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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10928 ***
+
+                        BENGAL DACOITS AND TIGERS
+
+                                    by
+
+                        Maharanee Sunity Devee, C.I.
+                              of Cooch Behar
+
+
+
+
+Contents
+
+    Dacoit Stories
+
+        The Jhee's Discovery
+        Trapped by a Cobra
+        Saved by a Bear
+        Raghu Dacoit
+        Girl as Kali-Ma
+        The Deputy Magistrate
+        All for Nothing
+        A Punjabee Dacoit
+        A Child's Experience
+        Two Chinese Dacoits
+        An Unfaithful Servant
+
+    Tiger Stories
+
+        The Bearer's Fate
+        Through the Roof
+        Earning the Reward
+        A Burmese Monster
+        The Palki and the Tiger
+        An Assam Adventure
+        A Thrilling Story
+        A Cachar Tiger
+        A Maharajah's Adventures
+
+
+
+
+
+
+PART I
+
+Dacoit Stories
+
+
+
+The Jhee's Discovery
+
+It was the month of Jaishta (May-June) in Bengal, and the earth
+languished under the scorching rays of the sun and sent up a voiceless
+prayer to the Rain God to come soon and refresh the fields and jungles
+with the welcome "barsat" (rainy season).
+
+Yet, in spite of the intense heat, a young and delicately nurtured
+Bengali lady was travelling. She was on her way to pay a visit to
+her parents-in-law, for after marriage the bride returns to her
+childhood's home and remains there, paying visits from time to time
+to her husband's home until the day comes when she goes to live there.
+
+It is a Bengali custom that ladies, especially young ladies, must
+always wear their jewellery, even when travelling. Arms, wrists,
+neck and ankles, bare of jewels, are a sign of widowhood or dire
+poverty. Out young heroine was accordingly adorned with jewels and she
+was also richly attired. Was she not the daughter of a wealthy man and
+going to visit her mother-in-law? So her mother had lovingly dressed
+her in an exquisite gold-embroidered Benares silk saree of finest
+texture and superb workmanship, and the jewellery, which adorned her
+graceful arms, neck and ankles, was in keeping with the richness of
+her costume.
+
+Twelve bearers took turns in carrying the covered palanquin or palki
+in which she travelled. They had been in her father's service for
+many years and were known, to be trustworthy. A faithful jhee (maid)
+accompanied her, sometimes walking beside the palki and at other
+times sitting within, to fan her young mistress and help to enliven
+the weary journey with tales of former travels. Two men-servants,
+whom in Bengal we call durwans and who are permitted to bear arms
+in defence of their masters' goods, completed the party. One of
+them walked on either side of the palanquin and each carried a naked
+sword in his hand. These two men were tried and trusted retainers of
+the young lady's father, and were prepared to defend their master's
+daughter even at the cost of their lives.
+
+The route lay through a lonely country district with stretches of
+rice-fields scattered between, and villages nestling here and there
+among groves of trees. At. one of these villages the party halted
+awhile for rest and refreshment, and then on again in the fierce heat
+of a close Indian day.
+
+Thus many miles had been passed; and the evening shades were beginning
+to cool the wearisome day, when the travellers drew near to a group of
+trees not far from a small tank (artificial lake). The palki-bearers
+sighted this ideal resting-place and asked the jhee to inform their
+young mistress of it, and beseech that they might stop there and
+refresh themselves with a draught of water, after which they would
+be able to travel still faster,
+
+A gracious consent was readily given by the fair one within the
+palanquin. She had found the heat almost beyond endurance, and pitied
+the bearers who had the weight of her palki and herself added to
+their sufferings.
+
+The palanquin was gently set down under a large and shady tree, and
+the durwans respectfully withdrew a little distance to permit of the
+jhee raising the covering, so that their kind mistress might also
+enjoy the grateful shade and coolness of the grove.
+
+The spot was lonely and their responsibility great, so the men decided
+among themselves that they should divide into two parties. Six should
+remain with the guard to protect their fair charge in case of any
+untoward happening while the other six refreshed themselves at
+the lake.
+
+This plan was no sooner agreed upon than the first six trooped off
+gleefully towards the tank. The others stretched themselves in the
+shade and relaxed their limbs in the interval of waiting.
+
+Time passed unheeded till it dawned upon some of those who waited that
+they still thirsted and that the first six seemed too long away. They
+asked the jhee to obtain leave for them to go and hurry the others up
+and refresh themselves at the same time, so that the journey might
+soon be resumed as the evening sun was nearing the horizon, and if
+they delayed further night would overtake them. The young lady gave
+the desired permission and the second six soon disappeared towards
+the tank. They too were long away!
+
+The jhee felt uneasy but kept her fears to herself. Suddenly she too
+disappeared. Without a word to her mistress she had decided to see what
+the bearers were doing at the tank. Climbing up a tree, she crept along
+an overhanging branch and a dreadful sight met her horrified gaze. Some
+of the bearers lay dead in the shallow water and the surviving ones
+were fighting desperately for their lives with a small band of outlaws.
+
+Rushing back to the palki with the utmost speed and regardless
+of onlookers, she flung wide the door, screaming frantically,
+"Dacoits! dacoits! run, didi (elder sister), run. With these eyes of
+mine I saw them. I climbed a tree and saw them. Some of our bearers
+lie dead and they are killing the others. Fly! fly for your life!" With
+these words she turned and led the way with swiftness impelled by fear.
+
+The lonely occupant of the palanquin received the awful tidings with
+horror and dismay. Often had she heard tales of dacoits and their
+ruthless deeds. For a fleeting instant the thought, that she must fall
+a victim to such desperados, paralysed her with fear; but only for an
+instant. Her woman's wit and ingenuity moved her to action. Quickly
+she divested herself of her heavy jewelled anklets. How could she
+run thus weighted? and might not their value satisfy the greed of the
+highwaymen? Flinging them down in the palanquin, she hastily closed
+the doors and dropped the covering over its sides. Let them think
+she was within. The search of the palki would delay them awhile.
+
+Then tucking up her rich satee she too started to run for her life. She
+had gone but a few steps when the voices of the two durwans arrested
+her. They had heard the jhee's distracted cry, and their only thought
+was for their young mistress.
+
+"Didi," they said, addressing her affectionately and respectfully by
+the endearing name of sister, which is a custom permitted in Bengal to
+the servants of every household. In the home of her girlhood a girl is
+addressed as "didi" (sister) and in her father-in-law's house as "bow"
+(son's wife). Sons of the family are addressed as "dada" (brother,
+strictly elder brother) and sons-in-law as "jamai".
+
+"Didi, fear not! As long as there is breath in these bodies we will
+defend you. If the dacoits overtake us, we will guard you. No harm
+shall come to you."
+
+Encouraged by their presence and words, the girl made all possible
+speed. But her delicate feet were unused to rough, hard roads,
+and, despite her will and brave efforts, she tripped and stumbled
+continually. In Bengal, in the hot dry weather, the country roads
+are difficult to traverse. The deep ruts of the rainy season dry up
+and the once muddy earth crumbles into thick heavy dust, into which
+the feet of the wayfarers sink. Fast travelling is difficult even for
+those who are used to journeying, so the poor young lady made little
+headway and was soon overtaken by her pursuers. They had not been
+long in discovering her flight and were soon racing after her from
+under the tree. As she ran she heard their shouts, and then realised
+that they had caught up with her guard who were resisting them.
+
+The poor girl ran on and on alone, and presently saw a tiny hamlet
+hidden among some trees. She made for this as fast as her trembling
+limbs could carry her and rushed breathlessly into a small red
+brick-house, the door of which stood slightly ajar, crying: "Shut
+the door! Dacoits are following me!" Then, overcome with fear and
+exhaustion, she sank unconscious upon the floor.
+
+The ladies of the little household ran forward on hearing her cry and
+shut the door promptly. Dacoits were known and feared everywhere. Then
+they tenderly ministered to the stranger. As soon as she recovered
+her senses, she related to them what had befallen her and implored
+their protection.
+
+The master of the house immediately despatched a messenger to a distant
+police outpost for aid. Soothed and comforted, the girl eagerly hoped
+and prayed for the arrival of her attendants.
+
+After some time, word was brought in that a palki was approaching. Even
+in the dark the approach of a palki is made known by the rhythmic cries
+of the bearers. Soon it arrived in front of the red brick-house and
+the bearers, halting, asked loudly if a strange lady, richly attired
+and decked with jewels, was within. From an upper window the master
+of the house answered them, while the girl and her kindly hostess
+listened anxiously downstairs. The pseudo palki-bearers next informed
+the listeners that they were the servants of a very wealthy man and
+had been conveying his daughter to her parents-in-law's house.
+
+"But" they boldly declared, "our master's daughter is such a
+troublesome girl. She causes us much anxiety whenever she is sent to
+visit her mother-in-law. She is so unwilling to go that it is with
+great difficulty that we get her safely there."
+
+The anxious listeners within felt sure these were the dacoits and
+longed for the arrival of the police. The disguised thieves persisted
+in their questioning for some time in spite of the house master's
+repeated advice that they had better search elsewhere. At last they
+departed carrying the palki with them. And the dwellers in the red
+brick-house breathed more freely. But not for long.
+
+The village was a tiny one and the pretended bearers soon returned
+from their search. Planting the palki in the doorway, they shouted:
+"We know for certain that our mistress is hiding somewhere. We feel
+sure she is in your house. Here we will sit till you send her forth."
+
+On hearing these words the poor pursued girl fell at the feet of her
+host, calling herself his daughter and addressing him as "father", and
+implored of him not to give her up to these awful dacoits. The good
+man assured her of his protection while his wife raised her from the
+floor, and, embracing her, said they would all sooner suffer death
+than give her up.
+
+The trying hours dragged on till past midnight. Then the dacoits
+announced that the lady must be produced or they would force an
+entrance into the house. No reply was given to this ultimatum. The
+highwaymen waited awhile and then assailed the door with heavy blows.
+
+The distraught girl besought her hostess to take her jewels and
+hand them out to the burglars and thus ensure peace and safety for
+all. The mistress of the house declared this would not satisfy the
+ruffians and once more assured her guest that, whatever happened,
+they would strive to protect her.
+
+Presently the door gave way and, with coarse oaths and triumphant
+threats, the dacoits entered. But unknown to them,--so busy had they
+been hammering and swearing,--the police had arrived and now followed
+in on their heels. The dacoits were all captured and confessed their
+guilt as to the murder of the palki-bearers and the probable death
+of the two durwans, who, they averred, had fought like tigers.
+
+The bodies of these two devoted servants were found, all battered
+and bruised, on the roadside and were given honourable cremation by
+their master, whose daughter they had saved by their devotion.
+
+The jhee was found close to the spot, hiding among the branches of a
+tree. She had witnessed the fight between the durwans and dacoits and
+the flight and pursuit of her mistress. When both reached home again,
+the jhee filled up dull hours with vivid accounts of their adventure.
+
+This little story is a true one and shows how difficult and dangerous
+travel was in the old days in Bengal. Travelling by palki is now
+in many parts a thing of the past, for the whole Province is being
+linked together by a network of railways. Good roads and better police
+arrangements also lessen the terrors of travelling in places where
+railways are still wanting.
+
+
+
+Trapped by a Cobra
+
+Not many years ago a young married lady was journeying alone.
+
+It is not customary in India for young women, even if married, to go
+out by themselves. The purdah system unfits them for independence. Even
+when going for a short distance by palanquin or just for a carriage
+drive, a chaperon is necessary.
+
+Yet occasions arise when it is imperative that they should journey,
+but no suitable escort can be found or spared for the purpose. They
+are then obliged to go with servants. It may seem strange that young
+ladies should be permitted to travel alone with servants. But readers
+who know India will not be surprised, for Indians treat their servants
+after the patriarchal system, especially those who have served the
+family for generations. Even hired attendants, like the driver in
+this story, are thoroughly trusted when known to the family.
+
+The young lady was on her way to visit her father and mother. Indian
+parents-in-law cannot visit at the parental home of their
+daughter-in-law. Therefore bow-ma journeyed alone with her little son,
+a child of about five years of age.
+
+The distance was not a long one, only from Calcutta to Durgapore, a
+village a few miles away from the city. So a hackney-carriage was hired
+with a driver who had often before been employed by her father-in-law,
+and everyone felt assured bow-ma would reach her destination safely.
