needful. Tell me frankly--how much money would satisfy you?"

"I could not run the risk of reporting the case as false for less
than Rs. 100."

"That is too much," was the wily astrologer's reply. "Mention a
reasonable sum, and I will see what can be done."

"Well, I will take Rs. 75, and not a pice less; and understand, if
the money is not paid before this evening, I will send Debendra Babu
up for trial."

"Very good; I will call on him at once and frighten him into paying
up; but I must have something for myself."

"Certainly, if you can get Rs. 75 from the defendant you may keep
Rs. 15 as commission."

Gobardhan returned home, took the required amount from the Rs. 200 paid
him by Debendra Babu, and handed it privately to the Sub-Inspector,
who swore by all the gods that he would take no further steps against
the inculpated men.

Knowing well that the policeman would keep faith with a Brahman,
Gobardhan went straight to Debendra Babu with the glad news that the
homa sacrifice had been completely successful, and not a hair of his
head would be injured. Debendra felt as though a mountain was lifted
from his heart; he stooped to wipe the dust from Gobardhan's feet.

On learning a few days later that the case had been reported to