste-paper basket, they left the room. I ran round,
carefully avoiding them, picked the fragments of
paper out of the basket, tied them in a corner of my
cjamcha (wrapper), and left the office quickly, asking the
doorkeeper what direction they had taken. When he
said that they had turned northwards, I guessed that
they were off to the Bank, in order to cash the cheque,
and sure enough I overtook them not more than a
rassi from the office. Following them at a little

170 TALES OF BENGAL

distance on the other side of the street, I saw them
stop outside the Standard Bank and look anxiously
around. Presently a schoolboy passed by, whom
they hailed and, after talking for a while, Gyanendra
handed him the cheque with a small linen money-
bag, and pointed to the door of the Bank. The lad
went inside, while both babus waited round the
corner. In a short time he came out and handed
the bag full of money to Gyanendra, who gave him
something and hurried back to the office with his com-
panion. Putting two and two together I felt assured
that those clerks had forged the cheque ; and had
I known where Pulin Babu lived, I would certainly
have communicated my suspicions to him. Having to
work without his help, I persuaded a student, who
lodges near my quarters, to piece the scraps of paper
together. It took him two hours to do so, and we
then pasted them carefully on this sheet of foolscap.
You will see, Saheb, that there are thirty-seven in all,
and only three missing."

The story made a deep impression on Mr. Hender-
son and the Police Inspector, while Pulin was raised
to the seventh heaven of delight by the thought that
his innocence might yet be established.

"Could you identify the boy?" asked the Euro-
peans with one breath.

"I don't know his name," was Kamtonu's re-

A TAME BABBIT 171

joinder; "but I think I could pick him out, for he
passes this office daily on his way to and from school.
But this is just the time when he goes home for
tiffin. With your Highness's permission, I will
watch for him in the street."

" Do so by all means," was the Inspector's reply.
"Meanwhile, I'll take down notes of your state-
ment."

Ramtonu went out and in a few minutes returned
dragging with him triumphantly a well-dressed lad
of fifteen, who seemed terribly alarmed by the com-
pany into which he was thrust. The Inspector
calmed his fears by assuring him that he would come
to no harm if only he spoke the whole truth. " You
have been unwittingly made the instrument of a
forgery," he added, " and we want your help towards
detecting it." The boy plucked up courage and
answered every question put him quite candidly.
His tale corroborated Eamtonu's in most particulars,
with the addition that the tall babu had given him
eight annas bakshish for cashing the cheque. He had
not seen either of the men previously, but thought he
should be able to recognise one of them owing to his
unusual height.

" Now, bearer," said Mr. Henderson, " go and fetch
both the clerks ; bring in the tall one first, but keep
an eye on the other outside and beyond earshot."

172 TALES OF BENGAL

Ranitonu left the room with alacrity and presently
returned ushering Lakshrninarain into the dreaded
presence. The newcomer was beside himself with
terror ; and when he was identified by the schoolboy
as one of the men who had employed him to cash the
cheque, he did not wait to be asked for an explana-
tion. Throwing himself at Mr. Henderson's feet he
begged for mercy, promising to reveal the entire
truth. The Inspector would make no promises but
simply adjured him to make a clean breast of his
share in the transaction. Lakshrninarain obeyed,
and his statement, interrupted by many sobs, was duly
recorded. His accomplice was next introduced. At
first Gyanenclra was inclined to put a bold face on the
matter, stoutly affirming that it was a put-up affair
between Pulin and Ramtonu. When, however, the
Inspector read out to him the deposition of the bearer
and schoolboy, he saw that the game was up and
confessed his misdoings, accusing the head clerk of
having prompted them. The culprits were taken in
a ticca gdr'i (four-wheeled cab) to the police station
Pulin occupying the box, while Ramtonu ran behind.