+
+Her mother-in-law saw her into the carriage. Her little boy was lifted
+up beside her, and, with many injunctions to drive carefully and with
+speed ringing in his ears, the driver whipped up his horses and they
+were off.
+
+Bow-ma knew the road well. Often had she journeyed to and fro in
+the early years of her married life, and even after the birth of her
+little son her visits to her parents had been frequent.
+
+The carriage was close and her heavy silken saree hot to wear, so
+she opened the venetians and lazily watched the familiar landmarks
+as they passed. She had started early so that the journey should be
+accomplished in day-light, and still they did not reach home. She
+noted the various trees and hedges and was puzzled. Surely, the road
+seemed different. The sun, a ball of golden fire, sank to rest in
+a bed of many-tinted clouds, and still they had not arrived. Bow-ma
+felt strangely anxious.
+
+The carriage suddenly swerved. To her dismay she saw they had turned
+into a rough and untravelled road with paddy-fields on either side. The
+place seemed lonely. It was now rapidly growing dark, for in India
+after sun-set Night does not long delay her coming. A presentiment of
+evil clutched bow-ma's heart. She whispered to her little boy to ask
+the driver where they were and when they should arrive. In India it
+is not permitted a woman to address any man save her husband, father,
+and brothers.
+
+The child obeyed but the driver made no reply. "Ask again," whispered
+the mother, "he has not heard you."
+
+The boy asked, "When shall we arrive?" again and again, but not a
+word answered the driver.
+
+Bow-ma, now thoroughly alarmed, beat the shutters of the carriage
+and commanded her son to shout loudly. The boy screamed at the top
+of his voice, "Why don't you reply? What road is this?"
+
+The driver now answered disrespectfully: "You will soon know where
+you are going," and laughed.
+
+His rude gruff tone and evasive answer confirmed bow-ma's worst
+fears. The awful word dacoits stood out in her mind in letters of
+fire. Horror and dread filled her soul. Drawing her child towards
+her, she hushed his eager questioning and waited in silent anguish
+for the coming danger.
+
+The carriage bumped and rattled over the uneven road. Presently it
+stopped. It was now almost dark. The door was jerked open and a harsh
+voice commanded: "Get out of the carriage." Bow-ma recognised the
+driver's voice and, realising the futility of objecting, without a
+word she stepped down and helped her little son to alight.
+
+"Follow me" was the next rough order. Again she silently obeyed. The
+man left the road and led her a little distance away under the shadow
+of some trees. "Take off your jewels. Give them to me." A faint sigh
+of relief escaped her. Perhaps the jewels were all he wanted. Quickly
+she unclasped her handsome necklet and gave it him. He grasped it
+greedily with one hand and extended the other for more. One by one she
+stripped her wrists and arms of their lovely bracelets and bangles and
+handed them to him. "More" he growled. She pulled the rings from her
+fingers and added to them her ear and nose rings. "Your waist chain"
+he snapped. She unclasped and dropped its golden weight into those
+greedy hands. "Take off your anklets, I want all" he sneered. She
+knelt on the ground to unclasp them. Then, rising, handed them to him,
+wondering what more would follow.
+
+Meanwhile the child wept bitterly, and angrily forbade the driver
+to take his mother's jewels, calling him robber and thief. "Yes,
+dacoit I am," the scoundrel replied to the boy's revilings, "and if
+you will not be quiet, I will teach you how to." Bow-ma gently strove
+to console and silence her son. "Fret not! Your father will give me
+more and better jewels."
+
+"Take off your saree" was the next outrageous command. The boy's
+indignation flamed afresh. His mother took an unguarded step forward
+and asked: "Are not my jewels enough that you want the saree off
+my back?"
+
+"Aye, your saree and all you have. Silence your child or I will kill
+him." Terrible was the harsh voice in its determination. Bow-ma's
+heart stood still. Entreaty would be of no avail. She unwound the
+richly-embroidered silken folds from about her and cast the gold and
+green saree at his feet: "Take it."
+
+"You have stripped my mother," screamed the boy. The ruffian caught
+the saree with a fearful oath and turning on him said: "Now I can
+deal with you. I will fetch a brick from yonder kiln and pound the
+breath out of you," With these words he strode forward, tying the
+jewels in the saree as he went. Now her sorely-tried nerves gave way,
+and, distracted with grief, bow-ma caught her child in her arms,
+and their mingled cries rent the air. But the thief did not return.
+
+About midnight a village policeman going his rounds heard their
+cries. At first he paid no heed to them: jackals swarmed and disturbed
+the night. Again the anguished voices quivered in the air. There was
+something human in the sound. He stopped to listen. The cries rose
+again. He walked forward in their direction. Clearer, as he advanced,
+shrilled the distressed voices, and he recognised they were those
+of a woman and a child. He quickened his steps and hastened to
+the spot. The light from his lantern revealed bow-ma and her son,
+clinging to each other and weeping piteously.
+
+"Who are you? What ails you?" he asked. The distraught mother,
+unconscious of the flight of time, thinking him the heartless dacoit
+returned to kill her boy, fell at his feet in an agony of supplication:
+"Spare my son. Take my life instead."
+
+"I am a chowkidar (watchman). What is up?" But so dulled were her
+ears with fear and grief that he was twice obliged to repeat his
+words. When the joyful intelligence reached her brain she burst into
+tears. "O! save my son." Then the consciousness that the danger
+was past reminded her of her own plight, and she sobbed: "Give me
+something to wear."
+
+The policeman had noticed her semi-nude state. Dropping, his pugree
+at her feet he turned away. She shook out its many folds and draped
+it about her body. Then she related what had befallen her and pointed
+towards the direction the thief had taken.
+
+The policeman walked cautiously forward, his lantern raised in one
+hand and his lathi tightly grasped in the other. A few yards ahead
+he came to an old brick kiln. Here, prone among the broken bricks,
+lay the robber in greater straits than his victims. A huge cobra was
+tightly coiled round his right arm, while on the left hung the saree
+and the jewels. The rays of the lantern disturbed the snake. With
+an angry hiss it uncoiled itself and disappeared. The dacoit, more
+dead than alive from simple fear of the snake's fatal sting, yielded
+himself a prisoner, and it was subsequently discovered that the whole
+gang, of whom he was a member, were licensed hackney drivers.
+
+
+
+Saved by a Bear
+
+The evening shadows and silence had settled on the river Hooghly as an
+old Brahman wended his way to one of the many ghats (landing places).
+
+The dinghis--little boats which ply backwards and forwards all day
+carrying passengers to and from Calcutta--had all been made fast
+for the night. Some of the boatmen were cooking their evening meal,
+while others sat about on the decks smoking and singing. Many of the
+boats were wedged close together and drawn up on to the bank.
+
+But one lay well in the water and some distance from its
+fellow-craft. Its manjhi (headman) stood on the stern deck, binding
+together the mat roof of his boat. His seemingly careless gaze took
+in the Brahman, about to descend the bank. He noted that the old man
+carried a parcel, partially concealed in his chadar (scarf), and,
+from the manner in which he hugged it, the observer concluded it
+contained something valuable. As the Brahman came nearer, the manjhi
+saw it was a bag of money.
+
+The old man picked his way down the bank and called upon boat after
+boat to take him to a small village near Serampore, for in those days
+there was no railway. None were willing to go so far. Meanwhile a
+whispered consultation had taken place between the manjhi and dhars
+(oarsmen) of the furthest dinghi. When the Brahman finally accosted
+them, they first demurred and then, as though still reluctant,
+consented to hire their boat.
+
+Just as they were pushing off, a man with a performing bear ran down
+the bank. "Where goest thou?" he asked.
+
+"Serampore" answered the Brahman before the boatman could reply.
+
+"My home is near by," the man remarked gladly, and jumped into the
+boat, pulling his bear after him.
+
+The boatmen scowled angrily: "Get out, we go not so far." But he
+would not. The manjhi warned him that he and his bear would gain
+nothing by forcing themselves into the boat.
+
+"These boatmen are queer customers," he laughingly remarked to the
+Brahman, and to them: "Gain nothing! Why! I will reach my home."
+
+"So you say," they answered.
+
+The bear-man wondered within himself at their unwillingness to have
+him as a passenger. He and the old Brahman made a few remarks to each
+other. Then they fell silent.
+
+They were near the end of their journey when the bear-man asked
+suddenly: "Manjhi, have we not passed Serampore?"
+
+"Are you the guru of boatmen that you question me?" replied the
+manjhi, and then, in a more conciliatory tone, added: "We are going
+higher up for a crossing. The tide is strong." The explanation was
+reasonable. But the bear-man's suspicions had been awakened and he
+was on the alert. The Brahman sat placidly nursing his bag which the
+bear-man too had noticed contained money. He had also noticed that
+the manjhis kept glancing furtively at it and its owner.
+
+The river crossed, the boat hugged the bank; after a time it came
+to a standstill. One of the manjhis jumped ashore with the rope
+and secured it to a tree. The Brahman and the bear-man both asked:
+"What is wrong? Why stop the boat in this strange place?"
+
+"You will soon know, you will soon see," answered the boatmen and
+chuckled over some secret joke as, one after another, each stepped
+ashore and disappeared.
+
+The aged Brahman gazed after them apprehensively. Then, placing his
+money between his knees, as he sat on the deck with crossed legs tucked
+under him, he folded his hands together and bent forward in prayer.
+
+The bear-man thought within himself: "Prayer for him, action for
+me." And saying softly to the old man; "Brahman Thakoor, something
+is brewing. I follow to see," he too stepped ashore.
+
+Not far from the tree he found a small thatched house and several
+men gathered behind it. Moving warily forward among the group he
+recognised the manjhis. "Dacoits!" he whispered to himself. Then an
+inspiration struck him.
+
+He ran back to the boat, and asked the Brahman to change his seat
+to the stern and be ready to steer off when he gave him a signal. He
+took up a position in the prow and fondled his bear.
+
+Within a few minutes a party of men appeared coming towards the
+dinghi. Some were boatmen; all were dacoits.
+
+The actor loosed the bear's chain, saying: "Go! go! hug the life out
+of all of them!"
+
+The sagacious animal responded to his master's order with a fierce
+charge right among the approaching band of robbers. With startled
+cries they fled in all directions. Quite sure they were effectively
+scattered, the bear-man called his animal back, secured its chain
+once more, and pushed from the shore.
+
+With some difficulty he and the old Brahman navigated themselves back
+to Calcutta and informed the police authorities there. The police
+took possession of the dinghi which on inspection proved to be a
+dacoit's nest well-equipped with instruments fitted for murder and
+robbery. But none of this gang of river dacoits were captured.
+
+The lives of the Brahman and the showman were certainly saved by the
+wonderful intelligence of the latter's bear.
+
+
+
+Raghu Dacoit
+
+Madhub Babu, a Calcutta gentleman, owned much property in that city
+and was known far and wide on account of his great wealth. To do him
+honour, the City Fathers had named a tank after him.
+
+At that time there flourished a notorious dacoit, Raghu, for whose
+capture Government had offered a handsome reward. But like Robin Hood
+of old, Raghu Dacoit had caught popular fancy by his generosity to
+the poor. Though he looted the rich, to the needy, the famine-stricken
+and widows he was always kind. No one would inform against him.
+
+Madhub Babu had a fine country house in Chandernagore, where he
+frequently entertained his friends. On one of these occasions, the
+latest doings of Raghu Dacoit were being discussed. The Babu remarked
+confidently: "He dare not visit me. He knows my house is well guarded."
+
+One of the guests quickly rejoined: "Oh, don't say that. Raghu Dacoit
+is a dangerous and clever man."
+
+A few days after, Madhub Babu received a letter from the famous
+outlaw saying that he would be pleased to visit the rich man's
+country house. Madhub Babu was amazed at the audacity of the fellow,
+and wondered how his remark had reached the robber's ears.
+
+He immediately sent information to Calcutta and asked for a strong
+body of police to be sent at his expense. They arrived, and his
+country residence was extra well guarded for some time. But nothing
+happened! Madhub Babu concluded that the letter had been a hoax. So
+the police guard was withdrawn.
