remark:--"Your luck is really atrocious and has been so for more than
three months."

"Quite true, but what I want to know is--how long is this going
to last?"

"I am afraid that you may expect one misfortune after another;
I can't quite see the end of your evil destiny."

"Goodness gracious! what shall I do? Are there no means of conjuring
it away?"

"Certainly, the Shástras prescribe certain Grahasanti (propitiation of
planets) processes, which will enable you to counteract the influence
of malign stars."

The cunning bait was swallowed by Debendra Babu, who asked: "How much
would these ceremonies cost?"

After thinking out the maximum amount he could decently demand,
the astrologer said: "About one hundred rupees."

"Oh, that's far too much," was the reply. "Do you want to ruin
me? Can't you do it for less?"

"Not a pice less. I could perform a jog (sacrifice) for as little as
ten rupees; but such maimed rites are quite contrary to the Shástras."

"Will you guarantee definite results for Rs. 100?" asked Debendra
Babu anxiously.