ad died in spasms of pain--an
omen from the gods that could not be disregarded.

"I saw that it was useless to argue with the man. But I made another
attempt to have the prisoners' bonds at least loosened, for I could see
that the cords bit cruelly into their arms. After some consultation this
point was conceded. Baji Lal shot at me a look of gratitude, but his
poor little wife merely used her freed hands to hide her face in the
folds of her sari.

"'Now my friends,' I cried boldly, 'this case must be properly tried.
Where is the patel?'

"I had noticed that the headman of the village was not present, and in
asking for him had in mind that he was my personal friend, so that I
might appeal to him with better success for the release of the
prisoners.

"'The patel is away on a day's journey,' cried a voice in the crowd.

"'Then must the accused be taken to the village constable,' I declared,
'and kept by him until the patel returns and the council of elders can
be properly assembled.'

"My bold assumption of authority had stilled the tumult, and to my
surprise every one now seemed willing to do my bidding.

"'Come along then,' cried several voices, as the prisoners were once
more urged forward. I kept close by their side, and when we gained the
constable's house and the staked enclosure that served as a place of
detention, I too passed within, leaving the leaders of the crowd to
guard the gateway.

"When we were alone, Baji Lal and Devaka threw themselves at my feet,
and thanked me for the aid I had rendered them.

"'My children,' I said, as I raised them up, 'were I not assured in my
own mind that there is some grievous mistake, and that you can explain
the mysterious disappearance of your guest, I should not be here by your
side. But tell me your story, and I shall advise you to the best of my
powers.'

"Baji Lal lifted his eyes, and gazed at me mournfully but fearlessly.

"'Chunda Das,' he began, 'you have known me now for many years. Have I
ever done aught to shake your confidence?'

"'Never,' I affirmed.

"'Have you ever heard me tell a lie?'

"'Never,' I again replied.

"'Well, then, you will believe me when I say that I told the truth in
declaring that the stranger went away in the night. His servant came
back all in a hurry for him, and he would not tarry even until daylight,
although I pleaded with him to stay.'

"'I believe you,' I said, for, even apart from my prior trust, the
man's look co