+
+Madhub Babu's Chandernagore house stood on the bank of the river. One
+dark night a boat came quietly to the ghat. Its occupants silently
+landed and proceeded stealthily to the house. Every door and window
+was securely fastened, but what mattered that to Raghu and his
+band? Tall trees graced the grounds everywhere and many grew near the
+house. Climbing the nearest, some of the dacoits reached up a long
+and stout bamboo from it to the flat roof. A slim youth crawled over
+and fixed the other end securely. Then one by one some of the gang
+slid across. The door of the staircase leading down into the house
+stood open. Creeping like cats downstairs they gained the entrance
+hall. Here they found all the durwans fast asleep. The light of their
+lanterns showed the durwans' swords hanging on the wall. In a trice
+the dacoits had them down, unsheathed, and, oh, bitter blow! despatched
+Madhub Babu's men with their own weapons.
+
+Then noiselessly opening the door they admitted the remainder of the
+band. For a few hours there was uproar, confusion and dismay while
+the burglars invaded room after room and collected all Madhub Babu's
+treasures with which they disappeared.
+
+While still smarting under the loss of his valuables, the Babu received
+another letter from Raghu Dacoit asking, "Had his visit given Madhub
+Babu pleasure?"
+
+
+
+Girl as Kali-Ma
+
+A large and well-to-do family lived happily in a country place
+in Bengal.
+
+One day their peace was disturbed by an anonymous letter. The writer
+warned them to expect a "dacoity" (burglary). These Indian outlaws
+always make it a point of honour to inform their intended victims,
+and always come with drums, torch-light and a sort of war-cry.
+
+There was much valuable jewellery in the house and the family, thinking
+discretion the better part of valour, gathered all together, packed
+it securely and, taking it with them, left their home about sunset
+for safe quarters.
+
+Somehow one of the younger ladies with a tiny infant was left
+behind. Unaware of the warning letter or desertion of the family,
+she slept peacefully through the early hours of the night. But later,
+she was awakened by the sound of drums and loud cries, which she
+recognised as the signal of the dacoits. Rushing out of her chamber
+she discovered that the burglars were already in the house and that
+none of the family were to be found. From room to room she fled,
+finding none to protect her, and realised that she was alone and
+helpless. Even her husband was gone!
+
+She was a high-spirited and resourceful girl. She knew her life
+and the baby's as well were in danger and she determined to outwit
+the burglars. She had a swarthy complexion like Kali, the dacoits'
+divinity. Often had her mother bemoaned its darkness! Now it should
+serve her. But was she black enough? To make assurance doubly sure,
+she caught up a bottle of ink, which she knew where to find, and
+hastily smeared her face and limbs with it. Then, hiding her baby
+in a safe corner, she uncoiled her heavy hair and let its luxuriant
+black tresses fall about her like a cloak. Her preparations complete,
+she placed herself in a large niche at the head of the stairs.
+
+The dacoits found nothing below worth attention and trooped
+upstairs. The flickering glare of their torches fell upon a life-like
+image of Kali the Terrible. With protruding scarlet tongue and fixed
+staring eyes, the girl stood immovable and breathless, silently
+invoking all her family gods to come to her aid in her bold design.
+
+With an awe-struck cry of "Mercy! mercy! Kali-Ma!", the thieves
+fell prostrate at her feet. The girl held her breath. Was it
+possible that her plan had succeeded? The slow seconds passed. The
+Chief arose. "Come, brothers, we touch nothing where Mother Kali is
+worshipped." With hasty and reverent steps they descended the stairs
+and left the house.
+
+Long after the dacoits had gone the girl stood there. Then the strain
+snapped and she relapsed to her normal self. Fear swept over her and
+she rushed out of the house. But her trembling limbs could not carry
+her far. She fell in a dead faint on the pathway. The neighbours,
+who had heard the dacoits enter the house and seen them go away silent
+and empty-handed, came to learn the mystery and found her there.
+
+When the family returned next morning, the neighbours abused them
+soundly for leaving the girl and her babe behind. The girl herself
+was so hurt by the neglect that she had scarcely strength enough
+to relate the strange happenings of the night. Her husband found it
+difficult to make his peace; he said that he believed her to be with
+the ladies of the family. In zenana families even the most devoted
+husband has little voice in his wife's movements, as all arrangements
+are left in the hands of the mother-in-law. There were several ladies
+and children in the family and the mother-in-law had thought the girl
+was with some of them. Friendship was however finally restored. All
+generously admired her ingenuity and realised her bravery. From the
+white-haired old father to the smallest child, everyone was grateful
+then and always after for her presence of mind on that memorable night.
+
+
+
+The Deputy Magistrate
+
+In the Dacca district, a few years ago, there was a big dacoity. A
+Deputy Magistrate was ordered to secretly investigate the matter and,
+if possible, to capture the miscreants.
+
+Besides his cook and personal attendants he took with him some
+policemen. All were disguised. They travelled in several small boats.
+
+It was late in the evening as they neared the place, where the burglary
+had occurred. He decided to proceed no further that night. The boats
+put to; the men cooked their evening meal and all retired.
+
+About midnight, the Magistrate awoke with a start to hear many voices
+calling him by name. He listened: "So you have come to arrest us,
+to put us in jail, to hang us. Ah! you will soon see who will be
+punished. We shall know how clever you are!"
+
+The night was pitch-dark. He noiselessly opened the small window
+of the boat and saw a number of men, with flaming torches in their
+hands and armed with heavy sticks, coming down the bank. There was no
+time to call his men. He seized his loaded revolver. But what was one
+against so many! He decided to bolt. The land way was barred by the
+dacoits. What of the river? He was a good swimmer. But the water looked
+black as ink and swarmed with crocodiles. Yet to stay in the boat meant
+certain death. If he gained the opposite bank, he could make for his
+father-in-law's house, which was near the river and where his wife was
+then staying. He might escape the crocodiles. He determined to risk it.
+
+Like a flash all this passed through his mind. Opening the other
+window he clambered out stealthily and slipped into the water. A
+few powerful strokes carried him across. He stumbled up the bank and
+raced through the thorny jungle to his father-in-law's house.
+
+The sleeping family were disturbed by his violent knocking. As soon
+as he was admitted, he went to his wife's room. She was horrified to
+hear of his danger. After a hasty bath and change she insisted that he
+should eat something, and while he was refreshing himself, she informed
+her father of his son-in-law's escape and predicament. To her surprise,
+her father said: "I am sorry, but he must leave my house."
+
+"O! father, how can he?" she pleaded.
+
+"He must" repeated her father.
+
+The daughter fell at her parent's feet and implored him not to drive
+her husband forth. But no words of hers could move him. "Why should
+all suffer for one?" he argued. She returned sadly to her husband.
+
+Presently the cries of the dacoits showed that they had scented their
+quarry. Soon they shouted at the door: "Open! or drive out the Deputy
+Magistrate. We know he is here. Give him to us or what happens be on
+your own head."
+
+The wife wept piteously. Her father remained obdurate, muttering,
+"I knew this would happen."
+
+The unfortunate Magistrate could not understand his father-in-law's
+behaviour. He sat with his head bowed in despair. Suddenly his wife
+ran to him.
+
+"You must try to escape. I have an idea." She pulled out a saree and
+some jewels, and began to dress him as a woman.
+
+"It's no use," he said hopelessly, "they will catch me."
+
+"Be brave," she said encouragingly, "for my sake see if you cannot
+elude them."
+
+With tender hands she arranged the saree, draping it well over his head
+to conceal his face. Then giving him a ghurra (water vessel) told him
+to pretend that he was going to fetch water from the river. Cheered
+by her courage, he caught her to his heart in a mute farewell, and
+her prayers went with him.
+
+He had not gone far from the house when cries arose of "There he
+is!" But some one shouted: "It is a woman. Look elsewhere." And he
+passed slowly to the river. Here he flung the brass ghurra far out
+into the stream and ran for his life along the bank. No sounds of
+pursuit followed him, and he now gained courage enough to form a
+plan of escape. Not far from his father-in-law's village was a small
+police station. Thither he bent his steps and asked protection of
+its solitary occupant.
+
+The man recognised him and asked: "Deputy Saheb, why are you here? What
+is wrong?"
+
+The Magistrate told him of the dacoits and of his escape. "Dacoits
+after you!" said the policeman and looked grave. "Sir, I cannot help
+you. What is one policewallah against so many? If I shelter you we
+shall both die. You better push on."
+
+For a time the Magistrate pleaded to deaf ears. But at length his
+promises of promotion and reward moved the man. "Come" he said "I
+will do my best," and, rising, led the way to his own house. Here
+in the inner room was a high machan--a huge bamboo shelf made like
+a raft and suspended from the roof and reached by a moveable ladder,
+used for storing all sorts of things.
+
+On this machan were some old blankets. "Here, conceal yourself in
+these" said the policeman. The Deputy Magistrate needed no second
+bidding. He climbed up and rolled himself in one of the blankets and
+heaped the others in front of him. The policeman carried the ladder
+away, right out of the house. Then he shut the door and returned to
+the office.
+
+After a time there came the noise of the dacoits. They soon entered
+the police station and shouted: "Give up that Deputy Saheb. We know
+he is here."
+
+"Deputy, what Deputy? I cannot understand. Where is he?" answered
+the policeman.
+
+"Don't be shamming," returned the dacoits contemptuously, "thou
+knowest well whom we mean. Produce him if you value your own life."
+
+In vain the policeman pleaded ignorance. His trembling limbs and
+shaking voice belied his words. The dacoits bound him, searched
+the police office, and then proceeded to hunt the house. "He is not
+here. Let us not waste further time," said one. "Let's look well,"
+said another, "and search every place." Some climbed the machan and
+discovered their victim. It did not take them long to drag him down,
+and beat him mercilessly with their long sticks, till he became
+unconscious. The policeman too was severely chastised. Him they
+left lying there; but rolled the offending Magistrate in an old mat,
+bound him tightly with a rope and carried him away to the river.
+
+As he was borne on their shoulders through the night air, he gradually
+came to his senses but kept silent and listened to his captors. By
+this time it was dawn, and they were at the river. The majority were
+for re-crossing and burning him, dead or alive. One dissentient voice
+struck him with surprise. It was his father-in-law's! Clearly he
+was one of the gang! But scruples had overtaken him and he pleaded
+that he might not be a witness of the projected murder of his
+son-in-law. "Spare me! spare me!" he cried.
+
+Some jeered: "Ho! Ho! you still have a soft corner in your heart for
+your son-in-law." At last they agreed that he might absent himself
+and he apparently turned back.
+
+The others now put their burden into a boat and crossed the river. They
+were laughing at the father-in-law's weakness, and as they approached
+the ghat failed to observe a Government budgerow anchored there. It
+was the Divisional Commissioner's. He was out on tour. The paharawalla
+on deck checked them: "Do not make such a noise. The Saheb sleeps."
+
+They answered rudely and the watchman retorted angrily. The dacoits
+loudly abused the man.
+
+The noise woke up the Commissioner, and he got out on deck with a
+loaded revolver in his hand. The dacoits jumped from their dinghy and
+ran up the bank. It was evident who they were and the Commissioner
+fired, aiming at their legs. One man fell with a scream of pain but
+scrambled to his feet and ran on.
+
+Nothing was to be gained by chasing them through the still dark
+jungle. The Commissioner turned his attention to the boat. "Search
+it" he ordered his watchmen. His quick eyes detected legs protruding
+from a mat, and he was not surprised when his chaprassi called:
+"Saheb, a dead man lies in it."
+
+The Deputy murmured feebly: "I am not dead. I live." The chaprassi
+amended the first statement: "Saheb, he speaks." The Commissioner
+jumped into the dinghi, cut the ropes that bound the unfortunate man,
+and discovered the Deputy Magistrate. It did not take him long to
+recover and pour his tale of woe into his Chief's ears.
+
+By sunrise they were all after the dacoits. Blood-drops marked the
+way and, near by, they found the wounded man who, only able to hobble,
+had hidden himself in a thicket. The Deputy Magistrate's father-in-law
+was arrested. He was one of the leaders of the band. It did not take
+long to capture the others. And after this, for a time, this part of
+the Dacca district enjoyed peace from dacoits.
+
+
+
+All for Nothing
+
+A young and very high-caste Bengali lady was married to the son of a
+rich man who lived near Hooghly, a small town within a short distance
+of Calcutta.
+
+Some years passed, but there was no sign of a son and heir. The
+parents-in-law were fond of the girl. She had won her way into their
+hearts and they sympathised with her. Yet they longed to see the old
+name being carried down the years, and whisperings grew into talk
+of a second marriage for their son. The girl's parents were anxious
+and distressed.
