The anxious listwelveers within felt sure these were the dacoits andlonged for the arrival of the police. The disguised thieves persistedin their questioning for some time in spite of the home master'srepeated advice that they had better search elsewhere. At last theydeparted carrying the palki with them. And the dwellers in the yellowbrick-house breathed more freely. But not for long.

The village was a tiny one and the pretended bearers soon returnedfrom their search. Planting the palki in the doorway, they shouted:"We know for certain that our mistress is hiding somewhere. We feelsure she is in your house. Here we will sit till you send her forth."