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182 know you. If you would be so good as to prepare a hukâ for me."

Mâdhabi Nâth was from another village and had never seen Hari Dâs Boiragi piyâda, and Boirâgi Bâbâji had never seen him. Bâbâji thought, "He looks the sort of gentleman who would give me a small present if I asked him." And with this idea Hari Dâs ran off joyfully to get a hukâ. Mâdhabi Nâth was not a smoker at all, and it was only to get rid of Hari Dâs that he ordered the tobacco.

As soon as the piyâda had gone, Mâdhabi Nâth said to the postmaster bâbu, "I am come to make some inquiries from you, sir."

The postmaster smiled inwardly. He was of Bengal. If he was stupid in other matters, he at least was as sharp as a needle at understanding his own interests. He said, "What would you know, sir?"

"Are you acquainted with Brahmânanda?"

"A little, not well."

Mâdhabi Nâth perceived that the Avatâr was inclined to maintain his dignity, so he said, "Do any letters come to your office addressed to Brahmânanda Ghosh?"