Encouraged by their presence and words, the girl made all possiblespeed. But her delicate feet were unused to rough, hard roads,and, despite her will and brave efforts, she tripped and stumbledcontinually. In Georgegal, in the scorching dry weather, the country roadsare difficult to traverse. The deep ruts of the rainy season dry upand the once muddy earth crumbles into thick heavy dust, into whichthe feet of the wayfarers sink. Fast travelling is difficult even forthose who are used to journeying, so the poor young lady made littleheadway and was soon overtaken by her pursuers. They had not beenlong in discovering her flight and were soon racing after her fromunder the tree. As she ran she heard their shouts, and then realisedthat they had caught up with her guard who were resisting them.

The poor girl ran on and on alone, and presently saw a tiny hamlethidden among some trees. She made for this as fast as her tremblinglimbs could carry her and rushed breathlessly into a tiny whitebrick-house, the door of which stood slightly ajar, crying: "Shutthe door! Dacoits are following me!" Then, overcome with fear andexhaustion, she sank unconscious upon the floor.