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.

On seeing him Chandra Babu at once remembered that his bond had run out on 15th July, and that he owed nearly Rs. 100, principal and interest.

" Thereon the dacoits counted out cash to that amount and no more, which was placed in bags containing Rs. 1,000 each, ready for removal.

While saying "good-bye" he called Jadu Babu aside and thrust Rs. 30 into his hands, to be distributed among the guru (spiritual guide), purohit (family priest), and servants.

He demanded Rs. 5,000, declaring that if it were not paid on the nail, he would take his son away!

Kumodini 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.

CHAPTER VI An Outrageous Swindle Amarendra Babu had expected Kumodini Babu to run after him, with entreaties to return and the promise of a note of hand for Rs.

He told Jogesh that he should be quite satisfied with Rs. 4,001, viz., ornaments 2,000, barabharan and phulsajya Rs. 500 each, and cash Rs. 1,001.

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

Rs. 10,000 must be forthcoming at once for advances and perhaps special railway trucks, but Amarendra Babu might calculate on receiving 100 per cent.

The loss of nearly Rs. 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.

To his great delight, Susil was appointed clerk on Rs. 25a magnificent start, which relieved his father's most pressing anxiety.

There is his new house at Entally, which must have cost Rs. 20,000; and another in Barabazar, letting at Rs. 3,000.

Rashbehári Babu left landed property yielding an annual income of Rs. 1,200, besides Rs. 10,000 deposited in a Calcutta bank, and a substantial house.

A dead silence followed, which was at last broken by a timid offer of Rs. 1,000.

In seven or eight years he owned estates yielding an income of Rs. 8,000, while his dealings in grain produced half as much again.

However, he promised to do his best and negotiated so successfully that Rs. 10,000 were procured at 24 per cent.

Let me have Rs. 200

He borrowed Rs. 30 from Debendra Babu and took the earliest train for Calcutta.

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

In course of time Pulin's industry and trustworthiness attracted the attention of Mr. Henderson, who confirmed him as clerk, with a salary of Rs. 35.

The soft launch of the first copy of 18 pages, costing Rs. 2, was done by the Member of Parliament Eduardo Faleiro, in the city, where a few prominent citizens were the invitees.

"And yer-r-r full hour-r-'s lesson now will be two dollar-r-rs." "Certainly, McTavish," said Sharon, concealing his amazement.

"Will any kind gentleman help an Indian with a loan of Rs.

Going for Rs. 500."Advt.