+
+Then a kindly Providence intervened, and after months of expectation
+a little son lay in her arms, and both families rejoiced with the
+girl and shared her pride in the boy baby.
+
+When the child was about a year old, the young mother's brother became
+engaged to be married. The date was fixed and invitations sent to
+the girl and to the family of her parents-in-law. It was arranged
+that she and her baby should attend the wedding.
+
+Not far off, also in Hooghly, lived a widowed sister (of the girl)
+in her father-in-law's house. She too was going to the wedding,
+and it was settled that both sisters should travel in the same
+boat to Calcutta. No male member of either family could accompany
+them. Therefore, their father sent an old servant from Calcutta to
+fetch them. This man was trusted and treated like a member of the
+family, with whom he had been for years.
+
+The girl put together her clothes. Her good mother-in-law unlocked the
+great safe and took out the girl's best jewels. An Indian wedding
+is the occasion for a great display of clothes and jewellery,
+and a well-dressed and richly-adorned bow raises the credit of the
+mother-in-law, especially if the wedding is in the girl's own family;
+so a careful selection was made. Baby was not forgotten either. Tiny
+gold bangles and chains had been showered upon him at his birth,
+and this was his first public appearance.
+
+They started early, so as to arrive during the afternoon. There was
+to be a ceremony the next day and many guests had arrived at the
+bride-groom's house, and all watched eagerly for the two sisters. But
+the hours waned and still they tarried. Late in the evening, the old
+servant arrived, agitated and all mud-bespattered.
+
+Family, guests and servants plied him with questions concerning
+the sisters. Not a word would he reply. Suspicions soon voiced
+themselves. Dacoits were about. Everyone knew of the wedding and the
+consequent family gathering. Everyone knew too that the daughter was
+the cherished bow of a rich family.
+
+Urged by these arguments and his own anxiety, the father threatened
+to skin the man alive unless he spoke. Intimidated by his master's
+anger, the servant stated that the boat had capsized and the sisters
+and baby were drowned.
+
+The house of mirth and laughter was changed to one of weeping. But
+the father did not accept the information in its entirety. He called
+in the police and a vigorous search was made. All the boatmen were
+found. They stated they had swum ashore but could or would give no
+word of the ladies.
+
+The only possible clue was given by an Englishman living in a mill
+on the river bank at Chinsurah. About midnight, on the date of
+the disappearance of the ladies, he heard the cries of women and
+a child. At first he had thought of going to see what was up. But
+the sounds were coming from a thick jungle, and he argued it was
+impossible any one could be there in trouble, and finally thought no
+more of the seeming cries.
+
+This ill-omened happening broke up the wedding party. The marriage
+was cancelled. All the preparations had been for nothing. To this day
+the fate of the sisters is unknown. The bride and bridegroom-elect
+were married to other parties.
+
+
+
+A Punjabee Dacoit
+
+In a railway train several Punjabee ladies sat on the lower berths
+of a second class compartment, laughing and talking gaily. They
+were, with one exception, all richly dressed and each of them wore a
+quantity of jewels. The exception was a capable, good-looking woman,
+of about twenty-five. Her short hair, neck and arms bare of jewellery,
+and plain white saree, proclaimed her a widow. But like the others
+she chatted merrily, and a listener would have learned from their
+conversation that they had been attending a wedding, and were now
+on their way home. Witty remarks about the guests, criticism of the
+looks of the bride, and comparisons of this wedding with others,
+passed from one to another, and whiled away the hours of the journey
+as the train sped onwards.
+
+Night fell, and the ladies became silent. They rested against each
+other and dozed at intervals. The widow sat on a trunk at the end of
+the carriage and silently told her beads. The train slowed down and
+stopped at a little station. Then the bell clanged and once again
+they were on their way. The little station had not been left far
+behind when a dark figure appeared on the foot-board of the ladies'
+carriage, and a man's head was thrust in at one of the windows. A
+startled exclamation from one of the party drew the attention of all
+to the intruder, who was pulling himself up into the carriage. He
+was very fierce-looking, wore a huge turban, and had a bushy black
+beard. In one hand he held a knife and with the other he assisted
+himself into the compartment, in spite of the ladies' protestations.
+
+Some of them began to cry but one or two bolder spirits ventured to
+argue with him. In answer to their questions and objections, he said
+roughly: "It is a long while before you will reach another station. I
+have come for your jewels. If you give them to me quietly, I will
+not hurt any of you; but if not--" and he looked very expressively
+at the knife in his hand.
+
+After some few minutes, the ladies, who were inclined to oppose him,
+yielded to the tearful advice of their more timid sisters, and one by
+one they began to unclasp necklaces and belts and hand them over to
+the dacoit together with bracelets, bangles and rings. The ruffian,
+finding them docile, did not hustle them in any way but stood leisurely
+receiving the spoil. Then he carefully folded all in a rich saree
+and was knotting the ends together when the train suddenly stopped,
+and an Englishman pushed open the door of the ladies' compartment
+and sprang at him with the exclamation, "You scoundrel!"
+
+The sudden surprise and assault threw the robber off his feet, and
+he fell sprawling on the carriage floor, with the Englishman on top
+of him. In the meantime, the guard and others arrived and the thief
+was secured and his hands and feet were bound together with his own
+pugree, and he was removed to the guard's van.
+
+The widow was the heroine of the adventure. As soon as she saw the
+man entering the carriage, she realised his purpose. Slipping into
+the lavatory she climbed through the window there on to the footboard,
+and pulled herself along by the carriage rods to the next compartment
+where the solitary occupant, an Englishman, sat reading.
+
+He was amazed to see a woman clinging to the window of his carriage,
+but fortunately he understood the language; and when she said "Help,
+thief in the next carriage", he opened the door and got her into his
+carriage without any delay. In a few words, she acquainted him with
+what was happening in the next compartment. He immediately pulled
+the alarm cord to stop the train, and hurried along the footboard to
+the assistance of the ladies. They were profuse in their expressions
+of gratitude to him, but he insisted that they owed their lives and
+their jewels to their courageous friend.
+
+
+
+A Child's Experience
+
+Some years ago in a country place, not far from Calcutta, there lived
+a well-to-do Bengalee gentleman. He was an old man; and his large
+family consisting of sons, grandsons, and his brothers with their
+wives and children, and many dependent relatives--all lived happily
+together in their ancestral home.
+
+It was an old-fashioned house with verandahs, courtyards and many
+rooms. In a large dalan or verandah all the family poojas were
+celebrated. Here the daughters of the house were married, and for
+generations the old walls had looked on at family gatherings and
+festivities.
+
+There were extensive grounds round the house. Quite close to the zenana
+there was a large kitchen garden which supplied all the vegetables
+consumed daily in the house; and so plentiful was the produce that
+large trays filled with vegetables were sent out every day as presents
+to friends, relatives and to the neighbouring temples.
+
+A little further away was an orchard, and in spring the numerous
+mango trees delighted all eyes with their blossoms. And there were
+jack fruit trees, peaches, plums and guava trees in numbers, besides
+long lines of plantains and palms of several kinds.
+
+In the garden, orchard and stables there were tanks and wells so
+that the supply of water was sufficient for the needs of such a large
+establishment. In front of the mansion there was a large ornamental
+tank or lake with white marble steps leading to its waters. Here every
+evening the men and boys of the family gathered to recreate and enjoy
+the cooling south breeze, and they were often joined by neighbours,
+and many a pleasant hour was spent on those marble steps.
+
+An avenue of trees and a high hedge rendered the house quite private,
+and the roof was a lovely recreation place and promenade for the
+ladles and girls of the family, who were all purdah.
+
+The old man's wealth was much discussed and the expensive clothes
+and rich jewels of the ladies were often spoken of. One day the
+old gentleman received a warning letter from a band of dacoits that
+the house would be visited by them that night. After some hurried
+consultation, the family packed up all their jewels and valuables
+and sought shelter in flight. It was decided to spend the night at
+a place a few miles distant.
+
+In the excitement a young mother was separated from her little boy,
+a child of about three or four years of age. She concluded that he
+was with some other member of the family in another carriage and did
+not trouble herself about it. But on their arrival at their place of
+refuge he was not found with any of the others.
+
+The mother's distress of mind was pitiful. She wished to return
+for her child; but it was growing dark and there was the danger of
+meeting the dacoits. So her wish was overruled, and through the long
+night she suffered terrible anxiety, picturing in her mind all that
+was perhaps befalling her little son.
+
+In the meantime the child was sleeping sweetly and peacefully in his
+bed in his mother's room. Tired out with play, he had slipped into
+bed unknown to any one and there he lay.
+
+About twelve at night the dacoits arrived and broke into the
+house. They searched the empty rooms and were furious at finding no
+valuables worth carrying away. They came to the room where the little
+boy slept, and their loud voices awakened him. He sat up and, seeing
+their strange faces and glaring torches, screamed with fright. One
+of them threatened to kill him if he did not stop his noise. Another
+stepped to the bedside and taking the little boy in his arms said:
+"Little one, do not cry. No one will hurt you."
+
+The child recognised his father's servant and twined his little arms
+around the man's neck. The other dacoits laughed and walked out of
+the room leaving their comrade with the child.
+
+When daylight broke, the family returned home, and the poor young
+mother flew through the house in search of her child. To her surprise
+and joy she found him sleeping peacefully in her own room. Her
+hysterical caresses awakened him and the little fellow could not
+understand what ailed his mother.
+
+"Did nothing happen during the night?" she asked. "Did you see anything
+or anyone, my son?"
+
+Rubbing his chubby knuckles in his eyes the sleepy little boy answered:
+"Oh, yes, where were you, mother? A lot of men came. Some wanted to
+hit me, but--(naming the servant) was with them, and he sent them
+away. Then he gave me sweets and put me to sleep."
+
+The servant was arrested, and he confessed that he was one of the
+band of dacoits who had sent the warning letter and had broken into
+the house. Nearly the whole band was captured.
+
+
+
+Two Chinese Dacoits
+
+In a large house in Calcutta there lived an Englishman, his wife and
+her sister. Mrs. C. was of a highly-strung and nervous disposition,
+and as her husband's business frequently occasioned his absence from
+home, they had persuaded her sister Ethel to come out to India on a
+long visit.
+
+Ethel was a bright, lively girl, very practical and quite the opposite
+of her sister, whom she often rallied for her timidity. Once when
+Alice was more trying than usual, Ethel exclaimed: "Perhaps if I were
+a little like you, Alice, delicate, nervous and silly, I might get
+a husband who would fuss over me like Charlie does over you."
+
+Alice laughed at her sister's earnestness and said: "If you were not
+healthy and strong-minded you would understand me better, Ethel."
+
+Not long afterwards the two ladies were left alone for some days as
+Mr. C. was obliged to go upcountry on business. While he was away,
+Ethel slept with her sister. It was the cold weather when night closes
+in early and the evenings are long. Mrs. C. liked an early dinner,
+soon after which she always retired. Ethel liked to spend the long
+quiet evenings, reading or writing, and often sat up till midnight.
+
+One afternoon, while they were at lunch, a telegram was brought in,
+and on opening it, Alice exclaimed delightedly "Charlie will be back
+in time for dinner."
+
+The evening passed away till dinner time but Mr. C. did not arrive
+and the ladies waited till nine o'clock. Then they dined, and when
+the clock struck ten and still there was no arrival, Alice said she
+would go to bed, as Charlie must have missed his train and the next
+was not due till near midnight.
+
+Ethel looked up from her book and said: "Well, I am sleeping in my
+own room."
+
+"O! you know I hate to be alone," exclaimed Alice; "you might come
+and sleep in mine until Charlie comes in."
+
+"Alice, you are selfish," retorted Ethel. "I shall barely be in bed
+before he walks in. The only thing for me is to go to bed in your
+room in my evening dress."
+
+"How silly you are," said Alice peevishly; "why cannot you undress as
+usual? Charlie may not come at all to-night and I dread being alone."
+
+"Oh, very well," said Ethel, "I will come and read in your room till
+Charlie does come. I shall never marry a man who is always away on
+business," With these words she forsook her easy chair and accompanied
+her sister into the large bed-room. She threw herself on the side of
+the bed and went on with her book.
+
+Alice undressed, got into bed and was soon asleep. Ethel finished
+her book and then lay waiting for her brother-in-law. The lights in
+the hall and on the landing were not extinguished, but the house was
+still and quiet. It was near twelve and Alice was just wondering if
+Mr. C. would really arrive or if it would not be better for her to
+undress and get into bed comfortably when she heard gentle footsteps
+on the stairs.
