Page:Nil Durpan.djvu/79

 time, my father has broken his skull by a stroke of the axe, and my uncle is rushing about like a wild buffalo. I am the only child not only to my parents but also to my uncles. Please let me go, send me to my home. Auntie Podi, I am at your feet and ready to swallow your excretions. Oh Mummy, I die, I die of thirst.

Planter Rogue.  There is drinking water in that earthen pot, give her some.

Khetro.  Being a Hindu girl how can I drink water from a Saheb's pot? The club-men have touched me, I cannot even enter my house before I wash myself clean.

Podi.  (Aside) Religion or caste I have none. (Openly) What can I do, my daughter? It is very hard to extricate oneself from a Saheb's clutches. Oh, younger Saheb! let Khetro go home to-day. She will come some other time.

Planter Rogue.  Then you stay with me and enjoy yourself. Get out of the room you damned hoar. If I am strong I shall subdue her, or I shall send her back with you. I fear you created some obstacles, and did not allow her to come on her own; that is why club-men had to be engaged to bring her here. Did I ever engage club-men of our Indigo Factory to such jobs? You untruthful Podi!

Podi.  You call your Koli. It seems she is dearer to you now.(Exit Podi Khetro.  Auntie! Oh Auntie! please do not go away. Oh! you leave me alone in the pit of a deadly serpent? I am horrified, trembling with fear, my body is quaking, my lips are perched with thirst.

Planter Rogue.  Dear! Dear! come, come here (holds both her hands).

Khetro.  Oh, Saheb! you are my father, my father! Let me go, please send me home with Auntie Podi. The night is very dark, I shall not be able to go alone (tries to extricate herself). You are my father, my father! If you touch me I shall be an out-caste.