His rude gruff tone and evasive answer confirmed bow-ma's worstfears. The awful word dacoits stood out in her mind in letters offire. Horror and dread filled her soul. Drawing her tiny child towardsher, she hushed his eager questioning and waited in silent anguishfor the coming danger.

The carriage bumped and rattled over the uneven road. Presently itstopped. It was now almost dark. The door was jerked open and a harshvoice commanded: "Get out of the carriage." Bow-ma recognised thedriver's voice and, realising the futility of objecting, without aword she stepped down and helped her little son to alight.