f the village. Dreading I
know not what, I begged of the Sheikh to press forward. Our escort was
some distance behind us on the road, but, without waiting for the
troopers, we set our tired horses to their best speed.

"Coming to the pipul tree and the tank, we found this usual place of
congregation deserted. Now indeed was I thoroughly alarmed, likewise my
companion, and of one accord, without waiting to visit the constable's
compound, we turned our horses' heads in the direction of the home of
Baji Lal.

"And there indeed we found a dense crowd, the hoarse murmur of their
voices being borne to our ears before we turned the corner. The first
thing that smote my eyes was a thin column of smoke mounting skyward.

"Sheikh Ahmed too had seen, for he whipped up his horse unmercifully. As
he flashed past me, I was struck by the ashen grey that had stolen over
his features. His face was drawn, his nostrils quivered from excitement.

"I could not but admire his eager determination. 'What gratitude! What
unselfishness!' I thought to myself. 'Here is this man, rich and highly
placed, ready to endure prolonged fatigues and hardships, to face any
adventure, and all for the sake of a humble villager and his wife who
did but nurse him when he was sick. Not often do we find such men, not
often do we see the rich incommoding themselves for the poor.'

"Emulating his example, I urged my lagging beast to a final effort. In a
brief minute we were on the outskirts of the crowd, where perforce we
had to dismount. The Sheikh led the way as, afoot, we passed through the
throng.

"When we got within clear view of the house, I saw that faggots had been
placed all around it, and that these were already alight, giving forth
the smoke we had seen from a distance. I looked about me in dread. Where
were Baji Lal and Devaka? I questioned a man who was blocking my way. He
turned round, and, to my joy, I recognized Bimjee, the barber. He gazed
at me sadly, and, without expressing surprise at seeing me, pointed to
the flat roof.

"There, beyond the low parapet, tied to a stake, was poor little Devaka.
Her face was covered by her sari, and whether she were living or dead it
was impossible to tell.

"'And her husband?' I asked, trembling. 'Not yet dead?'

"'No. But when the sun is at its highest point, which will be in a few
minutes now, he will be dispatched with a sword and his body flung into
the fire. See! they are already pouring oil on th