"Ramani Babu's."

"What, you are his ryot and yet are acting against his interests? If
he hears of your perfidy he will certainly turn you out of his estate!"

"Why should he?" asked the fellow, now thoroughly frightened. "I am
a very poor man, and Ramani Babu is my father and mother. He cannot
object to my selling a few vegetables wherever I please."

"But he does object," rejoined the bailiff sternly. "What's your name
and residence?"

"Sádhu Sheikh, of Simulgachi."

"Now, do you know who I am?"

"No-o," replied Sádhu, hesitatingly.

"I am Ramani Babu's new bailiff, sent with these men to see that his
market is well attended."

Sádhu's tone completely changed. "Sálam, Babu," he whined. "I did
not know who you were. Please let me pass or I shall be too late."

"Not so fast, friend," shouted the bailiff. "Once for all, are you
going to obey me or not?"

Sádhu prodded his bullocks into a lumbering canter; but the bailiff
gave a signal to his clubmen, who ran after him, dragged him out of
the cart, and thrashed him soundly. Then two of them escorted him, with