Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/180

168 hill woman, with both his arms round her waist. With much exertion of force, she was striving to free herself. At sight of Kumud Nath she produced a kukri knife from the corner of her garment. Kumud Nath stepped back; the servant also let go the woman, who fled swiftly through the open door.

Bisua, much excited, exclaimed—"A thief, master!"

Kumud Nath, thinking him stupid, said—"If you had held both her hands, she could not have got the knife out."

"She is very strong in body, Sir. Had I not caught her that way, I could not have held her."

Anyhow Kumud thought, since the thief had been prevented from robbing, it was well she should escape. If they had held her they would have had to give her up to the police, with all the bother of a prosecution. He went upstairs and laid himself down. Giribala, when she heard the facts, said—"She was no thief; she was your servant's mistress. In fear of being caught she used her wits."

"Then why the knife?"

"Do you not know? It is customary with these hill women. They always have a knife about them."

The next morning Kumud Babu questioned his servant, but he denied any knowledge of the woman.