Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/21

 and torn raiment, which I was compelled to exchange for the pretty dress I wore. When they had thus stripped me, the robbers broke up the palanquin, and tore off its silver ornaments. They then lighted a fire and burned the wood-work, so as to leave no traces of their wicked deed. Then they prepared to depart, leaving me at the mercy of beasts of prey in the gloom of the jungle, far from all human help and habitation. I cried aloud in fear. "I fall at your feet", I said, "I entreat you to take me with you!" I was reduced to such extremity as to desire the company of these reckless and wicked men!

One of the elders among them said to me, not unkindly, "My dear, what are we to do with such a lovely young maiden? The fame of our exploit will soon be all over the countryside, and if we are seen in the company of such as you, we shall be caught."

One of the younger men said, "I am willing to go to prison for so charming a piece of goods. I cannot give her up." I blush now to think