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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. "Mahásay," he said, "the fact is Siráji lived with Debendra Babu and was actually made enceinte by him.
Between them was a mat, on which lay a bag full of money. Ramzán was received without salutations, and squatted down by Sádhu's side. Every one expected him to utter the formula, which would release Maini from his power. However, he sat silent, with downcast eyes.
He went at once to Sádhu's house, where the Sub-Inspector was recording the statements 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 occupation?" "Anything else?" "Yes, sir, I have a little cultivation and sometimes lend money." "Did you attend the deceased woman?"
I am going to take you back to Sádhu'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. On reaching a bamboo foot-bridge which spanned it, Ramzán ordered his wife to go first.
"Who is this person?" inquired Ramani Babu. "Is that so?" roared Ramani Babu. "And the son of a pig owes me rent?" "Now, please, do not abuse me, Babuji," protested Sádhu, "only listen to my tale for one minute!" "Doorkeeper, let him have fifty cuts, laid on hard!" Swish, swish, swish, sounded the nimble cane, and made a grey pattern on Sádhu's naked flesh.
The material was taken away in carts, the site dug up, and pulse sown thereon. Thus not a trace of Sádhu'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 unfolded the story of this latest outrage. His patron boiled over with indignation.
"What's your name and residence?" "Sádhu Sheikh, of Simulgachi." "Now, do you know who I am?" "No-o," replied Sádhu, hesitatingly. "I am Ramani Babu's new bailiff, sent with these men to see that his market is well attended." Sádhu's tone completely changed. "Sálam, Babu," he whined. "I did not know who you were. Please let me pass or I shall be too late."
"Mukunda, how can you admire worthless humbugs?" Satish was saying. "A SADHU'S very appearance is repulsive. He is either as thin as a skeleton, or as unholily fat as an elephant!" I shouted with laughter. My good-natured reaction was annoying to Satish; he retired into sullen silence. As our cab entered the Dakshineswar grounds, he grinned sarcastically.
Come to our house to-morrow evening; we will have witnesses ready, and Esáf will be there with the den mohur." Ramzán had a sleepless night and was too downcast to work on the morrow. When evening came, he walked wearily to Simulgachi. There was quite a small crowd in Sádhu's courtyard. On one side sat Maini and some other women with faces closely covered; Esáf and the witnesses were on the other.
I was sent for about a month ago by my landlord Ramani Babu, who ordered me to insult some woman of Sádhu's household, in order that he might be excommunicated. In fear of my life I consented to do so, and that very night I broke into the hut where Sádhu's sister-in-law lay asleep. Her cries attracted Sádhu, who grappled with me in his yard.
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