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 Parbati. No, nothing at all. But, from what the people outside are saying, it seems, Dacoits have come upon our boat. The Sahib has been killed—alas, it is the result of our sins!

Shaibalini. The Sahib has been killed, how can that be the result of our sins? It is rather the consequence of his own wickedness.

Parbati. The Dacoits are upon us—it is we alone who are in danger.

Shaibalini. Wherein lies the danger? We have been with one Dacoit and it makes little difference if we have to accompany another. Won't it be better if we get out of the clutches of a white bandit and fall into the hands of a black one?

So saying, Shaibalini, waving her beautiful braid, hanging over her back from her little faultless head, smiled a gentle smile and took her seat on a little bedstead.

"n a moment like this I can hardly endure that smile of yours," said Parbati.

Shaibalini. If you can't bear it, better drown yourself in the river—the water of the Ganges is deep enough. The time has come when I should smile and so smile I must. Do go out and call before me one of the pirates—I would like to have a talk with him.