Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/30

18 All the students are willing to subscribe out of their tiffin-money at school."

Subodh felt a sudden pang shoot through his bosom. But he was not the man to desist from his purpose for merely sentimental reasons. In a voice of pretended annoyance he said—"Leave me alone. You boys have begun to poke your noses into everybody's affairs. Go home and mind your studies."

The boys left with a sigh of disappointment. It suddenly struck Subodh Babu that they were just as likely as not to come at night and tear up the decorations. They were up to any kind of mischief. So he put on his cutcherry dress and went to see the Police Superintendent. Arriving at his bungalow he was told that the Superintendent had gone to see the Collector. Subodh Babu, therefore, went to the Collector's kothi and sent in his card to the D. S. P.

He was sent for immediately. He found the Superintendent and the Collector sitting together. Subodh salaamed them both and stood, waiting their pleasure.

"What can I do for you, Babu?"—said the D. S. P.

"Sir, I have decorated my house in honour of the Lieutenant Governor's arrival tomorrow. I