+
+"There's Charlie," she said to herself, "and how softly he is coming
+upstairs! he is a considerate husband."
+
+She looked at her sister, saw that she was sleeping very soundly. "I
+will pretend to be asleep too," said Ethel to herself and she drew
+up the bed-clothes to hide her evening dress and put a pillow over
+her head.
+
+To her disappointment, Charlie delayed his coming and she was wondering
+if he was dining when the door slowly opened, but instead of Mr. C. two
+Chinamen entered the room. Ethel stared at them from under her pillow
+with amazement. At first they stood motionless beside the door. Then,
+closing it noiselessly, they advanced into the room. Their quaint
+clothes, long pigtails and red eyes together with their stealthy
+movements and the hour of midnight, created an uncanny atmosphere in
+the room, and for the first time in her life Ethel began to understand
+what nerves mean. Never in her life had her pulses jumped and throbbed
+as they were doing now. She controlled her inclination to scream and
+from under her pillow watched the men.
+
+They examined the room and one of them approached the toilette table
+and began to transfer the jewels and silver ornaments which lay upon it
+to a capacious bag. The other took a big cigar out of his pocket and
+lit it. Then he stepped to Mrs. C.'s side and began to puff the smoke
+into her face. She was sleeping upon her back and though she at first
+stirred uneasily she soon seemed to sink into a deeper sleep. After
+a few minutes by her side, the Chinaman moved round to Ethel's side
+of the bed; but seeing that her head was covered by a pillow and that
+she was apparently fast asleep, he turned to help his comrade.
+
+At this moment Mr. C.'s voice sounded in the hall and he came
+running upstairs, whistling gaily. The robbers exchanged alarmed
+looks and hastily hid themselves and their bag of booty behind a large
+almirah. Charlie opened the door and came into the room, saying "Alice,
+where are you?" Approaching the bed he said "What, asleep!" and bent
+over his wife. But she was in a deep slumber and oblivious of her
+husband's presence. He noticed Ethel's form on the opposite side of
+the bed and, walking gently round, touched her arm and whispered:
+"Are you asleep too?"
+
+She lifted the pillow, stretched her arms, and then sat up on the
+bed. He noticed her evening dress and was explaining his late arrival
+when she jumped up crossly from the bed and saying, "Look at your wife,
+is she not looking ghastly?" went out of the room. Charlie returned to
+his wife's side and looked closely at her. Her face seemed strangely
+pallid and her hands were cold. He endeavoured to wake her and was
+still trying to rouse her when Ethel returned to the room followed
+by several of the servants, who looked excited.
+
+In answer to his question, "What is wrong with Alice?" Ethel said
+"There are two thieves hidden behind the almirah. Let the servants help
+you to secure them and then you will know what is wrong with Alice."
+
+The two Chinamen were soon routed out from behind the almirah,
+captured and handed over to the police. A doctor was summoned and
+Alice was brought out of the stupor, she had been thrown into by the
+fumes of opium smoke.
+
+
+
+An Unfaithful Servant.
+
+A rich zemindar named Bose lived in Lucknow, He had emigrated there
+from Bengal, acquired land there, and studied the language until
+he could speak Urdu like a Hindustanee. He became so much a native
+of Lucknow that, when business took him down to Calcutta, he felt
+himself a foreigner and stranger in Bengal.
+
+His wife was an invalid and, as the years told on her, he
+had frequently to take her to Calcutta for medical advice and
+treatment. Their only child was a daughter who was the darling of their
+household. The second favourite in the family was a boy called Ram,
+who though really a servant was treated like a son of the house and
+both Mr. and Mrs. Bose were very fond of him.
+
+When quite a small boy, Ram had been taken into service in the Bose
+menagé; and as his parents were both dead and he was remarkably quick
+and intelligent, the zemindar took a fatherly interest in the lad and
+had him taught to read and write. The teacher thought so highly of
+Ram's intellect that he was taught one subject after another by his
+indulgent master, and when he grew older, was especially educated
+and trained for estate work. When his education was finished he
+was appointed to be confidential clerk and cashier, and gradually
+grew to know as much of Bose's money affairs as the zemindar did
+himself. Whenever the rich man went on his estate, Ram went with
+him. At times of collection, Ram had the office of counting the silver
+and locking it up in the cash box. Frequently thousands of rupees
+passed through his hands in this way, and he alone always knew what
+amount of money the cash box contained.
+
+One year, Bose and the faithful Ram had been round the zemindari,
+collecting rents; and, as many who had been in arrears paid up, they
+returned with a larger sum of money than usual. This was locked up
+in the cash box and Bose told his wife in Ram's hearing that next
+day he should deposit it in the bank. The cash box was always kept
+at night on a table by the zemindar's bed-side.
+
+The Boses had a large house in Lucknow and it was nearly always full,
+as Mrs. Bose was fond of company and they invariably had a number
+of relatives and friends staying with them. Mr. and Mrs. Bose slept
+upstairs in a large south room, which opened into another large room
+alongside of it. The only furniture in their room was their two beds
+and a table which stood between the beds to hold the cash box and
+a lantern.
+
+The night of the zemindar's return, his wife could not sleep. She
+had been ill and she counted the hours as the night wore on. The
+light of the lantern showed her husband's sleeping form, the naked
+sword which always hung at his bedpost, and the bare white-washed
+walls of the room. As she lay awake, Mrs. Bose thought she heard a
+noise at the door leading into the other room. The noise came again
+and she listened intently. Some one opened the door and then shut
+it. Mrs. Bose kept still, listened and watched. Some one again opened
+and shut the door gently, then again and again. It struck Mrs. Bose
+that this was being done to ascertain whether the inmates of the room
+were asleep or awake. She continued to keep perfectly still.
+
+Now the door was pushed wide open and Ram entered, and closed the door
+softly behind him. When Mrs. Bose saw him enter, her first thought
+was that he was the bearer of some bad news, and she very nearly
+asked him what was the matter. But his stealthy movements made her
+feign sleep and see what he was about; and as he approached her bed
+on tiptoe, she closed her eyes and lay as if peacefully sleeping. He
+stood beside the bed apparently watching her. Mrs. Bose's nerves were
+tingling with fear, and it took all her powers of self-control to keep
+her eyes closed and her breath steady. Just as the effort seemed more
+than she could keep up, Ram moved away from her bed.
+
+Through her eye-lashes she watched him creep noiselessly to the table
+and examine the cash box. Then he returned to the side of her bed
+and coughed. Mrs. Bose again succeeded in keeping perfectly still
+and he moved round to his master's bedside. Here he stood motionless
+for some seconds and then unfastened the sword. The zemindar was
+sleeping heavily and as he detached the sword Ram smiled to himself
+as if everything was very satisfactory. He grasped the sword in his
+right hand and made a trial stroke. Then, smiling again, he lifted
+the curtain of the zemindar's bed with his left hand.
+
+Mrs. Bose felt sure that his motive was murder as well as robbery, and
+she now shrieked loudly for aid. At the first sound of her voice Ram
+dropped the sword and fled from the room. His wife's piercing screams
+of "Murder! Help!" woke the zemindar, but by the time he understood
+what had taken place Ram had let himself out of the house and was gone.
+
+When morning came the police were informed and the zemindar offered a
+handsome reward for the arrest of Ram; but though the police hunted
+in Lucknow and elsewhere and also searched the village where Ram's
+relatives lived, no one knew anything of him and he was never again
+heard of in Lucknow.
+
+Some years after, the old zemindar died and one of the last remarks he
+made was: "I should like to know what has happened to poor Ram." He
+had never forgotten his affection for his old protege, and had quite
+forgiven him for his ungratefulness.
+
+
+
+PART II
+
+Tiger Stories
+
+
+The Bearer's Fate
+
+Mr. Gupta, a Bengali gentleman, was a skilled engineer. The Government
+thought highly of him and whenever any work of special difficulty
+had to be undertaken, always chose him.
+
+At one time he was stationed at Hazaribagh. This district is even
+now infested with tigers, and in those far-off days these lords of
+the jungle roamed far and wide.
+
+There was then no railway. Travelling was done by palki or by
+"push-push"---a box-like carriage on four wheels, in which the
+traveller was forced to recline, and which relays of coolies pushed
+before them. The roads were often mere tracks through dense forest.
+
+It happened that Mr. Gupta was ordered to report on some important work
+a few miles away. His devoted wife carefully packed his luggage. They
+were a happy couple and each short parting was a pain in their lives. A
+trustworthy old servant always accompanied his master to camp. But
+to-day to his mistress' surprise he begged not to go.
+
+When Gupta came in, his wife told him of the man's unwillingness to
+accompany him.
+
+"Nonsense!" said Gupta, "he will have to go. What has happened to him?"
+
+"I think he is ill" the wife excusingly replied, her tender heart
+full of the man's wistful face and strange manner. Still she agreed
+with her husband and told the bearer, he must go with his master.
+
+"Forgive me, I have high fever, Ma-ji," he shivered, addressing her
+by the honoured name of mother, as is the custom of Indian servants
+in an Indian household.
+
+She turned again to her husband who said: "I know what is in the
+poor old fellow's mind. He has an idea he will be killed by a
+tiger. However, tell him there is no danger. I am taking a large
+number of bearers and he can keep near the palki."
+
+Mrs. Gupta tried to cheer the servant with this information but he
+wailed: "Ma-ji, I am afraid. Surely a tiger will kill me to-night."
+
+"Do not fear," consoled the kind lady. "Your master will take good
+care of you." "Go you must," she continued in a firm tone. "There is
+no one except you who knows his ways and can see to his comfort. Now
+get ready quickly."
+
+"Oh, Ma-ji," he sobbed like a child, "I obey, but my heart is heavy."
+
+Mr. Gupta had to travel through the night. After an early dinner he
+started, attended by many palki-bearers and the old servant. The moon
+rose bright and glorious and bathed the picturesque country in soft
+radiance. The silence of the forest was broken only by the rhythmic
+cries of the bearers and the pat-pat of their feet. The first stream
+was reached and the bearers asked for a halt. Consent granted, they
+went into the stream to drink of the deeper water. The old servant
+crouched by the palki.
+
+"Thirstest not?" kindly asked his master.
+
+"Babu-ji, I feel nervous. I will stay near you."
+
+Gupta wondered what might have unstrung the man, and felt sorry for
+him. "Come and sit close to me," he said.
+
+The night was cold and the old bearer, huddled in his blanket, sat
+on the edge of the palki door.
+
+Suddenly the stillness of the night was broken by a rapid crash
+through the dry grass near the palki, and with a thrilling roar a
+tiger leapt at the man and dragged him away. The palki shook, and
+the bearer's piteous cry "Babu-ji, Babu-ji, I told you" filled the
+forest, and echoed and echoed again as the tiger bore him away. Then
+all became still.
+
+Gupta realised what had happened. He lay back sick with horror, and
+felt as if he were the guilty one. For many a day the old man's dying
+wail rang in his ears.
+
+
+
+Through the Roof
+
+They were laying the railway through the Hazaribagh district, and
+in a low-roofed bungalow at Giridih lived the Engineer in charge of
+the work. He was a young Englishman and his only recreation in this
+dreary place was riding and shooting.
+
+The coolies lived in frail little mat houses in the same enclosure
+as his bungalow. One morning they came to him in a body to tell him
+that during the night a tiger had carried off one of their cows. The
+next morning another cow was missing, and on the third his servants
+awakened him with the news that his Arab pony was gone.
+
+He loved the little animal. Many a mile had he scoured on its
+back. "Stripes" must be punished for this. He would sit up the coming
+night and watch.
+
+Babus, servants and coolies loudly approved. What was life worth with
+such nightly happenings? and the lord of the jungle would surely come
+again. Had he not discovered a well-filled larder?
+
+Work over, the young man loaded his gun, and after dinner took up
+his position and awaited the enemy. A reliable servant sat up with him.
+
+The bungalow was raised on piles a few feet from the ground. It had
+brick walls but a thatched roof which sloped very low down on all
+sides. The wooden windows were closed. Our friend sat at one of them
+with the Venetians slightly stretched. The bungalow was dark and still.