Well, to cut a long story short, the prisoners stuck
to their confession and refunded their ill-gotten gains.
They were duly committed to the High Court on
charges of forgery and conspiring to accuse an in-
nocent man of the like offence. They both pleaded

A TAME KABBIT 173

guilty, and the judge remarked that it was one of the
worst cases of the kind he had ever tried. In pass-
ing sentence of two years rigorous imprisonment on
each prisoner, he added that they would have fared
worse but for the patent fact that they had been
made catspaws of by some one who kept in the back-
ground. As there was no evidence against Debnath
Babu, except that of accomplices, he was not prose-
cuted ; but immediately after the trial, Messrs. Kerr
& Dunlop dismissed him without notice. Kisari Babu
was promoted to the vacant office of head clerk,
while Pulin stepped into his friend's shoes. By un-
failing application to duty, he won Messrs. Kerr &
Dunlop's entire confidence, and in fulness of time
succeeded Kisari Babu as head clerk. Ten or
twelve years later, Pulin was rich enough to build
a pahha (masonry) house at Kadampur, which far
eclipsed his father-in-law's, and had a well-paid door-
keeper in the person of Bamtonu. The once-despised
gharjamdi took a leading position among the local
gentry.

GOBAKDHAN'S TKIUMPH.

Jadu Babu's four-year-old daughter, Mrinalini, or
Mrinu as she was called in the family, came to her
mother one evening to say that her kitten was lost.
In vain was she taken on the maternal lap, her tears
gently wiped away, and all manner of pretty toys
promised. Her little frame was convulsed with sobs,
and she refused to be comforted. So her mother sent
a maidservant to search for the plaything. The girl
returned shortly and said that the kitten was cer-
tainly not in the house. At this Mrinu howled more
loudly than ever, bringing her father on the scene.
He pacified the child by undertaking to produce her
pet, and told the servants that the finder would be hand-
somely rewarded. Meanwhile his wife was trying
to keep Mrinu's attention engaged by telling her a
long story, when she suddenly exclaimed, "What has
become of your jasam (gold bracelet) ? "

Mrinu replied, "I took it off to play with kitty
and laid it down somewhere ".

This was all the information she could vouchsafe

174

GOBARDHAN'S TRIUMPH 175

in answer to repeated questions. The mother set her
down and proceeded to search every hole and corner
for the jetsam, but it was not to be found. Her hus-
band was greatly alarmed on hearing of this un-
toward event. The loss of Rs. 100, at which the
trinket was valued, might have been borne ; but
Hindus believe that misfortune invariably follows
the loss of gold. He set all his servants and hangers-
on to look for the jasam, but they were unsuccessful.
In despair he hurried to Nalini for advice and was
told to send for Gobardhan, which he promptly did.

The astrologer listened attentively to his story and
then asked whether Jadu Babu would try Bdti Chdld
(divination by the bdta leaf), or some simpler method
of discovering the lost jasam. On learning that the
matter would be left entirely in his hands, he told
Jadu Babu to collect all his servants in the parlour
and let him have half a seer (1 lb.) of raw rice, with
as many strips of banana leaf as there were servants.
When all were assembled, Gobardhan thus addressed
them, " Mrinu has lost her jasam, have any of you
seen it? " The reply was a chorus of "Noes" with
emphatic head-shakings. " Then none of you have
stolen it ? " Again a volume of protestations. " Very
well, then," said Gobardhan, " I must try the ordeal
of chewed rice." After uttering many mantras (in-
cantations) and waving his hand over the pile of

176 TALES OF BENGAL

grain and banana leaves, he dealt out a quotum of
each to the servants.

"Now," he said, "you will masticate the rice for
a minute thoroughly and then drop the result on your
leaves. I warn you that it will be deadly poison for
the thief." All obeyed with alacrity, and Gobardhan,
after examining the contents of each leaf, assured
Jadu Babu that the jetsam had not been stolen.

My readers who are versed in science will under-
stand that, in point of fact, there is nothing magical
about this rite, which is based on the circumstance
that fear checks the flow of saliva. In all probability
a thief would eject the rice absolutely dry.

The inference was that the jasam had been mislaid ;
and Jadu Babu asked whether Gobardhan's lore was
equal to recovering it.

"Possibly," answered the astrologer, "but it is
not a case of Bati Chala; if you can guarantee me
Ks. 10, I will perform Ndkha Darpan (literally ' nail-
mirror'). Let me have an almanac, please, to find
an auspicious day."

