the previous evening, and on learning the grave charge preferred by
Sádhu, he begged with folded hands that the scandal might be stifled,
at any cost, for the sake of both families. Sádhu would promise
nothing, but for obvious reasons he laid no information against Karim.

Two days later he was engaged on his evening meal, when a Sub-Inspector
appeared. After asking whether his name was Sádhu, the policeman
slipped a pair of handcuffs on his wrists and turned a deaf ear to his
bewildered request for information as to the charge preferred against
him. Thus he was ignominiously taken to the station lock-up, followed
by a crowd, whom he begged to inform Jadu Babu of his trouble. The
latter was speedily fetched by a compassionate neighbour, and, after
conversing with the police officer, he told Sádhu that he was actually
charged with murder! Karim's uncle had informed the police that,
his nephew having disappeared since the day of the alleged trespass,
he suspected Sádhu of foul play. An inquiry followed which led to
Sádhu's transfer to the district jail.

Jadu Babu was certain that his enemy had instigated the charge, and
knew that he was quite capable of suppressing Karim in order to get
Sádhu into trouble. He was advised by friends whom he consulted not
to poke his nose into so ugly an affair: but his sense of justice
prevailed. He went to Ghaneshyám Babu, whom he told the whole story
related by Sádhu. On learning that Ramani Babu was implicated, the
pleader saw an opportunity of wreaking vengeance on the persecutor
of his brother. Gladly did he undertake the prisoner's defence.

In due course the charge preferred by Sádhu against Ramani Babu
was heard by a Deputy Magistrate. With Ghaneshyám Babu's aid,
the complainant proved it up to the hilt, and all concerned were