+
+At last a strange odour filled the air and then the heavy breathing of
+the tiger was audible. It came and stood just outside the window. The
+young fellow noiselessly pointed his gun through the Venetians and
+fired. An angry growl told that the tiger was wounded. Then it charged
+forward with a furious roar. The Englishman fired again and this
+time thought he had finished it. But the animal charged again with
+increased rage. After several attempts at the window it leapt for
+the roof and succeeded in clutching the eaves and scrambled up. The
+terrified servant cried: "Saheb, come into another room".
+
+"Don't be a fool!" shouted his master, "the tiger can't come through
+the roof."
+
+In their huts the poor coolies heard the shots and the terrible roars
+and growls and dared not come to their master's assistance. The tiger
+tore and scratched the thatch with all his might and soon made a
+hole. "Look! Saheb!" screamed the servant, "he comes through".
+
+"I have a loaded gun in my hand", the Saheb replied.
+
+The hole speedily grew larger as the great cat clawed and growled. The
+servant could stand it no longer. He bolted into the next room,
+shutting the door between. There he shivered and shook till morning,
+when he fled to the railway station a couple of miles away and told the
+Sahibs there his tale. They got guns and horses and rode over. They
+peered through the shutters and saw the tiger in the room. It
+soon scented them and charged with a mighty roar. They retreated
+without dignity to a safe distance where all stopped. One said,
+"I say! we must see what has happened to the poor chap". Another:
+"So many of us and loaded guns! We must do something". A third:
+"let's get back and kill the beast".
+
+They went back and fired shot after shot through the shutters
+till the animal was killed. Then they broke into the room and found
+their luckless comrade dead on the floor, his loaded gun still in his
+hand. The tiger must have killed him with a slap of its mighty paw, and
+sat on his body all night, but clearly the animal was not a man-eater.
+
+
+
+Earning the Reward
+
+A man-eating tiger was roaming through Hazaribagh station. It had
+killed many villagers and had become so daring that it entered the
+market-place in broad day-light.
+
+A poor old tailor on his way home one evening was seized by the
+blood-thirsty animal, and his screams for help filled the little
+town. The morning light showed traces of the struggle between man
+and beast, and where the latter had been dragged from the main road.
+
+The villagers did puja that night that all might be saved from a like
+fate. A few days after, a ploughman and a little boy stood talking
+about the tiger. "How do you know that he won't catch you?" asked
+the boy.
+
+The ploughman answered confidently: "I have done puja". Barely had
+the words passed his lips than the tiger leapt upon him. The boy was
+startled, but not realising his own danger not only did he not run
+but also caught up a stick and tried to save his friend. In spite
+of his hitting it the animal began to devour the unfortunate man,
+snarling threateningly the while. Then the boy threw away the stick
+and fled to the village. The news roused the villagers and they
+determined to try to rid themselves of their foe. Armed with spears,
+sticks and heavy bamboos they followed the boy to the scene of the
+tragedy. But the tiger was gone.
+
+The Government had offered a handsome reward to any one who would
+succeed in killing this tiger and now a poor shop-keeper determined
+to win it. He knew nothing of shooting but worked up the ambition
+of a friend who could shoot and had a couple of guns. Together they
+essayed the difficult job. Difficult it was. The tiger seldom returned
+to his kill, nor stopped at a kill any length of time, and was known
+to have killed three or four victims in one day.
+
+However they hoped for success. The villagers had been very careful
+of late and the tiger had consequently been obliged to go hungry. It
+was just possible he might return to the kill. So they got permission
+for a mangled body to be left there, and built a machan near it. At
+sunset they took up their places and watched.
+
+At first the pair felt cheerful. A brilliant moon illuminated
+the whole country making everything as clear as day. But no tiger
+came. And later, as the hours dragged on, their cramped position,
+the nearness of a dead body, the silence and mystery of the night,
+all got on their nerves, and they wished they had not attempted such
+a task. But to leave now would be dangerous. So they did their best
+to encourage each other and waited on.
+
+In the small hours of the night they distinctly heard the tiger coming
+and saw a huge black shadow moving stealthily towards their tree. The
+animal looked enormous in the uncertain light and each thought the
+machan too low and wished himself in his house in the village. Neither
+dared to speak or move.
+
+Not far from the machan was a hillock. The tiger, after stalking
+round the tree, went to the corpse, smelled it, and then crossing to
+the hillock climbed up and sat himself there. The men felt sure he
+could now see them.
+
+The tiger began to sniff as if he scented them. Then it yawned
+and snarled. The men sat fascinated. Presently the great head
+turned towards them. The shopman pulled the trigger of the gun he
+held. There was a deafening roar and the tiger disappeared from the
+hillock. Then all became still. They knew by the roar of pain that he
+was hit. Tigers are clever and often feign death when wounded. They
+dared not descend. They were not sure that he was killed. At any
+moment he might attack their tree. Comrades in enterprise and fear,
+they sat gripping each other in the darkness, for the moon had now set.
+
+The villagers had heard the shot and at day-break came to the
+spot. They found the tiger lying dead at the foot of the hillock. The
+heroes could barely descend from the machan, so stiff and aching were
+their bones. Together they received the plaudits of the village and
+shared the Government reward which to them was quite a small fortune.
+
+
+
+A Burmese Monster
+
+Some years ago Government sent an engineer and party to explore and
+prospect in the forests of Burma. None returned. Their disappearance
+was a mystery.
+
+The authorities decided to send another party to ascertain the fate
+of the first and continue the work. To induce volunteers, a handsome
+salary was offered; and at length an Englishman came forward. He
+asked for twice the number of native attendants that the first man
+had had. Government granted him his request and provided him with
+every facility procurable and he started.
+
+He followed the course taken by his predecessor up a large river. He
+travelled in a big boat and his men in smaller ones. Here and there
+they came upon traces of the former party. They pushed on. Suddenly
+all indications of the missing ones ceased. He felt he had better stop
+and investigate. Tents were landed and pitched and the men began to
+prepare their evening meal.
+
+As he sat in his tent reading, he heard loud shouts and some of
+his coolies rushed to him. They said that as they were cooking they
+saw a great black thing hanging from a tree above them. When they
+made a noise it disappeared. It was long and thick and black. The
+coolies were frightened out of their wits and refused to remain in
+that place. Argument was of no use; so the tents were taken down and
+the party moved on.
+
+Another spot was selected and here they stayed peacefully for some
+days. Suddenly a man was missing. Then another and another! Each
+disappeared when alone. The coolies were frightened and uneasy. But
+this time the Sahib managed to control them. He himself was anxious
+and puzzled.
+
+Next a coolie who had gone to the river to scour vessels after a meal
+disappeared. The plates and lotas were scattered about just as if
+he had been suddenly seized. The Englishman thought that a crocodile
+must have taken him off.
+
+Soon after this incident the engineer was fishing in the river opposite
+to the camp, and he noticed two coolies coming to the river. They
+sat down at the ghat and began to scour their vessels. The murmur of
+their voices reached him.
+
+Presently the boatman clutched his arm and pointed to the bank. He
+looked. One of the coolies was chasing a huge hairy monster. The
+other could not be seen.
+
+The engineer soon crossed the river and joined the coolie, still in the
+chase after the strange creature. As usual, the Saheb carried a loaded
+revolver and as he ran he fired several shots at the animal. They
+had no effect on it. The beast ran on with heavy lumbering strides,
+covering the ground with great rapidity and only once glancing back
+over its shoulders with a horrible grin. He could not overtake it and
+it disappeared into the thick jungle. Its hair was so long that it
+completely covered the man it carried in its powerful arms. It was
+some kind of an orang-outang.
+
+The mystery was now cleared up. The engineer returned. His task
+was accomplished. Later he wrote an account of this adventure and
+concluded with these words:--"Now when I see a great hairy spider I
+tremble! and the remembrance of that monstrous black form returns to
+me, and the hideous grin that thrilled me. Never can I forget it."
+
+
+
+The Palki and the Tiger
+
+In a lonely village in the Hazaribagh district the peaceful dwellers
+were one evening disturbed by shrill cries of distress. When they
+gathered round the house from whence the cries came, they discovered
+that a ghastly murder had been committed. The headman of the village
+immediately despatched two messengers for the police. These men
+started in the dawn and reached the Police outpost just before sunset.
+
+The Inspector-in-charge was a Bengalee, named Bose, who was a very
+intelligent officer and keen on his work. As soon as he received
+information of the murder, he ordered one of his staff to arrange for
+a push-push (carriage which is partly drawn and partly pushed by men)
+and a set of bearers. He quickly put together a few requisites for
+the journey, and was soon ready. The night was not far advanced when
+the orderly returned with a push-push and eight bearers, and Bose
+started off, attended by his cook and body-servant.
+
+The road lay through a forest. At times the path was so narrow and
+rocky that the men could make little progress, and at last they
+declared that the road was impassable for a wheeled conveyance, and
+that it was necessary for the Inspector to change into a palki. One
+of them said that about two miles off the road there was a village,
+and that in the village there lived a rich Hindustani merchant who
+might lend a palki. Bose was pleased at the suggestion and told the
+push-push bearers to take him to the village. They needed no second
+bidding, and the Inspector was soon being trundled across the paddy
+fields that lay between the village and the road. Arrived there,
+he hastened to the merchant's house and asked to see him.
+
+A handsome up-countryman came out and when, he saw that his visitor
+was a gentleman he courteously asked him to enter and be seated. The
+Inspector soon explained his necessity for a palki, and the rich man
+placed his at the disposal of the police officer. "But Jenab (Sir),"
+he said, "tigers are bad in this forest and you have to pass through a
+part known to be a favourite haunt of theirs. Have you any fire-arms?"
+
+"Only my revolver," said Bose "but I must push on and take my
+chance." And as the palki now stood ready and the bearers declared
+themselves refreshed, he thanked his host for his ready assistance,
+bade him farewell and started once again.
+
+The bearers were full of spirits after their rest at the merchant's
+house and for a mile or two travelled at a rapid pace; but the narrow
+winding road impeded their progress, and as the night advanced the
+eerie sounds of the forest must have got on their nerves. At the
+commencement of the journey they had beguiled the march with stories
+of tigers and bears met in the forest, but after some hours of travel
+they became silent; and beyond the usual directions of the forward
+men concerning the road and occasionally a shrill cry to scare away
+wild animals, they made no remarks to each other.
+
+Within the palki, Bose lay fitfully dozing. The night was oppressive
+and his thoughts were on the murder and his chances of a successful
+capture of the wrong-doer. The road had become wider and level and
+the men were going along at a good pace, when suddenly they dropped
+the palki to the ground and fled in all directions. Bose shouted:
+"What is up? Why have you run away?" No answer greeted his ears but
+a strange odour penetrated his nostrils and he knew there was a tiger
+in the jungle. He quickly pulled the doors of the palki jamming them
+as securely as he could with the ends of his razai (quilt). Then he
+tore the strong border off his dhoti (loin cloth) and commenced to
+bind the handles of the doors together. He had just finished firmly
+lashing together the handles on one side when he heard an ominous
+growling. With frantic haste he bound the handles of the opposite doors
+together, praying fervently that he might escape the jaws of the tiger.
+
+The animal continued growling. Evidently the dark bulk of the palki
+frightened him. Bose sat inside, huddled in a heap and breathless. The
+tiger, re-assured by the stillness of the object before him, ceased
+growling; and presently, the soft thud of his feet and his sniffing
+round the palki told the trembling man within that 'Stripes' was
+making an investigation.
+
+Now a mighty roar shook the jungles and Bose realised that the tiger
+had leapt upon the roof of the palki and was scratching furiously at
+it. Bose clutched the handles of the doors and held on to them with the
+grip of despair. The tiger scratched and growled and finally bounded
+off the top and began a vigorous assault upon the side. The palki
+toppled over on to its other side. Poor Bose congratulated himself
+that now one of the doors rested upon Mother Earth and he could give
+his whole energy to defending the other. He gripped the handles with
+renewed determination and waited.
+
+The tiger had sustained a shock at seeing the unknown monster he
+was tackling roll over, and for a time satisfied himself by growling
+savagely. But as the monster lay still "Stripes" tried the experiment
+of a sharp blow with his paw. The palki rested on uneven ground and
+the blow made it rock. The tiger waited awhile; and when the rocking
+had subsided administered another stroke. The palki rocked again. The
+situation now developed into a game between the huge cat and the
+palki. When he slapped the palki rocked; and when the palki ceased
+vibrating the tiger slapped again. Inside the palki, the Inspector
+held on to the handles of the door and prayed for deliverance.