After examining it and receiving a ten-rupee note
from Jadu Babu, the astrologer said oracularly that
he would return on the following afternoon, with a
lad of twelve, who had been born under the Constel-
lation of the Scales.

At the appointed hour, Gobardhan came accom-

GOBAEDHAN'S TEIUMPH 177

panied by his acolyte, with whom he sat down at the
Chandimandab (a shrine of the goddess Durga, found
in most Hindu houses, which serves for social
gatherings). Jadu Babu and the bhadra-lok (gentle-
folk) took their seats there too, while the underlings
formed a respectful half-circle in front. Adjuring all
to keep perfect silence, he asked the lad to gaze into
the nail on his own right index finger and tell the
people what he saw there. After staring at it for a
minute or so, the boy began to tremble violently and
whispered : "I see a mango-tope (orchard) ; a little
girl is playing with her kitten under the trees. Now
I see her slipping a jasam from her arm, the kitten
frisks about, and the child follows it ; now it disap-
pears, and the child runs indoors." Then, raising
his voice to a shrill scream, he pointed with his left
hand to the north and asked : —

"What are those animals which are prowling in
the orchard ? Are they dogs ? No — they are jackals
— one, two, three jackals ! They pounce on the
kitten, and tear her limb from limb ! Now every-
thing is growing hazy ; I can't see any more ! '

A thrill of fear ran through the audience, and one
might have heard a pin drop. At length Gobardhan
broke the silence : —

"Let us go to the mango-tope north of this

house," he said solemnly.

12

178 TALES OF BENGAL

Thither they hurried and, after a few minutes'
search, one of the maidservants cried out that she
had found the jasam half-hidden by the gnarled roots
of a tree.

Jadu Babu was overjoyed by the recovery of his
missing jewel, and pressed another fee of ten rupees
on the astrologer. As for Gobardhan, his fame spread
far and wide, and his hut was rarely without some
client, eager to learn the future.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE.

Sadhu Sheikh of Simulgachi was not long in finding
a husband for his half-sister, Maini Bibi. Before she
was fourteen, a young farmer named Ramzan pro-
posed for her hand, offering a den mohur of Rs. 100.
The den mohur is a device recognised by Moham-
madan law for protecting married women from cap-
ricious repudiation. The husband binds himself to
refund a fictitious dowry, generally far above his
means, in case he should divorce his wife for no fault
of hers. Ramzan was accepted by Sadhu, and the
marriage was duly celebrated. Maini Bibi was a
handsome girl ; but beauty was among the least of
her gifts. She was sweet-tempered, thrifty, and
obedient, winning sympathy on all sides. The one
discordant note was struck by Ramzan's mother,
Fatima Bibi by name, who took a violent dislike to
the bride and evinced it by persistently scolding and
ill-using her. Ramzan was completely under his
mother's thumb and saw everything with her eyes.

His love for Maini was slowly sapped by her innuen-

179 12 *

180 TALES OF BENGAL

does, and he treated the poor girl with something
worse than coldness. Maini, however, bore her hard
lot without a murmur, hoping that time and patience
would win back her husband's heart.

On returning one evening from the fields, Ramzan
was hailed by his mother who was evidently in a
worse temper than usual.

"Hi! Ramzan," she shrieked, "I am an old
woman, and you, doubtless, find me an incumbrance.
Speak out, my son ; you have only to say ' go,' and I
will leave this house in half an hour."

"Why, what's the matter, mother?" asked Eam-
zan with open eyes.

" Matter," she yelled. " Would you believe it, that
black-faced daughter of a pig has actually abused me
— me, your old mother ! "

"What did she say?" rejoined Ramzan angrily.

"My son," was the answer, "you know how she
neglects household duties, leaving all the hard jobs to
me. Well, this afternoon, I ventured on a word of
remonstrance, and she actually abused me." And
the old woman wiped her tears away with a corner
of her cotton wrapper, adding with eyes cast heaven-
wards, " Merciful Allah, to think that I should come
to this in my old age ! "

" But what did she say ? " repeated Ramzan
wearily.

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE 181

" She told me to my face that I had forgotten to
put salt into the curry ! "

" That's hardly abusive," rejoined Ramzan.

