Page:Malabari, Behramji M. - Gujarat and the Gujaratis (1882).djvu/232

216 dear Colonel. And off they would go, leaving everything to Jamál. When they returned, Jamál would explain how he had burnt or buried the metal, wood, or other utensils at home, for fear these should retain the germ of the horrid disease. "What is money before your health, Sahib?" The Buttercups were delighted with Jamál's deep devotion. They made a contractor of Jamál, who in less than four years rose to be the leading Shett of the town.

But as he grew in public importance he deteriorated in domestic virtues. (This is generally the case.) Jamál found that his marriage with the present Mrs. Jamál Gota was a mistake, that his only son and heir was also a mistake. They tried to humour him every way at home, but Shett Jamál was not to be reconciled. At last, "with the advice of friends and patrons," he took to him a second wife. Bigamy was no offence then; but the first Mrs. Jamál, whom, strange to say, her husband treated better after his second marriage, repaid the kindness by dying within three months. Young Jamál accused his father of having killed the old woman by Jadoo. This was too much for