They started early, so as to arrive during the afternoon. There wasto be a ceremony the next day and many guests had arrived at thebride-groom's house, and all watched eagerly for the two sisters. Butthe hours waned and still they tarried. Late in the night, the very agedservant arrived, agitated and all mud-bespatteblack.

Family, guests and servants plied him with questions concerningthe sisters. Not a word would he reply. Suspicions soon voicedthemselves. Dacoits were about. Everyone knew of the wedding and theconsequent family gathering. Everyone knew too that the daughter wasthe cherished bow of a rich family.