"You think so," shouted Fatima. "Now you're
taking sides with her against your mother, who bore
you. You will assuredly suffer in Jehannam (hell)
for such a crime ! But I'll have it out with that
she-devil ! "

So saying, she dashed from the room to the kitchen,
where the luckless Maini was cowering in anticipa-
tion of a coming storm. She was not deceived.
Fatima seized her by the hair and administered a
sound thumping.

Several days passed by, bringing no alleviation to
her fate. But matters came to a crisis on a certain
morning, owing to Ranizan's complaint that his wife
had over-salted the curry. On tasting the food,
Fatima burst into violent imprecations and "went
for " her daughter-in-law, who took refuge in the neigh-
bouring brushwood. At nightfall she crept back to
the house and found Ramzan closeted with his mother.
They were talking earnestly, but Maini could not dis-
tinguish the purport of the conversation. It seemed
to her that Fatima's voice was raised in entreaty, and
Ramzan was objecting to some scheme proposed by
her. She passed the night sleepless and in tears.

Early next day Ramzan entered her room and said

182 TALES OF BENGAL

gruffly, " Get up, collect your chattels, and follow me.
I arn going to take you back to Sadhu's." Maini
obeyed without a word of remonstrance, and a quarter
of an hour later the ill-assorted pair might have been
seen walking towards Simulgachi.

The rainy season was now in full swing, and their
path lay across a deep nullah (ravine) through which
mighty volumes of drainage water were finding their
way to the Ganges. On reaching a bamboo foot-
bridge which spanned it, Ramzan ordered his wife to
go first. Ere she reached the opposite bank, he gave
her a violent shove, which sent her shrieking vainly
for help into the swirling torrent below.

Hardly had Ramzan perpetrated this odious deed
than he felt he would give his chances of bihisht (para-
dise) to recall it. He ran along the bank shouting
frantically, "Maini! Maini !' : Alas! her slender
body was carried like a straw by the foaming water
towards the Ganges and soon disappeared in a bend
of the nullah. Then her murderer sat down and
gave himself up to despair. But the sun was up ;
people were stirring in the fields ; and so he slunk
homewards. Fatima stood on the threshold and
raised her eyebrows inquiringly ; but Ramzan thrust
her aside, muttering, " It is done," and shut himself up
in his wife's room. There everything reminded him
of her ; the scrupulous neatness of floor and walls —

PATIENCE IS A VIKTUE 183

no cobwebs hanging from the rafters, the kitchen
utensils shining like mirrors. He sat down and burst
into a flood of tears.

For several days he did not exchange a word with
his accomplice, and dared not go to market lest his
worst fears should be realised. Dread of personal
consequences added new torture to unavailing remorse.
Every moment he expected the red-pagried ministers
of justice to appear and hale him to the scaffold. The
position was clearly past bearing. So, too, thought
Fatima, for she waylaid her son one afternoon and
said : " Ramzan, I cannot stand this life any longer ;
let me go to my brother Mahmud Sardar, the cooly-
catcher ".

"Go," he replied sullenly, and the old woman
gathered up her belongings in a bundle and departed,
leaving him to face the dark future alone.

While brooding over his fate, he was startled by
the sudden arrival of Sadhu. " Now I'm in for it," he
thought and began to tremble violently while his
features assumed an ashen hue. But Stidhu sat down
by his side and said, "Ranizun, I've come about
Maini ".

" Then she's drowned ! " gasped Ramzan. " By
Allah the Highest, I swear that I did my best to
save her."

"Hullo!" rejoined Sadhu with great surprise;

184 TALES OF BENGAL

"you must have been with her when she fell into
the nullah."

Ramzan bent his head in silence. After a few
moments he looked up, clasped his hands, and
said : —

"Tell me the truth, Sadhu, is Maini alive?"