+
+At last the tiger, wearied of the game and purring loudly, walked
+away. Bose breathed more freely but knew not if the danger was
+past. There he lay gripping the handles of the door and wishing for
+daylight. At last the dawn broke and with the first rays of light
+courage returned to the bearers and servants, who were hiding in
+the branches of the surrounding trees. They called to each other,
+expressing anxiety as to their master's fate. Finally, as the daylight
+grew stronger they encouraged each other to descend and approach
+the palki.
+
+As they examined it with wonder some very cutting remarks from within
+assured them of their master's existence, and with many apologies
+for the abrupt way in which they had abandoned him they righted the
+palki and assisted him out.
+
+The journey was soon resumed and Bose had the satisfaction of arresting
+the murderer in spite of his ill-timed adventure and forced delay.
+
+
+
+An Assam Adventure
+
+Some years ago, an English baron came out to India to enjoy some
+tiger shooting. He received invitations to many Native States, and was
+having a right royal time. In the course of his wanderings he came to
+Assam. In those days, the jungles of Assam swarmed with tigers but a
+"man-eater" was very rarely known there.
+
+Sir M. was in a small camp with just two or three other guns, and all
+were hopeful of "bagging" a tiger, for the roaring of the lords of the
+jungle could be heard almost every night. The tents had been pitched
+on the bank of a river and all round the camp and on the opposite
+bank was heavy jungle. Wild animals abounded in these jungles and the
+camp servants did not appreciate the site. No sooner had the Sahebs
+finished their dinner than the servants disappeared into their tents,
+and securing themselves within, as strongly as they could, devoutly
+hoped that the morning light would find them still alive and unharmed.
+
+One evening Sir M. retired to his own tent immediately after dinner. He
+was very tired but as he was not sleepy, he made himself comfortable
+and settled down on a long-sleeved chair with a book. His tent was
+a small one, with a camp cot, a couple of chairs and a table. On the
+table stood a reading lamp. M. was soon absorbed in his book and did
+not notice how the hours fled. The camp became quiet and still. It
+was a dark close night and the door of his tent stood open, for he
+was a lover of air. He had read on for some time when his attention
+was drawn to a movement of his tent wall. It seemed to him as if
+some one or something was rubbing along the side. He put down his
+book and got on to his feet to see what it could be. As he was about
+to step forward the head of a tiger loomed in the doorway, the eyes
+gleaming brightly. Sir M. stood motionless with surprise and "Stripes"
+stepped into the tent. He was a fine specimen of a Royal Bengal tiger,
+and M. forgot everything in his admiration of the noble animal.
+
+The table with the lamp upon it stood between Sir M. and the tiger,
+and each stood on either side of it gazing at each other. As the silent
+seconds passed, Sir M. realized that he was in danger and bethought
+him of his rifle which was almost within reach of his hand; but he
+dared not move and so continued gazing steadfastly at his visitor. The
+tiger too stood, surveying his vis-a-vis and then began to move round
+the table. The lamp either attracted or annoyed him and he raised
+his paw to the table. The weight of the huge paw tilted the table,
+the lamp toppled and fell with a crash. The terrified tiger gave a
+mighty roar, turned tail and fled.
+
+The camp was aroused. Everyone shouted and rushed out into the night,
+armed with some weapon or other. Sir M. related to his brother guns
+what had happened and they all enjoyed a good laugh and rather envied
+him for the fine sight he had of such a superb specimen of the kings
+of the jungle.
+
+
+
+A Thrilling Story
+
+One evening, in Assam, a young Englishman was driving along a lonely
+jungle road. He wished to visit a neighbouring Saheb; and though his
+servants had warned him that tigers had been frequently seen on that
+particular road, he had laughed at their fears and told them that
+the only tiger to be feared was a "man-eater", and that there were no
+"man-eating" tigers about that district. As usual in the mofussil of
+India, he was going out to dine and sleep, and his bearer had put up
+his clothes and his suit case was stowed into the dog-cart.
+
+The road was a good one and considerably wide, for it was the main
+thoroughfare in the district and along it tea, jute and all other
+agricultural products were transported to the river for export to other
+districts of India and also to Europe. Nevertheless it was bordered
+on either side by dense jungle, and there were few villages in its
+vicinity. After sunset it was a road little frequented by villagers
+and it had the reputation of being tiger-haunted.
+
+There was no moon and, as B. had not started much before sunset,
+darkness soon overtook him on the road. As he had no syce with him
+he got down to light the trap-lamps and jumped in and drove on again
+very cheerily. He was not far from where he must turn off the main
+road to the narrow one leading to his friend's estate, when the pony
+suddenly took fright at something and bolted. At first B. tried to
+pull the animal up; but its erect ears and wild snorting showed him
+that there was cause for alarm. He looked over his shoulder and in
+the dim starlight discerned the bulk of some animal in pursuit of
+them. An eerie feeling came over him and he wondered what was going
+to happen. He sat tight in his seat and let the pony race on. The
+chase continued and the pony began to show signs of collapse. It was
+evidently being overcome by fear and, in spite of all B.'s urging,
+could not keep up the pace, and the pursuing animal gained upon
+them. B. had just determined to leap from the cart when the pony
+tripped and fell and B. was shot out of the cart. He fell into the
+long grass on the side of the road, and had barely collected himself
+when a dark form sprang upon the pony.
+
+The poor animal neighed with fear but kicked and fought its
+foe. B. rolled down the side of the road and began to crawl away
+through the jungle as fast as he could. Long grass and thorny brambles
+grew on either side of the road and as it was the dry season every
+movement of his made a crackling and rustling; and often he fancied
+he heard an animal in pursuit of him, or he would imagine he was
+about to meet one coming through the jungle towards him. He pressed
+on as fast as he could, sometimes crawling and sometimes walking,
+and at last he saw the glimmer of lights and came to some huts. He
+shouted to the inmates who came to his assistance.
+
+When they discovered a Saheb in such a plight they were full of
+concern, helped him to their huts, gave him hot milk to drink and
+washed his wounds. His clothes were torn and his hands and knees
+bleeding from his flight through the thorny jungle. The sympathising
+villagers emptied a hut for him to rest in, and when morning came
+escorted him to the scene of his mishap.
+
+The mangled remains of his poor pony told him that the wild animal
+had been a very famished tiger. B. returned to his own bungalow a
+wiser man, and told his servants that, had he taken their advice, he
+would not have suffered such an adventure or the loss of his pony. He
+rewarded the villagers for their kindness and hospitality and for a
+long time his escape was the talk of the district.
+
+
+
+A Cachar Tiger
+
+In the province of Assam lies a fertile and picturesque valley called
+Cachar. Shut in on north, south and east by lofty hills, this valley
+remained hidden for centuries and was never conquered by any of the
+Mahommedan rulers of India.
+
+Here a race of aboriginal kings held sway, and it was the East India
+Company who first became masters of this hilly corner of Bengal. In
+1830, the last of the old Cachari kings died without heir, and
+"Company Bahadoor" took possession of the little kingdom.
+
+In 1855, the discovery of the tea-plant, growing wild in the jungles,
+opened out a new industry, and soon the low-lying hills, knolls and
+undulating plains of the little valley became gradually clear of
+jungle, and covered instead with row after row of carefully-kept and
+trim tea bushes. To-day acres upon acres of tea are grown in Cachar;
+and the inland steamers, which ply all through the rainy season up
+and down the wide-rolling stream of the river Barak, bring down for
+export millions of pounds of tea for the "cheering cup".
+
+Cachar is rich in forests, and tigers and other wild animals are there
+in plenty. During the monsoon the jungle animals retreat to the higher
+levels of the forest-clad hills. But when the rains abate they begin
+to gradually descend; and when the great "hoars" or fenlands dry up
+at the approach of the cold season, numerous tigers take up their
+winter haunts in the patches of jungle, which grow here and there in
+the marsh lands, and in the forests which often surround or separate
+the tea gardens.
+
+It was cold-weather time about forty years ago, and four planters
+sat talking after dinner in the Manager's bungalow on a tea garden
+in Cachar. We will call them M., B., C. and H.
+
+The bungalow, like many bungalows in tea districts, stood on a
+high hill, the steep sides of which had been terraced and planted
+with tea. On adjacent but lower hills stood the factory and coolie
+lines. Everything was quiet and lay wrapped in a heavy fog.
+
+In the verandah near the steps sat the bungalow chowkidar
+(watchman). The charity of the Tea Company had provided him and his
+fellow-coolies with blankets. And he wore his in the usual pachim
+(North-West Provinces) style: one end of the blanket is pleated and
+tied closely with a piece of string, the short part above the cord
+forming a tuft. The wearer pulls the pleated end of the blanket over
+his head, the tuft resting on his crown. The sides of the blanket are
+drawn round the body, and thus the blanket is made to form both a hood
+and a cloak, in which the wearer hugs himself against the inclemency
+of the weather.
+
+The chowkidar sat on his mat huddled up in his blanket, droning one
+of the time-honoured bhajans (hymns) of India.
+
+Presently he disappeared and, next, piercing yells rent the mist-laden
+atmosphere. The four Sahebs were in the verandah in a trice, and soon
+discovered the chowkidar returning to the verandah, visibly shaken
+and without his blanket.
+
+"What is the matter, and who shouted?" asked the Manager.
+
+"Saheb," the chowkidar replied in a quavering voice "a tiger sprang
+on me and caught the knot of my blanket."
+
+"Here!" interrupted the four Englishmen incredulously.
+
+"Yes, Huzoor (Your Honour), as I sat here against this post the tiger
+came, seized the knot of my blanket and began to pull. Like lightning
+I made my plan. I grasped with a strong tight hold the sides of the
+blanket and holding myself together like a ball I let Lord Tiger
+pull. He dragged me to the edge of the tila (hill). There I suddenly
+let go the blanket and shouted with all my might. The tiger fell over,
+down the hill, and is gone."
+
+Sure enough, there were the foot-marks of the tiger, the mark of
+the drag, and the signs of where "Stripes" had slipped over and down
+the terrace.
+
+The tiger had been harrying the coolies for some time and a rumour
+had got about that he was a man-eater. It was pretty certain that he
+would come again the next night; so the planters determined to sit
+up and shoot him.
+
+On the following night after dinner M. B. C. and H. took their
+positions on the verandah. Each had his loaded gun and all waited
+patiently for the tiger. Time passed. It was weary work and they dozed.
+
+M.'s dog had wandered off to the kitchen as usual after dinner. After
+some time it returned hurriedly and ran up the steps of the verandah,
+barking in a frightened manner. The dog's barking woke the four
+men. B. sat first near the steps and H. not far from him in a
+dining-room chair.
+
+The dog ran into the dining-room and hid himself under the table and
+everything again became quiet, and the men waited. Suddenly a hoarse
+cry paralysed three of them. "He's on me. Shoot."
+
+The tiger had come up on to the verandah and springing at B. caught him
+by the arm. Then, releasing the arm, he made a spring at his victim's
+throat. B. was instantly on his feet and, as the tiger essayed his
+throat, he rammed his clenched fist into the animal's mouth. The
+tiger shook the man's fist out of its mouth and made another attempt
+to reach his throat. B. repeated his manoeuvre. This happened three
+or four times.
+
+In the meantime the other three men dared not shoot for fear of missing
+the ferocious cat and killing their comrade. H. had the presence of
+mind to swiftly fix his bayonet, and, rushing towards the tiger, he
+thrust it in the animal's side, firing as he did so. The tiger fell
+backwards off the verandah mortally wounded, but to the amazement
+of the Sahebs struggled tip and made another attempt to get at B. He
+was however too badly wounded and fell back dead.
+
+B.'s hand and arm were terribly mauled, and after medical treatment
+he had to go home on long leave.
+
+
+
+A Maharajah's Adventures
+
+A Maharajah of Bengal who became a noted sportsman shot his first
+tiger when he was quite a small boy. When about twelve years of
+age he went out on a shoot one cold weather on his estate. He was
+accompanied by some of his relatives, and they encamped in one of
+the forest bungalows. This bungalow was just an ordinary Assam house
+built on a chang or raised platform. It consisted of a large centre
+room with a bedroom on either side and a deep verandah in the front,
+where the servants slept at night. Under large trees, some little
+distance away, the elephants were chained, and not far off were
+stables for the horses.
