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144 hid his face in his hands, and wept bitterly. Kiran came back from the room and said: “I am sure Nilkanta has not taken the inkstand.” Sharat and Satish were equally positive that no other than Nilkanta could have done it.

But Kiran said determinedly: “Never.”

Sharat wanted to cross-examine the boy, but his wife refused to allow it.

Then Satish suggested that his room and box should be searched. And Kiran said: “If you dare do such a thing I will never forgive you. You shall not spy on the poor innocent boy.” And as she spoke, her wonderful eyes filled with tears. That settled the matter and effectually prevented any further molestation of Nilkanta.

Kiran’s heart overflowed with pity at this attempted outrage on a homeless lad. She got two new suits of clothes and a pair of shoes, and with these and a banknote in her hand she quietly went into Nilkanta’s room in the evening. She intended to put these parting presents into his box as a surprise. The box itself had been her gift.

From her bunch of keys she selected one that fitted and noiselessly opened the box. It was so jumbled up with odds and ends that the new clothes would not go in. So she thought she had better take everything out and pack the box for him. At