Page:The Spoilt Child.djvu/202

 and brought the Saheb with me. But why be afraid? Am I a mere child that you cannot trust me? A man's life has many vicissitudes: moreover, it is the big tree[60] that the storm strikes! But no investigation can be made, and nothing done, unless money is forthcoming: I have none with me: but if you would have some of your wife's heavy ornaments fetched, business can proceed: only get off scot-free this time, and you will get plenty of jewelry afterwards." It is very hard for a man who has fallen into any misfortune to deliberate calmly. Thakchacha at once wrote off a letter to his wife. Bancharam took the letter and with a wink and a smile at Mr. Butler handed it to a messenger, saying: "Run with all speed to Vaidyabati, get some heavy ornaments from Thakchacha's wife, and return here or to the office in the twinkling of an eye; and look you, be very careful how you bring the ornaments! Look sharp, be off like a shot." The messenger testily replied: "It is easier said than done, sir! I have to get out of Calcutta first, then I have to get to Vaidyabati and then find Thakchacha's wife. I shall have to wander and stumble about in the dark, and besides, I have not yet had my bath, let alone a morsel of food: how can I possibly get back to-day?" Bancharam lost his temper and abused the man, saying: "The lower orders are all alike: each acts as he thinks proper: courtesy is wasted upon them: there is no hurrying them up without kicks and blows! People can go as far as Delhi when they have an object in view: cannot you then go as far as Vaidyabati, do your business, and come back again? You know the proverb: 'A hint is sufficient for a wise man:' now I have actually had to poke my finger into your eye, and yet you have not had wit enough to see." The messenger hung his head down, and without saying a word in reply, went slowly off like a jaded horse, muttering as he went: "What