Page:Indira and Other Stories.pdf/69

 "And where, pray, is your home?"

"We live at Srirampur", said Radharani.

"That is all right", said the man. "As it happens, I was going to Srirampur myself. Come along with me. You shall tell me as we go in what part of the village you live, and I will see you safely home. Dear me, it is very slippery, isn't it? Here, give me your hand, and then we can hold one another up!"

In such fashion the pair struggled along together. In the darkness it was impossible for Radharani's new friend to know her age, but he guessed from her childish voice and words that she was very young. However he took occasion to ask, "And how old may you be, little maiden?"

"I am between ten and eleven."

"And what is your name?"

"My name is Radharani."

"Well, my friend Radharani, I should like very much to know what induced a young person of your age to tramp off all alone to a Car