"I saw that it was useless to argue with the man. But I made another attempt to have the prisoners' bonds at least loosened, for I could see that the cords bit cruelly into their arms. After some consultation this point was conceded. Baji Lal shot at me a look of gratitude, but his poor little wife merely used her freed hands to hide her face in the folds of her sari.
"'Now my friends,' I cried boldly, 'this case must be properly tried. Where is the patel?'
"I had noticed that the headman of the village was not present, and in asking for him had in mind that he was my personal friend, so that I might appeal to him with better success for the release of the prisoners.
"'The patel is away on a day's journey,' cried a voice in the crowd.
"'Then must the accused be taken to the village constable,' I declared, 'and kept by him until the patel returns and the council of elders can be properly assembled.'
"My bold assumption of authority had stilled the tumult, and to my surprise every one now seemed willing to do my bidding.
"'Come along then,' cried several voices, as the prisoners were once more urged forward. I kept close by their side, and when we gained the constable's house and the staked enclosure that served as a place of detention, I too passed within, leaving the leaders of the crowd to guard the gateway.
"When we were alone, Baji Lal and Devaka threw themselves at my feet, and thanked me for the aid I had rendered them.
"'My children,' I said, as I raised them up, 'were I not assured in my own mind that there is some grievous mistake, and that you can explain the mysterious disappearance of your guest, I should not be here by your side. But tell me your story, and I shall advise you to the best of my powers.'
"Baji Lal lifted his eyes, and gazed at me mournfully but fearlessly.