Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/202

190 Suddenly the tow-rope breaking, the boat drifted rapidly away in the opposite direction. Coming forcibly in contact with an immense cargo boat at Chandbari ghat, the smaller boat was wrecked. The jewel box was fastened to Sitanath's back with his upper-garment. Bhudhar Chatterji rescued the senseless old man from the water and had him carried to his house. He restored him to life by medical aid but did not return him the jewel box.

Knitting his brows Srinibash asked—"Did he himself confess to having the jewels?"

"Not at first. When I came to my senses I asked—where is the box that was fastened to my back? He answered—We have found no box. Then I screamed out—All my property is gone; you have killed a Brahman. And with that I swooned away again. When I revived, I saw that a doctor had come from somewhere. He said—Don't be anxious, your box is all right. He enquired all about me, felt my pulse, gave me medicine and went away saying—You have nothing to fear; in three days you will be able to get about."

Srinibash said eagerly—"Then I will summon the doctor as a witness to the court. I will get those jewels from Bhudhur Chatterji. I will haul him up by the ears."