Sadhu. We were living in the hope of cultivating those bigahs of land; and now, if these are gone, than what use is there of remaining here any more. And the one or two bigahs which are become saltish, they yield no produce. Again, the ploughs are to remain in the Indigo-field; and what can we do. Don’t weep now; to-morrow we shall sell off the ploughs and cows, leave this village, and go and live in the Zemindary of Babu Basanta.
Khetromani and Reboti enter with water.
Now, drink the water, drink the water; what do you fear? He who has given life, will provide also food. Now, what did you say to the Amin?
Ray. What can I say? He began to mark off the ground, on which it seemed as if he began to thrust burnt sticks into my breast, I entreated, holding him by his feet, and wanted to give him money; but he heard nothing. He said, go to your eldest Babu; go to your father. When I returned, I only punished him with saying, “I shall bring this before the Court.”
(Seeing the Amin at a distance.)
Just see, that villain (Shálá) is coming; he has brought servants with him, and will take us to the Factory.
The Amin and the two Servants enter.
Amin. Bind the hands of this villain.
(Ray Churn is bound by the two Servants.)
Reboti. Oh! What is this? Why do they bind him? What ruin! What ruin! (to Sadhu) Why do you stand looking on? Go to the house of the Babus, and call the eldest Babu here.