" She is," was the reply. " On Thursday morning
she came to our house dripping wet and quite ex-
hausted, with a story that your mother had turned her
out of doors and that she was on her way to live with
us when, on crossing the Padmajali Nullah, her foot
slipped and she fell into the water. She told us how,
after being carried for nearly a gau-coss (lit. cow
league, the distance at which a cow's lowing can
be heard), she was swept by the stream against the
overhanging roots of a pipal tree (ficus religiosa) and
managed to clamber up the bank. But Maini never
told us that you were with her. Why, Ramzan, you're
quaking in every limb. I always suspected Maini
had concealed the truth. Swear on the Quran that
you did not try to drown her."

Ramzan feebly protested innocence, and the two
men sat awhile without speaking.

At length Sadhu said : " I've come to make you a
proposal. Young Esaf, the son of Ibrahim of our
village, has fallen in love with Maini and wants to
marry her. He is willing to pay the den mohur of

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE 185

Es. 100 which would be due from you in case of re-
pudiation. Now we want you to divorce her."

Eamzan was overcome by his wife's magnanimity,
and the thought of losing her drove him to distrac-
tion. " No ! " he shouted, " I won't divorce her. I'll
fetch her back this very day ! "

"That's quite out of the question," rejoined Sadhu.
" Maini cannot bear her mother-in-law's cruelty, and
I'm sure she'll never consent to live with you again.
Besides, Esaf is a rich man and will make her happy.
She shall marry him."

" I say she shan't," said Eamzan emphatically.

Sadhu got up and moved off, remarking, "Very

well, I will go to the police station at once and

charge you with attempting to kill her ! We shall

soon worm the truth out of Maini, and get plenty

•of eye-witnesses too."

Eamzan was beside himself with terror. He fol-
lowed Sadhu, clasped his feet, and groaned, " No, you
won't do that ! I am ready to divorce Maini. Let
Allah's will be done."

" Ah," replied Sadhu, " so you can listen to reason
after all. Come to our house to-morrow evening ;
we will have witnesses ready, and Esaf will be there
with the den mohur."

Eamzan had a sleepless night and was too down-
cast to work on the morrow. When evening came,

186 TALES OF BENGAL

he walked wearily to Simulgachi. There was quite
a small crowd in Sadhu's courtyard. On one side
sat Maini and some other women with faces closely
covered ; Esaf and the witnesses were on the other.
Between them was a mat, on which lay a bag full
of money. Bamzan was received without salutations,
and squatted down by Sadhu's side.

Moslem husbands can get rid of their wives by re-
peating the word talaq (surrender) thrice, in the pre-
sence of witnesses. Every one expected him to utter
the formula, which would release Maini from his
power. However, he sat silent, with downcast eyes.
After a minute or two, he rose and, looking steadily
at Mami, was just about to speak, when she sprang
forward, laid her hand on his arm, and said : " Surely
you are not going to divorce me, your faithful wife,
who loves you dearly and seeks only to make you
happy ? What have I done to be treated thus ? "

A murmur was heard in the assembly, but Sadhu
raised his hand in token of silence.

" Foolish girl ! " he exclaimed, " do you wish to
return to a mother-in-law who hates and persecutes
you ? Will Bamzan be able to protect you ? " Then
lowering his voice, he added, " Is your life safe with
those people ? "

"Life and death," rejoined Maini, "are in Allah's
hands. It is his will that we should fulfil our des-

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE 187

tinies, and mine is to cling to my husband. I would
not change him for Hatim Tai (a legendary hero,
very rich and generous) himself ! " Then nestling
closer to Ramzan, she pleaded in a voice of music,
" Surely you don't want to get rid of me?"

He was quite overcome and burst into tears.

"No," he sobbed, "I will never separate from my
treasure. Come back to me, and you need not fear
my mother's tongue. She has left my house for good,
and I swear by Allah, in the presence of all these
people, that she shall not live with us again. You,
Maini, shall be sole mistress of my house."

Maini was overjoyed by this decision. She clapped
her hands twice, and then, picking up the bag of
money, said to the crestfallen Esaf, " Take back your
rupees ; I am going home with my husband ".

So speaking, she took Ramzan's hand and led him
out of the house, while a great silence fell on the
crowd, broken at length by many exclamations and
a buzz of loud talk. My readers who know Maini's
sweet nature will not be surprised to learn that her
happiness was thenceforward without a single cloud.

ABERDEEN : THE UNIVERSITY PRESS

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