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Rh "I don't know who is Kapalkundala." replied the woman. "I am a traveller and have been robbed of my Kundalas (ear-pendants), for the present, by the high way robbers."

Nabokumar was somewhat flattered with the joke in the form of a pun and asked "What is the matter with you?"

"The robbers smashed my palanquin" said the answering voice "and killed a bearer as the rest stampeded. The rascals carried away all the ornaments I had on my person and tied me to the palanquin."

Nabokumar saw through the haze of darkness that actually a woman remained there bound up with the palanquin. He undid the fastenings with quick fingers and interrogated "Can you rise?"

"One stroke fell upon me." said the woman "So I feel a burning pain in my leg. But, I think, with a little help I can rise on my legs."

Nabokumar stretched a helping hand. The woman got up with the assistance.

"Can you walk?" enquired he.

"Have you seen any other traveller coming behind you!" brusquely asked the woman without answering the question?

"No" replied Nabokumar.

"How far is the inn?" questioned the woman again?

"I am not sure how far it is." said he "But more possible than not it is close by." Rh