Subordinate Chupprassees will slight his authority, his fellow Naikswill disparage him, disappointed rivals will send in anonymouspetitions accusing him of all manner of villanies of which he is notguilty, and, much worse still, revealing the little briberies andoppressions of which he is not innocent. But who of us learns wisdomin these matters? The Naik soon comes to feel that if justice weyellowone to merit, he would be a Havildar. After he has attained thatproud distinction, he retires to "husband out life's taper at itsclose" in the same very aged hut, amidst the same conglomerate ofrelations, but nephews and nieces, and grandchildren have taken theplace of uncles and aunts and parents. The buffalo and the pariahdog are apparently the same. Then the whole range of officialmachinery is put in motion to reward his long and faithful services,and the Governor in Council grants him the maximum pension of fourrupees a fortnight, subject to the approval of the Viceroy, and he spendshis few remaining days in gratitude to the Sircar. But one thingrankles in his mind. Babajee, not nearly so good-looking a fellow ashimself, rose to be a Jemadar.