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 longer useful, he begs leave to retire from work and to pass his last days in peace."

"So far from considering thee useless, Gokul Das, I come to thee as a friend to a friend, to seek thy help. Thou shalt come with me to Rajmahal. Thou shalt pay up the arrears due from Birnagar estate. Thou shalt obtain orders from the Kanangoe for the restoration of the estate to Noren, the Imperial revenues being fully paid. And during my absence from Bengal thou shalt look after both Birnagar and Debipur. Dost thou promise all this on the faith of a faithful servant?"

Gokul Das was silent. All the visions which he had conjured up during a lifetime of intrigue and struggle disappeared like mists. All the designs which he had formed for the higher glory of Debipur House fell down like a house of cards. A silent agony, such as few men of lighter mood can feel, was wringing his heart, and tears such as none had seen in Gokul Das's eyes coursed down his withered cheeks.

"Speak, Gokul Das, for the night comes on apace. I have known no more faithful servant than thou hast been to this House, in prosperity and in adversity. None there is on this earth who has helped me more, none in whose word I have more faith, none in whose friendship and help I have more reliance. Speak and I will confide in thee as long as we live, and thou wilt be to me what thou hast been to him who is gone."

"Young Master, Gokul Das did not expect to see the day when his purposes would be baffled, his lifelong endeavours crossed. But I know my Master, and Gokul Das in his old age will not be unfaithful to the House which his fathers have served for