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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. He told me again and again that he had quite enough evidence 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.
Karim's uncle had informed the police that, his nephew having disappeared since the day of the alleged trespass, he suspected Sádhu of foul play. An inquiry followed which led to Sádhu's transfer to the district jail. Jadu Babu was certain that his enemy had instigated the charge, and knew that he was quite capable of suppressing Karim in order to get Sádhu into trouble.
In due course the suit came on for hearing, and as the defendant was of course absent, it was decreed against him ex parte. Execution being also granted, Santi accompanied 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.
"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. Then after arranging for alibis in case of criminal proceedings, the band dispersed, well satisfied with their night's work.
"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. Karim's wrath was stirred by this expression. He replied, "Now, Babu, don't be abusive; I won't stand it".
"Are you willing to undertake a service of risk, for a big reward, Karim?" he asked. The man hesitated. "It will be worth a hundred rupees to you." Karim's eyes sparkled; a hundred rupees represented a fortune to a man of his class; but he still hesitated. "Am I to be alone?" he asked at length. "No," said Desmond; "we shall be with you." "Hai!
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, Sádhu ran to the house of Karim's uncle, in the hope of finding him there.
"No, your highness; I learnt this only yesterday from Maina Bibi, Karim's own sister; Piyari Bibi, Sádhu'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.
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.
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 confession, whatever may happen to me.
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