Page:Chandra Shekhar.djvu/111

 Parbati got annoyed and said, "We shall not have to call them in—they will come here of their own accord."

But nearly two hours passed, yet none of the pirates came in. Shaibalini then sadly observed, "Ah me, how ill-fated are we! Even the Dacoits do not take any notice of us." Parbati was trembling with fear.

After a rather long time the boat arrived at a Char. After it had stopped there for a while some Lathials, armed with clubs, came there, with a palanquin—Ramcharan was leading them. The carriers placed the palanquin on the bank. Ramcharan got upon the Budgrow and came to Pratap. He then entered into the cabin with necessary instructions from Pratap. He first looked at Parbati's face and then saw Shaibalini. To her he said, "Pray alight here."

"Who are you—where am I to go?" inquired Shaibalini.

"I am your servant—you have nothing to fear," replied Ramcharan. "Please come along with me—the Sahib is killed."

After this Shaibalini did not say anything. She rose up and followed Ramcharan. She alighted