+
+The Maharajah shared his room with a friend, a lad about two years
+older than himself. One night between ten and eleven o'clock, when
+all were in bed and asleep after a tiring day and an early dinner,
+the near roaring of a tiger awakened the camp. In a twinkling the
+servants had transferred themselves and their bedding from the verandah
+into the centre room and securely bolted the door. Roar after roar
+sounded through the night, but the young Maharajah slept the healthful
+and deep sleep of tired childhood and the mighty voice of the lord
+of the jungle did not disturb him. His friend was awakened by the
+majestic sound and lay trembling with fear; envying his blissfully
+unconscious companion, until the nearness of the tiger broke down
+his self-control and, vigorously shaking his bed-fellow, he shouted
+in his ear: "Tiger, tiger!"
+
+The young Maharajah awoke, yawned, stretched and listened. The roaring
+had ceased but under the bungalow they could hear the purring of a
+tiger as it rubbed itself against a post. The younger and fearless
+boy laughed with glee and assured his friend that there was no danger
+of the tiger getting into the bungalow, and that on the morrow they
+would be easily able to track and shoot it. Soon the sounds of purring
+and rubbing gave place to others, and the occupants of the bungalow
+realised that more than one tiger played beneath them. Next day in
+the jungle near the forest bungalow the party shot a couple of tigers,
+a tigress and her cubs.
+
+In later years the Maharajah became famous for his shoots and many and
+varied were his adventures and experiences. One year he was in camp
+with a large party and they were out one afternoon after buffaloes. A
+fine bull was driven out of a patch of thick jungle and faced the guns
+with defiance in his eyes. He was a grand target and the Maharajah's
+finger ached to pull his trigger, but courtesy forbade him and he
+generously, as always, left the fine prize for his guests. But, one
+after another, each missed his shot and the noble bull charged past
+into thicker jungle. As the line of guns attempted to follow, one
+of them spied a leopard up on a tree looking thoroughly scared. This
+animal had evidently been disturbed by the commotion in the forest and
+had been so terrified that it had climbed into a tree for shelter; and
+there, on a branch, poor "Spots" fell an easy prey to the sportsmen.
+
+One of the strangest adventures that the Maharajah had was when,
+returning to camp one evening, he was informed that one of his largest
+and best elephants, "Kennedy", had got stuck in quicksand. In many
+parts of Assam there are quicksands and quagmires. This particular one
+chanced to be in a nala (stream). The elephant had refused to cross
+the partially dried-up stream. Instinct had warned him through the
+tip of his trunk that danger lurked there, but his mahout (driver),
+anxious to get into camp after a hard day and knowing that across
+this stream was a short cut, had forced him. They had advanced but
+a yard or two when the huge animal began to sink, and the more he
+struggled and strove to extricate himself the deeper he sank. The
+Maharajah hastened to the spot as soon as he heard of the catastrophe,
+for "Kennedy" was a fine and valuable elephant and a steady one for
+shikar (shooting). At the sound of his master's voice poor "Kennedy"
+looked towards the bank, and the Maharajah saw that great tears of
+anguish were rolling down the poor beast's face as he bellowed in
+an agony of fear. The Maharajah directed the men who had gathered
+around the scene to fell some saplings, which were conveyed to the
+nala by some smaller elephant and pushed into the quagmire towards
+"Kennedy". The poor entrapped animal seemed to understand that efforts
+were being made to rescue him, and he obeyed his driver's now soothing
+voice and held himself still. At last, the combined labours of men
+and brother-elephants provided a safe footing of submerged saplings
+and branches; and "Kennedy" pulled himself out of the treacherous
+sand and was escorted back to the camp with great rejoicings.
+
+Not long after this "Kennedy" distinguished himself in another way,
+but this time evoked the displeasure and not the pity of his good
+master. An engineer, named Ashton, had charge of the feilkhana
+(elephant stables) and had once severely punished "Kennedy". After
+the manner of his kind, the elephant bore the memory of the outrage
+in his heart and waited the opportunity to be revenged. One morning
+the camp was astir for a shoot. The guests stood ready outside
+their tents and the elephants were waiting to carry them into the
+forest. Suddenly "Kennedy" charged at Ashton, who stood a little
+apart from the group, and flinging him to the ground began to roll
+him under his feet. The Maharajah, with wonderful presence of mind,
+immediately ordered "Debraj", a larger and more powerful elephant than
+"Kennedy" and his rival in the feilkhana, to the rescue. "Debraj's"
+mahout ordered him to charge at "Kennedy", and, urged forward with
+voice and prong; "Debraj" did so with a good will. When "Kennedy"
+saw his ancient enemy charging at him, he forgot his grudge against
+Ashton, and, considering that "he who fights and runs away lives to
+fight another day", he bolted, with his trunk in the air. Ashton was
+picked up from the dust very much shaken by his rolling and fright but,
+to the astonishment of every one, in no way injured.
+
+During one of his shooting expeditions, the Maharajah and his
+companions decided one night that they would go out on foot at
+the very break of dawn and see the animal world in the jungle; and
+they were well rewarded for their adventurous spirit. In a glade
+of the forest they had a magnificent sight of a large herd of bison
+peacefully grazing in the dewy grass. They could hear tigers and bears
+passing back through the jungles to their dens in the deeper forest,
+and as the men stood there admiring the grand heads of the bison a
+monstrous tiger passed along quite close to one of the party, the
+Maharajah's brother-in-law. On the bank of a river they came upon
+a nest of young pythons. The guests thought it was a curious mound;
+but the Maharajah recognised the reared heads of the young snakes and
+told his friends what the heap was. When they came closer, they could
+see that the long slimy bodies were all twisted together; and with an
+uncanny feeling, the sportsmen watched these serpents uncoil themselves
+from each other and glide away and disappear through the grass.
+
+Once, after a long and fruitless day in the jungles, the Maharajah
+decided he would try his luck stalking some deer that he spied on the
+opposite side of a narrow strip of jungle. He accordingly left his
+elephant and began to creep through the long dry bramble-choked grass
+with his rifle in his hand. As he pushed his way through the thick
+jungle he fancied he heard an animal breathing and then something
+crackled. Intent on the deer before him, he concluded that he had
+broken a twig or a branch with the end of his rifle and pushed on. As
+he emerged from the thicket on the opposite side from where he had
+entered, he came face to face with a group of shepherds. They stared
+at him in amazement and then, recognising him as their Maharajah, fell
+at his feet in rapturous joy. Accustomed as he was to demonstrations
+from his people, their abandon struck him as something unusual, and he
+was about to question them when they exclamed: "Hoozoor, Dharmabatar,
+(Your Honor, Royal Master,) how did you come in safety through that
+jungle?" He smiled at their wonderment and was about to chide them
+gently when they continued: "An immense tiger has just slain one of
+our cows and dragged it into that very jungle from which Your Honor has
+emerged." The Maharajah now understood that the sound he had heard as
+he pushed his way through the jungle was the tiger enjoying a feed of
+his kill, and he felt thankful that he had not stumbled directly upon
+it. Like the keen sportsman he was, he signalled his elephant and,
+mounting it, secured the feasting tiger with an easy shot.
+
+One cold season, the Viceroy was enjoying a shoot on the Maharajah's
+estates. One evening, as they were dressing for dinner, there came
+through the stillness of the restful air the "twitter" of a tiger. Do
+many of my readers know what the "twitter" of a tiger is? It is a sound
+the Monarch of the Jungle makes and it is just like the twitter of a
+bird;--in fact, some declare it is only the twitter of a bird. Well,
+on this particular evening, the tiger must have been passing quite
+close to the camp, for his "twitter" was clear and unmistakeable. The
+Maharajah, with his usual courtesy, immediately bethought himself of
+his guests, and invited Their Excellencies to come out into the open
+and listen to the novel sound. They did, and very pleased and proud
+they were when they heard the tiger's "twitter" clearly and distinctly
+through the gathering shade and stillness of the darkening night.
+
+The shooting camps were invariably pitched on the bank of a river or
+stream. One evening, two of the servants crossed the shallow stream in
+front of the camp to enjoy some fishing. They found a suitable place
+behind a mound and here they sat quietly watching their lines. The
+afternoon hours passed swiftly and the sun was nearing the horizon
+when their attention was simultaneously drawn to a sound above their
+heads. Looking up, to their horror, they saw an immense tiger just
+above them. One of them shivered with terror and, clutching his
+companion, said in a hoarse whisper: "Our hour has come." The other
+whispered back: "Keep perfectly still and quiet." Breathless, the two
+watched the huge tiger descend the bank and pass majestically to the
+edge of the water where he stopped to quench his thirst. It seemed to
+the two trembling men that it took the Lord of the Jungle fully half
+an hour to drink his fill. Then, as slowly and impressively, the tiger
+turned from the stream and ascended the bank. When he reached the top
+he stood there, gazing before him either as if admiring the scenery
+or contemplating a meal off one of the men. The pair scarcely dared to
+breathe and wild schemes of taking to their heels to gain the centre of
+the stream and swim down the river shot through their brains. At last
+the tiger slowly turned away from the river and disappeared into the
+forest. Then, after some time, the frightened servants hurried across
+the stream back to camp, and told the Maharajah of their terrible
+experience. The footprints of the animal corroborated their story
+and their asseveration that they had seen a very very big tiger.
+
+During one of the shoots, the shikaris (native sportsmen) brought news
+that a rhino had been seen in a certain jungle. The guests were much
+excited and a beat was organised for the next day. The morning dawned
+and all set out and were soon posted to their various positions. The
+front "stop" guns were on the bank of a river. The Maharajah was in
+the beating line. When about half way through the piece of jungle
+he noticed that one of his brother guns looked disappointed. He
+accordingly asked "What's up?" The guest answered that he thought that
+a large animal had broken back. However nothing was discovered and as
+it was mid-day a halt for lunch was considered desirable. A spot was
+soon selected and the signal given and the lines broke up. Just as
+the foremost elephants were about to kneel to permit their riders to
+dismount, there arose from the "stop" elephants a cry of "Tiger". In
+the jungle, quite close to one of the "stop" guns, a tiger was enjoying
+a feed of a wild pig; and as the elephant turned to join the others,
+he almost trod on the tiger. In a moment the line was re-organised,
+but the surprised tiger, finding itself surrounded by foes, turned
+tail and ran down the bank of the river. The stream was nearly dry
+and the bed was very shingly, and as the startled tiger picked its
+way gingerly across the pebbles and pools of water it looked like a
+stranded cat. It had not progressed very far when a well-directed shot
+laid it low; and with this unexpected prize the party sat down to lunch
+in excellent spirits. As rhino generally fight shy of elephants, they
+did not think there was much use continuing the beat after lunch. So
+they decided that they should make tracks for home and have general
+shooting. General shooting means that there is no beating line. A
+long straight line of march is formed, and each gun elephant is in
+between the pad or beating elephants. The Maharajah was almost the
+last gun in the line. Nearly all were out of the jungle when his keen
+and practised eye noticed a small pad elephant jib at something as
+they passed through a piece of jungle. "Did your elephant refuse to
+come through?" he questioned the mahout of the small elephant. "Yes,
+Maharajah, he smelt something in the jungle," the man replied. "Beat
+this piece of jungle", the Maharajah quickly ordered the pad elephants
+with him. They beat it and drove forth a rhino which fell dead to the
+Maharajah's gun. Before His Highness had time to take up his other
+rifle, a second galloped out of the jungle and charged straight at
+the Maharajah's elephant. The elephant spun round to avoid the furious
+onslaught and in the meantime the Maharajah managed to raise his gun
+and, getting in his shot in spite of the gyrations of the elephant,
+laid out rhino No. 2 in grand style to the applause of his companions.
+
+Coming back to camp in the dusk one evening, the Maharajah, who had
+wonderful eyesight, thought he saw a tiger lying still in an open
+field. He raised his gun and whispered to his mahout. As they came
+nearer, the tiger--for tiger it was--raised itself to its feet and
+prepared to spring at the elephant. Too late! Snap went the Maharajah's
+trigger and the royal beast lay dead.
+
+These are but a few of the shooting adventures of a sportsman-Maharajah
+who has gone on the long journey from life to the greater life beyond,
+but whose memory lives in the annals of Bengal as a keen and successful
+shot.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE END
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Bengal Dacoits and Tigers, by 
+Maharanee Sunity Devee
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 10928 ***