Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/196

184 delay. He said to Hrishi Kesh—"Brother, bring the jewels now. By Durga's favour I will set out this afternoon."

Hrishi Kesh went to the inner rooms and stayed there a very long time. Sitanath thought—"Give them he will, but he is putting off the evil moment as long as he can." Being in a very cheerful mood he began to hum,

Then seeing Hrishi Kesh returning empty-handed his song came to an abrupt end. He said with surprise—"What has happened?"

"It cannot be."

"What does that mean?"

Hrishi Kesh explained—"Mukerji Mahashoi I was ready to give you the ornaments. When I first spoke to my wife, she wept bitterly, then she said—'There is no key. It was fastened to my daughter's waist and went with her to the funeral pyre.'"

Sitanath did not credit this story. He said angrily—"That won't do for me. If there is no key, break open the box. I will not leave without the jewels."

Hrishi Kesh said—"If you won't go, then you are welcome to stay. As there is no key, what can I do? Does it become you to compel me to