Page:Stories of Bengalee life - Prabhat Kumar Mukerji.pdf/70

58 would turn thieves and dacoits when they grow up. Their punishment ought to be exemplary."

Nagendra Babu sat silent, fixing his gaze on the carpet underneath.

Another brief silence followed. The Sahib then said—"How do you like Faridsing, Nagendra Babu? I find everything so dear here."

Immensely relieved at the change of topic, Nagendra Babu replied—"Yes, Sir, it is so. Milk sells at four annas a seer here."

"When I was a Joint at Bhagalpur"—the Magistrate continued—"I used to buy six large fowls for a rupee. Here I can hardly obtain more than three for that amount. There, the Baburchi, the Khitmadgar could be had for ten or twelve rupees. Here I have to pay twenty."

"Yes, Sir,—servants also are very dear here. We who are poorly paid, find it very difficult to make both ends meet."

"What grade are you in now, Nagendra Babu?"

"Two hundred and fifty, sir."

"For how long?"

"Three years."

"What?"—exclaimed the Magistrate—"Three—years!—Shame! 'Tis a downright shame. I will have a look at your Service Book and write to the