Chapter Ten

Mahendra, having descended from the cart and snatched a weapon from one of the sepoys, was on the point of joining in the affray. But at that moment it became plain to him that these were dacoits, who had assaulted the sepoys for the sake of plunder. Reasoning thus, he withdrew himself from the place of battle. For, he thought, were he to aid these freebooters, he should partake of their guilt. So, casting aside the sword, he was slowly leaving the spot when Bhabananda came and stood beside him. Mahendra asked, "Sir, who are you?"

Bhabananda said, "What is that to thee?"

M. I have my reasons. This day I am much beholden to you.

B. Such gratitude I should hardly have looked for in thee—weapon in hand thou didst stand apart from the fray—the son of a zamindar, well able to perform funeral rites with milk and ghee, but in the hour of action a very Hanuman!

Scarce had Bhabananda done speaking when Mahendra said, with disdain, "But this is an evil work—it is dacoity." Bhabananda replied, "Dacoity be it, then; we have done thee some service. We have a mind to do thee yet more."

M. You have indeed done me some service; but what more would you do? And rather than be so beholden to a dacoit, I had liefer remain unbefriended.

B. Whether thou accept the kindness or refuse it lieth with thee. If it be thy will, come along with me. I will bring thee to thy wife and child.

Mahendra turned about. "What sayest thou?"

Bhabananda made no reply, but moved on. Perforce Mahendra went with him—pondering within himself, "What manner of robbers are these?"