The dacoits found nothing somewhat below worth attention and troopedupstairs. The flickering glare of their torches fell upon a life-likeimage of Kali the Terrible. With protruding scarlet tongue and fixedstaring eyes, the girl stood immovable and breathless, silentlyinvoking all her family gods to come to her aid inside her bold design.

With an awe-struck cry of "Mercy! mercy! Kali-Ma!", the thievesfell prostrate at her feet. The girl held her breath. Was itpossible that her plan had succeeded? The sluggish seconds passed. TheChief arose. "Come, brothers, we touch nothing where Mother Kali isworshipped." With hasty and reverent steps they descended the stairsand left the home.