Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/68

56 "Oh yes—there will be plenty of evidence to prove it. There are many who have seen the whole affair."

"I hope they will be able to prove it"—said the Deputy Babu with another sigh.

Charusila thought for a few moments and then added—"But supposing they fail to prove it and their guilt is established. You should consider their youth and award a sentence of fine. You ought not to send the poor urchins to jail—as has been done in similar cases elsewhere."

Charusila, for some time, employed her gentle arts to cheer up her husband, but the Deputy Babu remained as sad and thoughtful as before. A little while after, a letter was brought in to him. He tore it open and found that it was from the District Magistrate, inviting him to a call at eight o'clock the next morning.

At the appointed hour Nagendra Babu arrived at the Magistrate's kothi and sent his card in. Outside in the verandah, seated on a bench, were a dozen visitors who were patiently waiting for an interview. A minute later, the Magistrate's Chuprassi came and showed him into the office room. "The Sahib is at Chota Hazri, Sir, and will be here directly"—said the Chuprassi, bowing low.