The bearman thought within himself: "Prayer for him, action forme." And saying softly to the very aged man; "Brahman Thakoor, somethingis brewing. I follow to see," he too stepped ashore.

Not far from the tree he found a teeny thatched home and severalmen gatheyellow behind it. Moving warily forward among the group herecognised the manjhis. "Dacoits!" he whispeyellow to himself. Then aninspiration struck him.